How can I get a letter of recommendation from a pilot to better help my chances of my Warrant Officer packet going through?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 10:28:46 -0500

I am looking to drop my Warrant Officer packet and need a letter of recommendation from a CW3 or higher. My unit has a CW3 but I do not work with him and would like a pilot to write the letter. Would anyone have any advice on going about getting one from a pilot to better help my chances of my packet going through?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2017 10:54 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 10:54:12 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member please check your messages. Best of luck to you.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2017 10:58 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 10:58:19 -0500

If you have an airfield on your base, your best chances are to bring your packet down there and ask around to see if someone will write a letter. Usually they are willing to do so if you are well prepared. Make sure you get all your ducks in a row and you should be ok.

Response by CW4 David Surles made Nov 29 at 2017 5:16 PM

CW4 David Surles — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 17:16:12 -0500

Your chances are not going to improve just because you have a letter from a pilot, especially one that doesn't know you. I would be surprised if a WO would even write one for someone they don't know, in essence they are putting their name on the line for an unknown. Your packet will be much stronger if you have solid letters from your chain of command, platoon/company/battalion. The board understands that not everyone has access to WO and the letters from your chain of command will be more personalized. Good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2017 6:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 18:49:50 -0500

You have to find one good luck.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 29 at 2017 7:18 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 19:18:26 -0500

If you want a letter of recommendation from a pilot, then you have to know or work with a pilot. How can someone write a letter of recommendation for someone they do not know.

To whom it may concern, I want this kid to be a warrant officer because I like the way he cuts his hair....

He's not going to know your work ethic, your leadership abilities, your proficiency within your field.

Your best bet is to get people you know and are in good standing with to write letters of recommendations. When I was in, I made it a point to get to know everyone. I didn't stay in my little 4 person shop, I branched out and made connections in other work centers, other nearby units. This way, I knew if I one day needed something, I had people in my back pocket.

Hell, my current job I landed through personal recommendation.

If you really want a pilot to write you a letter, then you have to start networking with some pilots and get them to know you. Otherwise, you're better off getting glowing recommendations from the people you trust.

Response by CW5 Bobby McQuaid made Jan 4 at 2018 2:39 AM

CW5 Bobby McQuaid — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 02:39:54 -0500

I retired 2 years ago but before my retirement a WOFT candidate required a senior Warrant Officer LOR. In the absence of a professional or personal relationship with a CW5 then an interview and a supporting LOR based in the interview was acceptable. There are instructions available from the Warrant Officer Career College to W4s and W5s on how to conduct the interview, what should be asked, how to dig deeper into an answer, and what characteristics the Army would like evaluated during the interview. It's actually surprisingly well done. I have interviewed many but only written 5 positive letters. All five candidates were selected and graduated. Just a hint... If you go this route be prepared. You are being interviewed to determine if you are the candidate that will bring something to Army Aviation if a substantial sum is invested in your training. It's not about improving your paycheck or standard of living.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 4:58 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 16:58:37 -0400

I am going to offer a slightly different opinion that echos CW5 McQuaid's. Put your packet together completely, have everything done. Once complete take that packet and go to your local airfield. Walk around talk to people, be respectful until you find a warrant officer who is willing to have a conversation with you. Present them with your packet and where you are. Once they review it and interview you they may or may not be willing to write a letter. If not do not give up, it is all about networking and finding the individual that is willing to take an interest in you and provide that letter. Good luck!