SIFT INFORMATION

Ritter · May 22, 2014

Hidden figures was a bitch.

Lindsey · May 22, 2014

Just got back from taking this bad boy this morning. Scored a 60.

About friggin' time. Congrats buddy.

Semper fi(nally).

Ardo09203 · July 13, 2014

Anyone know if a passing SIFT score counts toward any promotion points for enlisted E4's?

Lindsey · July 13, 2014

Anyone know if a passing SIFT score counts toward any promotion points for enlisted E4's?

Sure does. E4 to WO1. All the points you need.

Ardo09203 · July 13, 2014

I see what you did there lol....that is most certianly the plan. But you sign the contract for 8 years, gotta keep the contingency plans up to date.

USCav19D · November 25, 2014

I took the time to read through everyone's comments on this thread about the SIFT test and I must say between the info I found in this post along with reading the first few chapters of the FAA Rotor Handbook and taking the practice test found on your AKO account, I was able to pull out a score of 63. I am a Junior year ROTC student in TX and appreciate yall's input.

Does anyone know where on AKO I have to go to find this practice test? Naturally, AKO is a maze and I can't find the bloody thing.

TriViper · December 1, 2014

I know this has been discussed in the past, but where do we stand now in terms of the SIFT more or less being viewed as a "pass/fail"? I know scores are obviously recorded and all, but from what I recall before the SIFT was in it's "trial stage" because they didn't have enough data for it's effectiveness.

StockTrader · December 1, 2014

I am going to say it carries some weight now. Disclaimer: Just my personal opinion based on the last board results. Average SIFT score was a 67.

shainbourassa · December 1, 2014

I would imagine it does, however my score was not mentioned in any of my interviews or boards.

WTFoski · December 1, 2014

I am going to say it carries some weight now. Disclaimer: Just my personal opinion based on the last board results. Average SIFT score was a 67.

Ugh I hope not. We'll know for sure after next months selection board when we see that average.

Lastshot · December 1, 2014

Ugh I hope not. We'll know for sure after next months selection board when we see that average.

Yeah, unsure if it factors much at this point. However, about a year ago I had contacted someone (no names please) on the selection committee in Fort Knox, KY. This person said it only counts in cases of a "tie breaker". But that was about a year ago.

WTFoski · December 1, 2014

Yeah, unsure if it factors much at this point. However, about a year ago I had contacted someone (no names please) on the selection committee in Fort Knox, KY. This person said it only counts in cases of a "tie breaker". But that was about a year ago.

Yeah, that makes sense to me. I mentioned this in a topic somewhere else but there was an article in army aviation magazine a few months ago from who I believe was the Chief Warrant Officer of the aviation branch. It stated how important LORs and your DA photo is for selection. It didn't mention anything about your GT or SIFT score.

annerajb · February 6, 2015

I bought the sift study guide from amazon for like 20 dollars. It helped with some of the math. I would check that out. Just brush up on your math and you'll be fine. They actually give you the formulas on the test too. Order of operations, is most important. It's also good to brush up on your mechanical knowledge.

Is this still accurate does the Math Section give you the formulas?

I assume mechanical is more like the ASVAB where they are simple physics on levers, gears and pulleys. (Working on getting my hands on the SIFT books)

USCav19D · February 6, 2015

Yes, it gives you the formulas. However I found that most of the questions were not related to formulas.

shainbourassa · February 6, 2015

I can't remember for sure if it gave formulas, I am almost positive it did tho. And the sift book on Amazon is worth the 20 bucks or whatever it is now.

ee15 · February 6, 2015

I took it 3-4 months ago and it had formulas. Only a few questions even needed formulas though. I would really recommend buying the book, it helped me a ton. I also bought the FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook.

ee15 · February 6, 2015

Yeah, that makes sense to me. I mentioned this in a topic somewhere else but there was an article in army aviation magazine a few months ago from who I believe was the Chief Warrant Officer of the aviation branch. It stated how important LORs and your DA photo is for selection. It didn't mention anything about your GT or SIFT score.

Unrelated...

But can anyone shed light on why the DA photo is important for selection?

shainbourassa · February 6, 2015

Unrelated...

But can anyone shed light on why the DA photo is important for selection?

Because it shows the board members how you look in uniform. DA photos are important for any board.

ee15 · February 6, 2015

Well I'm a civilian, so I don't have a uniform. I just wore a conservative navy blue suit. Is the DA photo more important for AD applicants because of uniform regs?

In my case I'm just curious as to why physical appearance would have much merit when it comes to selection. I can totally understand if someone was really unprofessional...didn't even try to dress nicely or clean up. I assume all applicants try to present themselves as best they can. I sure hope it's not based on looks lol.

annerajb · February 6, 2015

I can't remember for sure if it gave formulas, I am almost positive it did tho. And the sift book on Amazon is worth the 20 bucks or whatever it is now.

Thanks just bought the SIFT study guide book.

shainbourassa · February 6, 2015

Well I'm a civilian, so I don't have a uniform. I just wore a conservative navy blue suit. Is the DA photo more important for AD applicants because of uniform regs?

In my case I'm just curious as to why physical appearance would have much merit when it comes to selection. I can totally understand if someone was really unprofessional...didn't even try to dress nicely or clean up. I assume all applicants try to present themselves as best they can. I sure hope it's not based on looks lol.

I've never been a board member for anything, however I would imagine it still plays into the equation a good bit for civilians. You can tell a lot from a picture. It's about being professional, are you wearing an appropriate suit, do you take care of your hair, facial hair, did you take the time to get a properly fitting suit, etc. All little things that eventually add up. They wanna see if you will "fit the mold" of a soldier. And for military guys you can see if they know how to set up their uniform and have the correct stuff on.

If you were highering someone for a $70k job ( not sure what the first few years actually come out to, just a random number) wouldn't you want to at least see what they look like.

apacheguy · February 6, 2015

In my case I'm just curious as to why physical appearance would have much merit when it comes to selection. I can totally understand if someone was really unprofessional...didn't even try to dress nicely or clean up. I assume all applicants try to present themselves as best they can. I sure hope it's not based on looks lol.

Everything in the army is based on perception/appearance. That's why distance runners like Petraeus and McChrystal thrive. Looks matter more than they should.

DesertBird · February 6, 2015

The Army want Warrant Officers that look confident, are self aware and have a lead by example persona. WOs are looked up to so they have to set that standard of apperance high. You can't look like **** and expect you're leading by example.

ee15 · February 6, 2015

Awesome information. I never thought about it like that.

AFmarksman · March 6, 2015

This thread is absolutely outstanding! Thank you to all who've provided feedback about the SIFT! I'm scheduled to take the SIFT on 26 March and the only question I have left is in reference to what Lindsey asked back in 2013 about Simple Drawings. I didn't see an answer to this part of her question: