How is a commissioned officer pilot and warrant officer pilot different as a Reservist? What would be a best option for me at this time?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 17:29:05 -0500

I am a female reservist. just got my flight physical done. have been wanting to go to warrant because I want to fly. My recruiter just informed me there is no position available for warrant this year but since i have a degree I can go OSC with out any competition or wait till next FY that is till November to go warrant. that Also means I have to get new physical as it is only valid for a year.
I am really confused what should i do? How is a commissioned officer pilot and warrant officer pilot different as a reservist? What would be a best option for me at this time?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 16 at 2019 6:48 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 18:48:12 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member in general terms, choosing to commission (via Officer Candidate School OCS, ROTC, or USMA) will mean less flight time as you get more senior. It also might mean not flying at all if you don't get branched Aviation (I don't know if they still do MSC 68J Medevac Pilots). Warrant Officers will be flying through out their careers although there will be additional duties etc that will demand your time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2019 9:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 21:18:34 -0500

SPC Kahtri, LTC Mackay, is correct in that Officers as the gain rank, do less flying. Just know that the Army will be investing appropriately $1M in your training. Being a pilot requires more than just one weekend a month. You must keep up with your flight time. It takes a minimum of two pilots to fly. You will have day and night time flight requirements. The job is demanding on a reservist. Just know what you are getting yourself into before you decide. You also need to be with in 100 miles of an Aviation unit. Please let me know if you have any questions. Did you do your SIFT test?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 8:07 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 08:07:59 -0500

As others have said... You can fly as much as you want as a warrant. Once you make Major as a commissioned officer, you're behind a desk.