160th S.O.A.R. pilot requirements?

2018-05-07T12:08:12-04:00

I am currently a college freshman and a participant in the ROTC program at my university. I have not yet gone to basic, therefore I am not a traditional cadet as of yet. I've told my instructor my interest in branching aviation as well as going active once I've graduated and received my commissioned. He told me that branching aviation is difficult, and I'm willing to work towards this goal. The main question I have is if I branch aviation, pass all the test, and get accepted and complete flight school what are the 160th's requirements to join their ranks as a pilot as a commissioned officer?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2018 1:04 PM

2018-05-07T13:04:11-04:00

https://goarmysof.com/160th/

160th

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made May 7 at 2018 4:02 PM

2018-05-07T16:02:03-04:00

I dont know the specifics, however, they dont take green pilots. other words you cant graduate flight school and go to the 160th. I am not a pilot and there is a possibility I am wrong but I dont think so. I have no idea how my times I have flown in a helicopter over the many years I was in SF but how they do what they do is very different, very different.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2018 4:24 PM

2018-05-07T16:24:41-04:00

You can apply for the Nightstalkers as a RLO after successful Company Command. I have seen them take 1LTs whobwere warrant officers in the SOAR, but that would be an exception. Most pilots are Warrant Officers, due to the technical expertise and experience needed to do their mission. They do have a few staff officer positions and they recruit from those ranks for the Command positions once you prove your mettle. All officers go through an accessions process so it is very stringent on who they choose, younthen complete a green platoon assessment; like a Ranger Orientaion Program. It for the SOAR. Once hats done you start in the RGT or a BN then move to the coveted command positions.

I would focus on earning your flight slot first, that will be hard enough through ROTC, the second hardest branch to earn (Behind Cyber). Then you have to be a superstar at the PLT and CO Level; earn a few scare badges and to get a leg up a Ranger Tab isn’t a bad idea. Complete the GAFPB, ABN and AASLT as a Cadet and you are well on your way! Work to get an Aviation CTLT if that is possible as well after your Advanced Camp. You set the tone for your LT years while you are in ROTC!

Good luck and God Speed

NSDQ

DB

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2018 6:59 PM

2018-05-07T18:59:46-04:00

By invitation only.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 7 at 2018 10:10 PM

2018-05-07T22:10:14-04:00

The hand pick their crews, you do not just volunteer. They take the cream of the crop with lots of flight time and experience.

Response by Ken Kraetzer made May 8 at 2018 8:02 AM

2018-05-08T08:02:29-04:00

What branch of ROTC are you in? Army has opps for helos, Air Force much higher percent of officers go to flight school. Navy aviation is an option as well. All require top qualifications

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2018 11:24 AM

2018-05-09T11:24:09-04:00

First and foremost, set your goals on the near future. Guys that fly 160th normally have thousands of hours and several deployments under their belts. Not to say that newbs don’t get in but it’s very rare. Focus on being an outstanding cadet and work on assessions point; strive to become DMG and overall, do well at leadership. Short term success will lead to long term success!