The oldest you've heard going through WOFT??

TriViper · February 14, 2015

I've heard Guard guys going through WOFT in their late 30s. Has this been true in past years? Eager to hear any stories related to this.

UH60L-IP · February 14, 2015

Yes. I know of a 43 year old guardsman that went through.

Joe_P148 · February 14, 2015

TriViper, you need to build the strongest packet that you can, put a large emphasis on your LORs and networking. There's a lot of people over the years that have received age waivers. The guard traditionally is easier to get into because they sponsor their own waivers. Your timing for waiver application is not the best. But, don't get discouraged by it, you can still get picked up. How old are you?

TriViper · February 14, 2015

TriViper, you need to build the strongest packet that you can, put a large emphasis on your LORs and networking. There's a lot of people over the years that have received age waivers. The guard traditionally is easier to get into because they sponsor their own waivers. Your timing for waiver application is not the best. But, don't get discouraged by it, you can still get picked up. How old are you?

Joe - I'm 33 yrs, 6 months old, non-prior service. My packet for AD is complete. I have very strong letters, 4 yr. degree, strong AFQT/GT, and some flight time. No moral issues. My SIFT and college GPA weren't all that great though, I must say.

I tried AD WOFT, but couldn't get an age waiver, so I'm considering enlisting in a Guard unit that has helicopters if I have a semi-decent chance of getting an age waiver (providing I do well in my unit, etc).

If you have anymore insight I'd appreciate it.

TriViper · February 14, 2015

Yes. I know of a 43 year old guardsman that went through.

How long ago did he/she go through?

shainbourassa · February 14, 2015

Joe - I'm 33 yrs, 6 months old, non-prior service. My packet for AD is complete. I have very strong letters, 4 yr. degree, strong AFQT/GT, and some flight time. No moral issues. My SIFT and college GPA weren't all that great though, I must say.

I tried AD WOFT, but couldn't get an age waiver, so I'm considering enlisting in a Guard unit that has helicopters if I have a semi-decent chance of getting an age waiver (providing I do well in my unit, etc).

If you have anymore insight I'd appreciate it.

You don't have to be in an aviation unit to apply through the guard. So pick an MOS that you would be happy with in the event that you do not get selected. What state are you in?

TriViper · February 14, 2015

You don't have to be in an aviation unit to apply through the guard. So pick an MOS that you would be happy with in the event that you do not get selected. What state are you in?

I'm in North Carolina. But I also have family in Texas, so really either or could work. If I have to travel the weekend/mo and summers, I'm willing to do that.

shainbourassa · February 14, 2015

I'm in North Carolina. But I also have family in Texas, so really either or could work. If I have to travel the weekend/mo and summers, I'm willing to do that.

I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure Texas is one of the largest aviation states in the guard.

TriViper · February 14, 2015

I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure Texas is one of the largest aviation states in the guard.

Nice. What aircraft do they have? I read an article about the Reg. Army taking a bunch of the Guard's Apaches, but not sure if/when that'll take effect.

Velocity173 · February 14, 2015

I had a 40 yr old NG student and several AD students in their mid 30s. That was around 8 yrs ago though. Different time, different conditions.

shainbourassa · February 14, 2015

Nice. What aircraft do they have? I read an article about the Reg. Army taking a bunch of the Guard's Apaches, but not sure if/when that'll take effect.

Honestly don't know Id imagine everything just depends on what part of the state. I'm in PA. Joe actually posted a very good article on here earlier today from Army times about the Apache ordeal.

TriViper · February 14, 2015

I had a 40 yr old NG student and several AD students in their mid 30s. That was around 8 yrs ago though. Different time, different conditions.

Are age waivers for the Army Guard WOFT processed the same was as AD WOFT? Do all WOFT age waivers go through Fort Rucker?

Yamer · February 14, 2015

No, guard age waivers go through the state I believe because it's up to the state of they want you or not. Not 100 percent sure though. Be careful though, my state has a different age limit than active duty at which a waiver is required. Two years younger for us.

shainbourassa · February 14, 2015

PA age is 32 before a waiver is needed

Joe_P148 · February 15, 2015

Joe - I'm 33 yrs, 6 months old, non-prior service. My packet for AD is complete. I have very strong letters, 4 yr. degree, strong AFQT/GT, and some flight time. No moral issues. My SIFT and college GPA weren't all that great though, I must say.

I tried AD WOFT, but couldn't get an age waiver, so I'm considering enlisting in a Guard unit that has helicopters if I have a semi-decent chance of getting an age waiver (providing I do well in my unit, etc).

If you have anymore insight I'd appreciate it.

You're really going to have to be persistent to get in. Some of the most successful warrants I know W4 / W5 had to submit their packet 3 plus times before they were selected. I realize your waiver was rejected from the 2015 board thread. Keep networking if it requires you to go interview with CW5s do it! You're not gonna get your waiver accepted by doing the same thing you did last time, times are tough and the Army can afford to be picky right now. You need to show the Army how they will get a return on their investment.

Which brings me to my next point, what do you have to offer Army Aviation? I mean think about it. I get everyone wants to be a helicopter pilot but what will you bring to the table? Are you gonna stay until 20 then pop smoke? Or are you gonna stay until your a crusty 5 and influence change in the community?

This isn't directed towards you TRI. I just see a general level of selfishness among a percentage of the candidates. They have nothing to contribute to the conversation other than thier stats but everyone expects info on flight school, wobc and where to get LORs.

Cantankerously · February 15, 2015

There is a guy at B Co on grandfather leave right now. He's waiting for IERW

TriViper · February 15, 2015

You're really going to have to be persistent to get in. Some of the most successful warrants I know W4 / W5 had to submit their packet 3 plus times before they were selected. I realize your waiver was rejected from the 2015 board thread. Keep networking if it requires you to go interview with CW5s do it! You're not gonna get your waiver accepted by doing the same thing you did last time, times are tough and the Army can afford to be picky right now. You need to show the Army how they will get a return on their investment.

Which brings me to my next point, what do you have to offer Army Aviation? I mean think about it. I get everyone wants to be a helicopter pilot but what will you bring to the table? Are you gonna stay until 20 then pop smoke? Or are you gonna stay until your a crusty 5 and influence change in the community?

This isn't directed towards you TRI. I just see a general level of selfishness among a percentage of the candidates. They have nothing to contribute to the conversation other than thier stats but everyone expects info on flight school, wobc and where to get LORs.

I'm not concerned with persistence -- that's never been an issue for me. I think every applicant does what he/she can to separate from the pack. It's human nature at a time when competition has ramped up. I can't say my "stats" are stellar, but I'm not going to be that guy who exercises poor judgment either. I'd think personal qualities, like maturity and trust go a long way, especially when you're taking control of a $20 mill+ aircraft with the safety of others at stake.

TriViper · February 16, 2015

So it sounds like the Guard is the best hope for old guys having a shot at WOFT. A few of you have mentioned age waivers through NG, but any recently? I'm fully aware times are tight, but just askin.

apacheguy · February 16, 2015

You need to make friends with your TAG and SAO. Impress them and you may have a shot at an age waiver.

shainbourassa · February 16, 2015

You need to make friends with your TAG and SAO. Impress them and you may have a shot at an age waiver.

Make friends with your TAG, haha good luck befriending a 2start at the rank of maybe an E4. It is wishful thinking though. Just impress the watchful eyes and they will pass on a good word.

TriViper · February 16, 2015

So I googled SAO ...I take it that means Senior Administrative Officer.

With a quick glance online, I couldn't determine what TAG stands for. I sure better get used to all the acronyms when I join...

Yamer · February 16, 2015

State Aviation Officer- in charge of aviation for the whole state. Usually a Col or LTC.

TAG- is in charge of the entire guard for the whole state.

shainbourassa · February 16, 2015

TAG= the adjutant General. Trust me, you will not be on this persons friends list, with my job I've worked with/around my TAG more then a handful of times I have a letter of appreciation from him and I guarantee he has no clue who I am.

TriViper · February 16, 2015

Thanks guys. My approach would be simple: be on time, do the best job I can, and make some friends in the process. I'm hoping the rest will take care of itself and they'll see me as an asset. And if I cross paths with the higher ups, I'll reach out to them as well...