Jan 2014 WOFT Board

[skyreaper]

Is there anybody on here that would be willing to PM me a sample packet of what theirs looks like. I'm almost done but I just want to make sure I am doing this right the first time, in terms of the order, what is electronic signature vs printed filled out and scanned etc. Not trying to copy anything. I would really appreciate it.

Ok, I'm not trying to be Mr. Frank, but frankly, I don't think that is a good idea and would have a hard time asking anyone to send me their entire packet. There is more than enough information online, including 'sample packets'.

[Heinisch]

For the statement of understanding are you supposed to print sign and scan that one? Because I can't get that one to come up as a fillable form.

[TriViper]

How many have a sub 3.0 college GPAs? I'm just under -- my recruiter said it is a "major" red flag to be under, but I take everything they say with a grain of salt.

[I3uller]

How many have a sub 3.0 college GPAs? I'm just under -- my recruiter said it is a "major" red flag to be under, but I take everything they say with a grain of salt.

I wouldn't consider it a major red flag. As with everything, selections are made on a whole person concept. If your GPA is low but other areas of your packet are above average, I wouldn't stress too much about it. Not much you can change now anyways.

[skyreaper]

That seems like a silly thing to say to me. I have a 2.8 cumulative and a 3.0 university. I think they look at your cumulative. I was selected for USAF Officer Training School last February as a Combat Systems Officer (graduated last December from college, so GPA hasn't changed).

I would think/hope that the Army is more concerned with the 'whole person concept' i.e. did you work through school, your other accomplishments, etc... Plus, you/we have a college degree which is not required for WOFT, per se. The set minimum GPA is a 2.0 listed on the checklist my recruiter gave me. My recruiter has not made mention of anything negative about that for me, he's actually said the opposite, on multiple occasions.

[skyreaper]

Can anyone give an average/best guess time frame as to how long the flight physical takes to get back from Ft. Rucker?

[TriViper]

Mine took about two weeks to get approved by Ft. Rucker but I think mine was faster than most because my medical history was clean. When I was at the hospital, I asked the flight surgeon that same question. He said 1 to 2 months on average.

[UnitedWeStand111]

Few weeks.

[ShaneWey]

Along these lines, when I asked my recruiter today about the status of my Rucker approval, he just said, "no need." This is the first I've heard of that! Can anyone confirm/deny this?

 

Rucker still has to approve the class 1A before submitting to USAREC, correct??

[I3uller]

You absolutely need Rucker's med approval to continue with the process.

[ShaneWey]

Ya, that's what I'm saying! I hate to go above him but I'm afraid I might have to bug Mr. Garcia at Rucker and get to the bottom of this.

[I3uller]

That's what he's there for honestly. Even if your recruiters let you go forward I would bet on you having issues later on if your med isn't approved. Just getting your name in Mr. Garcia's mind does wonders for speeding along the approval process I think.

[ShaneWey]

Good point. It isn't like my packet could just end up sitting on someone's desk at battalion and never make it up to USAREC. Why would that happen? I'm sure it's fine!

 

I'm calling Mr. Garcia in the morning. Haha!

[TriViper]

I noticed the USAREC site mentions the packet deadline as Dec 27th for the Jan. Board. Does this apply to civilians?

[ShaneWey]

Generally it's 10 days before the board for civilians. There have been exceptions but plan on 10 days before.

[skyreaper]

Just got my physical back in an email. Qualified.

[EngineerChisum]

So I finally took the SIFT today. I can attest to the fact that with a little research and some persistent emailing and follow-up phone calls, it is indeed possible to bypass a recruiter to get this done. I was able to take the exam under the direction of a University ROTC officer.

I am a bit disappointed that the several times I have gone to my local recruiter, he has been more concerned with finding reasons NOT to get anything done for me than actually helping. Now that I have the SIFT done, I will be going to a new office. I hope the next might actually provide some assistance and maybe, just maybe, I could be Board ready for January. I'll go ahead and post my stats here; thinking positive!

AGE: 32
ASVAB AFQT/GT: 94/128
SIFT: 71
APFT: TBD
EDUCATION: BS, Environmental Engineering, Florida Gulf Coast University (#dunkcity) 3.84 GPA, Magna Cum Laude

FLIGHT: Nada
BOARD: ASAP

Prior Service: 5 years AD USMC, E-5
LORS: Chamber of Commerce Chairman, University VIP, Regional Non-Profit Director, O-3 Army Aviator, CW5 Aviator (awaiting final)

Other: FGCU Student of the Year, Founding Chairman & President for non-profit mentor organization, Founding Director for Statewide High School STEM education challenge, a few other civic oriented leadership roles.

Unfortunately, right now I have a weak pft. I know I'm not at the 270+ that is generally expected. I am working as hard as I can to improve, but I don't want to wait! I have no doubt that if I'm selected I'll be there by the time I hit Rucker.

Any feedback or advice is always appreciated! I am so grateful to have found this site and the community of like-minded warriors. Things like this are exactly why I want to get back in uniform.

[I3uller]

Even with a lower PT score I think you're pretty much as guaranteed as it gets Engineer. Your stats look great. I'm glad the ROTC program worked for you with the SIFT as well, I think it's a far better way to do it than deal with MEPS. Also, probably a very good move on your part moving offices, that can be what gets you to WOFT or not sometimes.

 

Be prepared in your battalion board interview to explain why you're going to the Army as opposed to the Marines. There was a prior AF OCS candidate at my battalion board interview and they grilled him hard about why he was bailing on the AF and going Army. Aside from the obvious opportunity for aviation in the Army, just have some ideas ready for how to articulate what it is the Army has that the the other services don't. I'd suggest something about how only the Army offers the role of a warrant officer aviator and tie that into everything you like about the role of a warrant officer and your love for aviation.

[EngineerChisum]

Thanks for the comments. I definitely think I'll be able to express my desire to only be a Warrant Aviator. Many people have tried to talk me into going Commissioned, but I have no desire to go that route. I want nothing more than to be the absolute best technical and tactical expert in whatever airframe I end up in. I don't want to go down the political/command path that Commissioned officers do.

[TriViper]

I'm curious everyone's motive for pursuing flying with the Army. Career change? Something you've wanted to do since a child?

 

For me, I love flying with friends and eager to get away from the daily grind of my desk job.

[skyreaper]

Just be honest.

[skyreaper]

Just be honest.

[Justine]

Engineer, you are close to the age limit. Push that packet up the chain asap

[EngineerChisum]

I am certainly trying to! January looks essentially impossible at this point, with the holidays this week and next. If there isn't a March board for civ's, I will have to apply for the waiver.

[Justine]

I am certainly trying to! January looks essentially impossible at this point, with the holidays this week and next. If there isn't a March board for civ's, I will have to apply for the waiver.

Unfortunately you are in a tough position. you are too old for OCS in any branch but national guard. IdK if the army is granting waivers for age with the drawdown. Give it your best shot and don't take no for an answer