Considering multiple routes, advice?

2018-11-05T09:51:56-05:00

I've pretty much narrowed down to two options what I want to do but I need some advice on what my chances are and if I should skew one way over the other.

Age: 21(22 in one month)
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 180lbs - D.O.D. Standard: 169
Vision: 20/25-20/30 uncorrected and correctable to 20/20

I have wanted to fly for a while now and once I found out about the Warrant Officer program for street to seat it piqued my interest, the only problem is my vision and I'm not sure how that will affect my chances.
My other want was 13F Op40. I do not think I need any waivers as I have never had and major medical or any legal problems, the only one that is a maybe is vision(that I am aware of, I haven't been to MEPS).

My question is, is it worth my time to try 13F and RASP then go Warrant once I reach enlisted requirements or should I just try to go straight into WO. I realize life style, quality of life, optempo, and pay will be quite different, I'm just wanting some input from people who have more knowledge on the subject than myself.

Thanks,
Cody

Response by PO3 Christian Brielmaier made Nov 5 at 2018 10:02 AM

2018-11-05T10:02:49-05:00

Hey Cody,

The first question you need to ask yourself is what you want to do... Do you want to fly? If that answer is a reaounding ”yes”, then you should apply for WOFT. Be prepared to do a lot of work to get your packet ready, but it will be worth it!

Have you ever flown before? If you haven't, consider reaching out to a local flight school and taking what's called a Discovery Flight. These are short (around an hour) flights where you get to manipulate the controls and see what flying is all about. They are relatively cheap, around $100, and probably the best way to get addicted to the worlds most expensive hobby

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Nov 5 at 2018 10:47 AM

2018-11-05T10:47:05-05:00

Honestly it depends on your how you feel about each job. If your heart is set on flying, go for it with everything you have. If not, don't. If you pick another job and finish your training, you might not feel like going through the hassle of putting together a warrant packet and a whole new training regimen. It's entirely up to you however. Just remember, you only get out what you put into the Army.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Nov 5 at 2018 11:56 AM

2018-11-05T11:56:38-05:00

Your best bet is to maybe speak with a Flight Surgeon on here if you can find one... That would be my best suggestion! COL Mikel J. Burroughs if you know of any that could help this young man out, that would be great!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2018 12:06 PM

2018-11-05T12:06:58-05:00

I started my career in Ranger regiment, and one of my buddies what is a 13f in Ranger regiment an aviation pilot. I think anyone who starts their career in Ranger regiment is setting himself up for future success.
However, you probably won't make it, so consider how much you would enjoy being a 13f for a few years. You would likely end up at some other Airborne artillery unit.
As far as warrant goes, there is no reason not to compete for it as soon as you're ready. Understand, that it is a competition and the flight program just very competitive, so you might not make it the first try. But you are welcome to reapply at a later date.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made Nov 5 at 2018 12:07 PM

2018-11-05T12:07:16-05:00

Question is your vision correctable and within the correctable standards. If it's out of correctable standards and your dead set to flying you might want to visit your local ophthalmologist and get corrective surgery (PRK)

Either way I would talk to a recruiter and go from there

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 5 at 2018 2:06 PM

2018-11-05T14:06:46-05:00

Go with what interests you the most.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Nov 5 at 2018 7:19 PM

2018-11-05T19:19:57-05:00

Why don't you get through basic training first. You have a long way to go before you qualify to go WO

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2018 10:58 PM

2018-11-05T22:58:49-05:00

You don’t have to have 20/20 vision. You have to have 20/20 CORRECTABLE vision to fly. I know plenty of dudes that are required to wear glasses when they fly. I also know Fisters (13F) who switched to flying. If you wanna fly, fly. If you want to hump/jump with the grunts and call steel on target, be a FIST. You can always submit a packet later if you want. But if you really want to fly, go that route instead.