How early should I be reporting prior to WOCS for Aviation PCS?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 14:25:14 -0400

I've read I should be there 10 days prior to the schools report date, but if possible I would prefer to be there earlier so as to move my family into a home, handle household goods, etc. prior to disappearing into the WOCS world for 5 weeks and leaving my Wife hanging.

I'm told by MPD I request my orders date, rather than them generating a date for me, which is what I am used to.

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 3 at 2018 2:34 PM

SrA John Monette — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 14:34:05 -0400

I would think if you have enough leave, you would be able to there as early as you want. of course, I don't know anything about WOCS, but best of luck!!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 3:10 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 15:10:16 -0400

If your going to be a pilot get ready for it it’ll be nonstop for 16-18 months. With that being said ten days probably isn’t enough to get comfortable but the won’t be any directions for what you’re supposed to do the whole school is super ambiguous and once you sign in it’s pretty much on like donkey Cong. So when you report to first Woc will be when you start doing dumb stuff.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 3 at 2018 5:33 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 17:33:44 -0400

Congratulations on becoming a WOC. I would say two weeks. I would call Transportation at Ft Rucker Inbound Transportation to see how congested household deliveries are during your window, as that is the major muscle. Also call housing.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2018 9:39 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 09:39:11 -0400

Even if you get the 10 days prior to school report date, you can still take leave en route and get moved in a week or two earlier. When I was active duty I would take 15-30 days leave en route on every PCS, get to the new duty station with two weeks prior to reporting to handle the move in and unpacking, get to know the town and post.
You can also use 10 days of Permissive TDY for this, or in addition to leave en route.
Once WOFT starts you will only need two weeks of leave balance for the Christmas exodus.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2018 4:14 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 04:14:33 -0400

My orders allowed me to report 30 days early with dependents. You can add on ten PTDY to that and leave of course if you have it and want to use it. I was fortunate to show up about a month prior, which gave me plenty of time to settle in. WOCS was tough for the seven weeks I had to leave my family, but once in flight school, things were more predictable. I had a tremendous time there. Lots of things to enjoy family, balanced with lots of learning. If you have aviation background, you may find academics to be exceptionally easy, but it's a really good refresher. You'll get plenty of briefs I how to budget your time. Take what you need, and remember to keep balance.

Response by SPC Ray Hicks made Oct 11 at 2018 7:56 PM

SPC Ray Hicks — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 19:56:37 -0400

the total length back when I was in , however it might have changed was 9 months at two bases basic at Ft. Wolters, TX and the 4 or 5 more months at Mother Rucker, AL . so be ready to move your family twice. so don't get too settled Wish you the best