Does anyone have any recent experience with age waivers for Army Aviation?

SrA Chris Bowser — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 17:03:57 -0500

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!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2023 5:39 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 17:39:57 -0500

In the Air Force you must have begun pilot training between the ages of 18 and 33. Never heard of any waivers. Although not piloting, you could look into an AFSC that is part of a flight crew like a boom operator etc.

After a little more research the Air Force does allow for waivers on a case by case basis beyond that. But being that your not an officer already that pretty much ends that.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2023 9:31 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 21:31:19 -0500

SFC Private RallyPoint Member COL Randall C. can better address Army regulations.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Mar 11 at 2023 9:41 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 09:41:50 -0500

NGB Regs would apply, not ARs. NG being a State Force has a lot of leeway.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 12 at 2023 12:41 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 12:41:29 -0400

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.

Response by SrA Chris Bowser made Mar 25 at 2023 5:48 AM

SrA Chris Bowser — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 05:48:11 -0400

Just wanted to provide an update. I’ve been working with a National Guard recruiter. I’m in the process of getting swapped over from Air Guard to Army. According to my recruiter, getting an interview for OCS won’t be a problem. The age waiver for pilot might, but that’s ok. The worse they will do is say no. I’m open to a few available Officer spots where I want to serve. Since I’m prior Navy, I will attend basic training as O9S. Thank you everyone for the advice! Stay safe out there.