Posted on Mar 10, 2023
SrA Chris Bowser
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I’m prior active Navy enlisted and currently enlisted with the Air National Guard. Unfortunately, my state ANG doesn’t have many officer spots open up. I’d absolutely love to fly and have talking with an Army recruiter. He’s stated that even though I’m 36, I could still get an age waiver provided my LOR’s and packet are strong. However, I noticed that AR 611-110 states I cannot be over 32. Does anyone have any advice on this? A few people I’ve talked to and a few YouTube videos have stated that recruiters will tell you this to get you into the Army, but you will be needs of the Army after OCS. Thanks everyone!
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MSgt Electrical Power Production
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SFC (Join to see) COL Randall C. can better address Army regulations.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
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The good news is that you can Commission up to age 42 in National Guard State OCS programs. I know that waivers to be an officer pilot at age 34-35 are granted on a case by case, but over that seems to require an exception to policy. How easy that is to obtain is generally dependent on how many bodies they need. The bad news is that you are Navy, which should mean that you are required to attend Basic Combat Training before you start OCS. Check with your recruiter.
I would suggest taking a practice version of the SIFT Test and look at the requirements on the flight physical. If you can't get past either one of these, you aren't going to fly except as a passenger.
There are more positions to fly in the Army as a Warrant Officer, I would talk to Warrant Officer accessions for information on that one, outside of my experience.
If you are more focused on becoming an Officer, Army Guard is the way to go.
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SrA Chris Bowser
SrA Chris Bowser
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Thank you for the info! I wouldn’t mind going to BCT if that’s what is required to get a commission. My goal would be to fly, but becoming an officer is most important.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
CPT Lawrence Cable
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SrA Chris Bowser - Two routes through the Guard to commission through OCS. The "Traditional" Guard OCS is a 14+month process that usually starts with a couple of months of Pre OCS drills, 15 day Annual Training, then month drills until the next Annual Train, where you commission after completion. There is also a 9 week Guard OCS if the state you apply sends people. The pass rate is kind of bad, so some states don't participate. You can attend Federal OCS if they have a seat available, but I think you are going to bump up against the age limits again.
Any way you go, OCS is not fun. I still dislike my TAC officers, and I tied for top Candidate.
You also need to be aware that you will need to attend an active duty Basic Leadership Course after OCS and my advice it to take the first available seat. Most are in that 20 weeks range. Then you will need to pick up a Captains Career Course by O-3. CCC used to have a Reserve/Guard version that allowed you to take split between two active periods and a distance learning segment.
I would talk to officer accessions at the state headquarters of the state you are wanting to serve. They can tell you what branches/jobs are open. Remember that most Guard units are either Combat or Combat Support.
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
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Edited 1 y ago
NGB Regs would apply, not ARs. NG being a State Force has a lot of leeway.
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SrA Chris Bowser
SrA Chris Bowser
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Oh I didn’t think about that. I just assumed they would follow AR’s. Thanks!
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COL Randall C.
COL Randall C.
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That is not accurate. There are some National Guard regulations which address issues and policies that are not covered in the Army regulations or are supplemental to Army regulations because the overarching regulation specifically only addressed the active component.

You need to look at each regulation for applicability. In the case of AR 611-110, it clearly states the standard applicability that is in most regulations: "This regulation applies to
the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the United States Army Reserve, to include those Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve personnel in Active Guard/Reserve status, unless otherwise stated."
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