What can we expect when transitioning from AD Air Force to become an Army WO Pilot?

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 12:41:11 -0500

My husband, AD SrA, is interested in applying for WO Army. I’m active duty AF and have four years left in my contract. I would appreciate some guidance on what to expect from both ends. Like will he need to go through basic again, but for the Army? Then after that would he go to WOCS? How does the flight school work, is it still in Mobil? The 12-18 Month flight training, is that at a duty location or is it still with the Flight school, like after the 6 week course? I know a recruiter can answer these questions but I really don’t want any sugar coating or misinterpreted explanations. Our current base doesn’t have any WO so we really don’t have anyone to talk to about all this. I would appreciate any guidance having anything to do with transferring to WO. TIA.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 1:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:19:41 -0500

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/continue-serving/transitioning-services/inter-service-transfer-program.html

He's going to have to go talk to a recruiter ultimately and a retention NCO or equivalent if you have in the Air Force. I don't think it's a very simple or quick process just trying to do an inter-service transfer to start with.

Inter-Service Transfer Program

Transfer from other military branches into the Army and continue your military career using the Operation Blue to Green program.

Response by CW3 Gary Marden made Nov 18 at 2021 1:19 PM

CW3 Gary Marden — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:19:48 -0500

Flight school is at Fort Rucker as well as WOCS. He will attend WOCS and then move right into the Flight training status. Sometimes there are delays in training so there may be a holdover status until flight school starts but generally, 14 to 18 months for training while at Fort Rucker. Then you go to your unit and get specific mission training for that mission set in the operating area.
I had Navy and AF guys in my WOCS class, they didn't have to attend basic again so I'm pretty sure that will be the case. They will take into consideration that you are AF and try to send him to a base where you are of close to it but since he's going to be new to the "game" it might not be possible at first, then after the first duty station they can get it closer. If they can't get you guys close together I'd suggest he do a one year tour overseas like Korea or Honduras with assignment closer to you upon completion. They used to do that type of request but I retired in 2018. Things change quickly.
The guys and their families who were other services liked the job and being able to fly helicopters but the living conditions may be less than what you have experienced thus far. It's a great lifestyle though so good luck!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 1:33 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:33:59 -0500

He will not have to go through basic training as AD AF transfer. The United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) is located at Fort Rucker, Alabama. It will be a full PCS. After being accepted, he would attend WOCS, WOBC-A, SERE, Common Core (training airframe), Advanced Airframe, WOBC-B and possible the ALSE course, all at Fort Rucker. Flight school is as equally rewarding as it is difficult. It will not be uncommon if his schedule runs from 0400-2200hrs throughout the four or five months of common core alone. Without any administrative, academic or physical setbacks, he would be looking at a timeline of around 18-24 months. He should understand that there is a 10 year ADSO on completion of flight school, essentially making this a 12 year contract. I cannot speak for the inter-service transfer process.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 2:12 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 14:12:34 -0500

Thank you! One more question, how do we go about getting him LORs from WO when we’re at an Air Base with no WO? Will we need to travel up to Fort Benning to find one? Or will the recruiter help us with that?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 19 at 2021 11:17 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 11:17:45 -0500

Lots of good advice in this string. I'd like to provide a different perspective. I'm a retired USAF pilot and a retired Army Civilian Employee. Also, I once had a brother-in-law who was an Army Aviation Warrant. I'm assuming your husband has a year or two left on his current enlistment. This should give him time to get through the Army Aviation Warrant application process before he has to get out or re-enlist.

I think he should look at the option of becoming an Air Force pilot. Yes, that requires a bachelors degree and successfully gaining an Air Force commission and applying for pilot training. Right now he has tuition assistance to help with the cost of college. Additionally he can take advantage of the GI bill. It looks like you have several years left, so you can remain on active duty while he completes his education to help keep the family financially healthy. Look into programs for Air Force enlisted personnel to transition to officer. Three common pathways to an Air Force commission include Officer Training School (OTS), Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), and the Air Force Academy. While in college he could enroll in AFROTC and take that pathway to a commission. Possibly he could get an AFROTC scholarship paying tuition, fees, books, and a monthly stipend. Both Air Force and Army require pilot candidates pass a flight physical.

The strongest case I can make for "staying blue" is mission. As you know, the Air Force mission centers on flying. Every AFSC supports the flying mission directly or indirectly. In the Air Force, pilots are front line troops. An Air Force pilot's life was very good during my time in the Service. High promotion rates, extra pay, are a plus. Negatives include family separations and extended service commitment. Army Aviation is a combat arms branch; however, aviation isn't the Army's primary mission. Aviation supports the ground forces' war fight. From what I saw, Army Aviators are treated well overall.

In either Service pilot training is a challenge. Others in this string have explained Army WOC training and pilot training well. All Air Force pilot training students start out as commissioned officers. Passing or failing pilot training does not change their officer status. Air Force pilot training is "dual track." Air Force pilot training students start out in a turboprop primary trainer. Nearing the end of that phase, their instructors and flight commanders determine if the student will make a better fighter pilot or non-fighter pilot. The students may have some input to this process, but it has less weight than the needs of the Air Force and the judgement of the instructors. Students headed for fighter, attack, reconnaissance, and bomber aircraft are routed to T-38 training; those headed for transports and tankers fly the T-1. In the end, they all get their wings. After pilot training, everybody is off to their advanced flying training. A few of the fighter types are sent to become pilot training instructors, the rest go to a fighter lead-in course and then to aircraft-specific advanced training (F-35, F-22, B2, etc.). The transport-tanker graduates go to advanced training in their aircraft types, such as C-17, C-130, KC-135. After advanced training all are assigned to flying squadrons.

Money is a consideration. Compare the pay scales for Warrant Officers and Officers. Look at the WO1 vs O1 pay, and at the WO5 and O5 over 20 years of service. The gap is dramatic. Remember active duty pay directly influences retirement pay. Over a 20 year career, the Air Force pilot will make a lot more money than the Army Warrant Officer pilot.

Another consideration is your own career. If you want to remain in the Air Force beyond your first enlistment, then having your spouse in the same service will greatly facilitate assignments for both of you to the same geographic area. This will not be as easy if your are both on active duty, but in different services.

I encourage your spouse to talk with an Air Force recruiter and your unit "re-enlistment NCO" about opportunities to be an Air Force Officer and pilot. Right now the Air Force needs pilots, so opportunities for qualified personnel may be better. There are age restriction, but a waiver may be possible.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2021 1:48 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 13:48:44 -0500

I'd encourage starting to plan for life beyond uniformed service. Most are waiting way too late, and reacting to the eventual departure from the ranks. Good luck on the warrant path!