Selection today

[Dmurray]

We were as surprised as you... first time I've seen a 67 class get 64E

It happened more often when it was 50-50% th67/Lakota

 

My selection October last year had a couple E models.

[SBuzzkill]

how come no one likes attack?

 

 

A lot of times it's because they don't understand the mission and naively stereotype the Apache community.

[Spiffy_cup_of_coffee]

 

 

A lot of times it's because they don't understand the mission and naively stereotype the Apache community.

What do you mean. Asides from the obvious CAS aspect of Apaches what would be different about the mission that turns people off?

[Thedude]

What do you mean. Asides from the obvious CAS aspect of Apaches what would be different about the mission that turns people off?

There's a lot less variety in both mission sets and duty locations for Apaches. Lift airframes also have a lot more carry over into the civilian world and guys tend to focus on that as well.

[wheelsup]

There's a lot less variety in both mission sets and duty locations for Apaches. Lift airframes also have a lot more carry over into the civilian world and guys tend to focus on that as well.

 

 

Some people enlist to join the infantry, they want to be in the fight, they don't mind be shot at because they can shoot back. Others enlist because they want to support the infantry, still part of the fight but like others said, with aviation, there's more aspects to their mission other than just attack/recon. It's just personal preference. Do you want to protect the guys on the ground and other aviation assets? Do you want to bring soldiers to their lz and be their only lifeline to get out of there? Ring routes? Pax movements? Cargo movements? It's really not complicated when you think of it, what do you want to do as an aviator?

[Spiffy_cup_of_coffee]

 

 

Some people enlist to join the infantry, they want to be in the fight, they don't mind be shot at because they can shoot back. Others enlist because they want to support the infantry, still part of the fight but like others said, with aviation, there's more aspects to their mission other than just attack/recon. It's just personal preference. Do you want to protect the guys on the ground and other aviation assets? Do you want to bring soldiers to their lz and be their only lifeline to get out of there? Ring routes? Pax movements? Cargo movements? It's really not complicated when you think of it, what do you want to do as an aviator?

Well that viewpoint makes sense. Im a big fan of CAS so Im all about attack. I was always just curious as to why its so unpopular with the selections.

 

I thought maybe there was a community thing or lifestyle issue.

[Captainstank056]

Well that viewpoint makes sense. Im a big fan of CAS so Im all about attack. I was always just curious as to why its so unpopular with the selections.

 

I thought maybe there was a community thing or lifestyle issue.

I joined the infantry to be part of the fight but I think the mission Ive really always wanted was recon. I definitely want apache much more than anything else

[ElJay]

I dont think its terribly unpopular at selections. Recently, there just havent been many available for various reasons. And I think the issues the echo model has been having along with training delays may turn some away.

[SBuzzkill]

While Apache missions are focused on sensors and weapons I wouldn't say there is any less variety to them. Deep attack, screens, recon, CCA, aerial escort, etc. You will stay very busy trying to keep on top of the knowledge and skills required to be an attack/recon pilot. You certainly won't get bored.

 

Yeah the duty station list for Blackhawks is a bit longer than Apaches. But I'd say the vast majority of those Blackhawks are in the same places the Apaches are, CABs at big bases. I wouldn't make my airframe choice on the small chance of getting stationed somewhere different.

 

As for the civilian flying, I don't buy it. I have friends from all airframes out there getting the same jobs. Maybe if you're looking at an IFR HEMS or gulf job you'd be better served in a UH-60. But now 64Es are flying IFR, so take that for what it's worth.

 

In the end pick the one that speaks to you and don't look back.

Edited November 5, 2018 by SBuzzkill

[Spiffy_cup_of_coffee]

While Apache missions are focused on sensors and weapons I wouldn't say there is any less variety to them. Deep attack, screens, recon, CCA, aerial escort, etc. You will stay very busy trying to keep on top of the knowledge and skills required to be an attack/recon pilot. You certainly won't get bored.

 

Yeah the duty station list for Blackhawks is a bit longer than Apaches. But I'd say the vast majority of those Blackhawks are in the same places the Apaches are, CABs at big bases. I wouldn't make my airframe choice on the small chance of getting stationed somewhere different.

 

As for the civilian flying, I don't buy it. I have friends from all airframes out there getting the same jobs. Maybe if you're looking at an IFR HEMS or gulf job you'd be better served in a UH-60. But now 64Es are flying IFR, so take that for what it's worth.

 

In the end pick the one that speaks to you and don't look back.

I appreciate all the feed back. Dont get me wrong Im all about that attack life. I grew up in the cas world at ANGLICO as a JFO and RTO on a jtac team. I was always curious as to why attack was unfavorable on these forums. So the input was great.

[Thedude]

While Apache missions are focused on sensors and weapons I wouldn't say there is any less variety to them. Deep attack, screens, recon, CCA, aerial escort, etc. You will stay very busy trying to keep on top of the knowledge and skills required to be an attack/recon pilot. You certainly won't get bored.

 

 

In the end pick the one that speaks to you and don't look back.

 

I was meaning useful variety of missions that transfer skills directly to the civilian market. Apache guys will never get those slingload, long line, bambi bucket, or hoist qualifications that are useful hiring points once out of the service. No number of recons or attacks are going to transfer as real skills to the outside world. Apaches are a blast to fly, I love what I do, love the mission and I wouldnt go back and change it for anything but its the truth.

 

Your last sentence is the most important thing though, regardless of anything else weve said. Select what you know is best suited for you and give it everything youve got.

[Creep0321]

I appreciate all the feed back. Dont get me wrong Im all about that attack life. I grew up in the cas world at ANGLICO as a JFO and RTO on a jtac team. I was always curious as to why attack was unfavorable on these forums. So the input was great.

As a Reconnaissance Marine, and JTAC, I chose 47s, I’m also in an Apache BN. I Can 100% say that I am happy with my choice.

[SBuzzkill]

I was meaning useful variety of missions that transfer skills directly to the civilian market. Apache guys will never get those slingload, long line, bambi bucket, or hoist qualifications that are useful hiring points once out of the service. No number of recons or attacks are going to transfer as real skills to the outside world. Apaches are a blast to fly, I love what I do, love the mission and I wouldnt go back and change it for anything but its the truth.

 

Your last sentence is the most important thing though, regardless of anything else weve said. Select what you know is best suited for you and give it everything youve got.

 

 

I don't know dude, I hear that a lot and just haven't seen it in real life. Plenty of recon and attack skills transfer to the outside world. Power management, situational awareness, operating sensors, orienting properly for the task being performed, managing radios, etc. There are a lot more helicopters equipped with TV cameras or FLIR than there are with hoists.

[Gideon]

Just get ready for some weird upcoming selections. I select on the 19th of December and 2 classes prior to mine is a class full of only Active Duty Warrants

[Tanner37]

Just get ready for some weird upcoming selections. I select on the 19th of December and 2 classes prior to mine is a class full of only Active Duty Warrants

I select on Dec 6th we have like 20 active warrants. The class I rolled back from has like 37 lol

[Gideon]

Sounds like you are in 18-18 then, I'm 18-19. Just made it through BTN.

[Tanner37]

Sounds like you are in 18-18 then, I'm 18-19. Just made it through BTN.

Yeah I just saw some of you guys out at shell. Majority of us are moving to nights next week

[Gideon]

Yeah I just saw some of you guys out at shell. Majority of us are moving to nights next week

I was definitely in that group Lack of coordination had us show up to find out we dont start there till Tuesday.

[daabears]

WO

60M x15

47F x6

64E x7

C12 x4

 

CO

60M x3

47F x2

64E x1

C12 x1

[Gideon]

Was just about to post that! Looks like a nice spread for the Warrants.

[WApp]

I don't want to steer this thread too far away from the selection dumps, but are you aloud to trade with another student that selected the same time as you? Like say, if it was like an hour after selection or something?

 

Also, are you shown the results available for selection and then given some time to think about your best option/choice (if you get one) or do they unveil the choices and then immediately start the selection process?

[daabears]

You cannot swap picks with anyone after you make your selection. Otherwise, there would be a lot of sketchy moves people could make by either threatening or bribing someone with a higher OML to select the airframe you want for you.

And no, you dont have any time to think it over. Youve had 22 weeks of common core to figure out what you want. Once your name is called, you go to the front of the room and make your pick and then its finalized.

[cwil7280]

I have heard rumors of people offering money to other students above them on OML to NOT select a specific aircraft, so that they can have it. It would be hard to do though since OML isn't available to the students until selection day so you are never really sure how many people are above you.

[WApp]

Thanks. Yeah I get the reason behind that and I understand the "22 weeks to think about it". Was just curious what happens when you think for 22 weeks you'll pick an airframe that isn't available to you because someone else picks, or there isn't any slots for that airframe. I guess there is only 4 types so you gotta have a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th pick lol.

[Gideon]

Thanks. Yeah I get the reason behind that and I understand the "22 weeks to think about it". Was just curious what happens when you think for 22 weeks you'll pick an airframe that isn't available to you because someone else picks, or there isn't any slots for that airframe. I guess there is only 4 types so you gotta have a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th pick lol.

Thats why my class has been joking the entire time that we are all going to be Apache pilots. Just as a reminder that we might not get what we want. But in the end its still good flying.

 

The whole OML is kinda weird that way. You are competing for your selection however you dont ever know where you actually rank and there is a chance they might not even have the aircraft you want. Although the ladies over at G3 do take what folks want as there number 1 and try to provide as many as they can.