Prior Service Marine Seeking to Fulfill Lifelong Dream of Becoming a 153A/Aviation Warrant Officer: Challenges, Feedback, and Next Steps?

August 11, 2024

Hi Everyone,

Happy Sunday to you all! My name is Wes, just turned 37 in July (2024) and I am a Prior Service Marine (and E-4/Corporal with 4.5 years of Active Duty Service), with my original EAS (End-of-Active Service) in January of 2011. After leaving the Marine Corps, I pursued and attained my Undergraduate Degree (Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology - GPA: 3.35) and Masters Degree (MBA - Concentration: Global Leadership with a GPA of 3.7). I am, and have been for some time, seeking to pursue (and bring to fruition) my lifelong dream of becoming a US Army Combat Aviator via the 153A Aviation Warrant Officer Path/Program. For context, here is a bit of additional background (on me):

Using the SIFT Tutoring App to Prepare for the SIFT Exam (which has been thoroughly invaluable thus far)
I have already read the FAA "Flying Helicopter Handbook" (quite useful and functional reference for someone of my caliber who knew/knows absolutely nothing about Aviation, Helicopters, etc.)
I am presently "100% Service-Connected Disabled" through the Department of Veterans Affairs, but have finally arrived at a point in my life where I am able to once again participate in military-level/grade Physical Training (in this case, the Army CFT which I will have to pass, to my understanding, either ahead of WOCS or while attending/at WOCS). It is my hope that the following are not "automatic disqualifying criteria" , as my Department of Veterans Affairs VA Service-Connected Disabilities include:
- 10% rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease with irritable bowel syndrome
  - Effective date: May 17, 2022
- 30% rating for flatfoot, bilateral
  - Effective date: May 17, 2022
- 10% rating for posttraumatic arthritis of lateral compartment, left knee
  - Effective date: May 16, 2022
- 40% rating for degenerative disc disease lumbar spine
  - Effective date: May 16, 2022
- 50% rating for sleep apnea
  - Effective date: February 09, 2021
- 10% rating for tinnitus
  - Effective date: November 05, 2019
- 70% rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with unspecified depressive disorder
  - Effective date: November 05, 2019
- 10% rating for right ankle sprain
  - Effective date: January 16, 2011
Regarding my "Criminal Background":
- DUI (as a "Low Misdemeanor") in April 2014
- Reckless Driving (as a "Low Misdemeanor") while on Active Duty in the U.S. Marine Corps in September 2010
- 1 Speeding Ticket in 2022 (it was later removed from my MVR/"Criminal Background" as my Attorney proved that the Police Officer's equipment was malfunctioning. It was under 10 MPH over the "Posted Speed Limit".
I have thoroughly read, reviewed, and evaluated the following references and resources to provide a more thorough and detailed understanding of the Aviation Warrant Officer Path/Program, and would additionally appreciate feedback/advice moving forward:
And, unfortunately, due to 2 separate lazy and incompetent Army Recruiters, I have had to "hunt" for an actual Army Recruiter who will help me realize my dream. I had to speak with a number of Army AWOR's (my region being the Southeast) and was ultimately referred to SSG Simms (who is an AWOR for the Southeast - as I reside in Louisiana). SSG Simms was probably the most helpful to date (out of the 2 separate, lazy, and incompetent Army Recruiters in my area, I had to contact their Battalion Office HQ and spoke with their Command Sergeant Major, who, guess what? Did absolutely nothing as well. Time wasted with my Army Recruiters in the Louisiana region? I think so). After bring SSG Simms "up-to-speed" so to speak, he referred me to speak with an Army Recruiter near Ft. Novosel, AL. As such, I have now (as of Friday, 8/09/24), connected with U.S. Army Recruiter SSG LeBlanc out of Spanish Fort, AL. As of Friday, 8/09/24, SSG LeBlanc stated that he would speak with his Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In-Charge (SNOIC) as well as his 1st Sergeant regarding if I would need an "Age Waiver", given that I am 37-years-old, but my "Army Age" is "32-years-old", given my 4.5 years of Prior Service on Active Duty in the U.S. Marine Corps. SSG LeBlanc stated that, depending upon the response/feedback he received from his SNOIC and 1st Sergeant, that he/we would most likely do what's called a "Courtesy Administrative Package" (I may be mistaken by the actual term here) where he would do what is necessary to get my Aviation Warrant Officer Flight Package submitted, but the local Army Recruiting Office would be the one to facilitate my physical transport to MEPS (which, according to the lazy, incompetent Army Recruiters I worked with here in my region of Louisiana, that my MEPS Flight Physical and SIFT Exam would be scheduled for the same day at Ft. Polk, AL. They stated that there is no MEPS or Army facility to conduct my Flight Physical and SIFT Exam here in Louisiana. Is this true/fact?).
As a Prior Service Active Duty U.S. Marine, and not knowing any Army Aviators, how do I acquire 3 to 5 Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from an existing/retired CW3, CW4, or CW5?

Again, any constructive / productive advice, feedback, and "pointers" are much appreciated! Wishing everyone a great close to your Sunday and week ahead!