How were you able to decide what aircraft/mission was right for you when it came time for aircraft selection?

2021-10-24T10:01:01-04:00

Nearing the end of common core and I thought by now I’d know what I want to fly. Im aware that depending on the OML I might not even get to pick but I have to make a list. How did it go for you? We’re there any regrets?

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Oct 24 at 2021 11:45 AM

2021-10-24T11:45:45-04:00

The needs of the Corps decided my initial assignment, however, as time went on and conditions changed, I had the opportunity to serve in all types of aircraft and missions. Stay long enough and I'm sure you will have all types of experiences if you pursue them and sense needs and opportunities as they evolve.

Response by CW3 Chuck Eastman made Oct 24 at 2021 11:51 AM

2021-10-24T11:51:46-04:00

It will be the one opportunity that you get the most amount of say in your career in the Army. Study hard so you hopefully get your pick. I say "hopefully" because, at the end of the day, it's still Needs of the Army that'll determine how many, and of what type of aircraft are available. But, it's still worth the opportunity to determine the rest of your career.

Did I get as much time to go to Destin as some of my friends because I was studying extra on the weekends? Nope, but I got my first pick of aircraft because I put in a little extra effort, and I wouldn't change a thing.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 24 at 2021 3:10 PM

2021-10-24T15:10:40-04:00

I was a USAF pilot training instructor and, of course, had to make my own choice as I completed pilot training. At the time, the AF had single-track pilot training. Everybody went through the same syllabus. About 8 weeks before graduation, the AF sent a block of aircraft to your base and class from which graduates would select. Your instructors and flight commanders would rate you as to whether you could fly "fighter, attack, recce" (FAR) or not. Most people were "nots". The Training Command was allowed to select some FAR qualified LTs to come back as pilot training instructors. The other FARs competed for the few fighter, attack, or reconnaissance aircraft. We filled out "dream sheets" with the aircraft types and locations we wanted. I researched aircraft types and missions along with locations in Air Force Magazine. They put out an annual Air Force Almanac issue. I assume AUSA may put out a similar publication.

I was not FAR qualified and graduated near the middle of my class of 88 pilots. After the few (5) FAR aircraft were selected by the top students, then the airline-friendly aircraft went next. The KC-135 tanker and C-141 airlifter went early-on because they provided four-engine heavy jet experience the airlines wanted. Quite a few aircraft types were left when I was allowed to select. I picked the C-130 because I thought the airdrop mission would be "cool." I selected aircraft over location on my dream sheet, so I was ordered to Clark AB, PI. My orders were changed while I was in C-130 school and I ended up at Langley AFB, VA, because the Clark AB squadrons were being closed. The C-130 mission was excellent for maturing from new copilot to aircraft commander. We flew lots of training missions and some deployments to Europe in support of Air Force and Army requirements in that AOR. I volunteered to be a pilot training instructor as my second assignment because I wanted a job where I'd be "home for dinner" every night. I liked teaching, but hated Training Command. Something for you to keep in mind: if you think you'd like to be an instructor, ask your current instructors if they really like their job--why or why not.

Finally, one war story. The last guy who was number 88 of 88, had only one aircraft to select. It was a C-118 (DC-7) to Ramstein AB Germany. It was an air evac aircraft. He had just graduated and was packing household goods when the Squadron Ops Officer from Germany called. He was told his orders would be changed so he would go to Delta Airlines DC-9 training school in Florida on his way to Europe. The Squadron was getting new C-9 aircraft and he would be one of the first Air Force pilots trained on the new airplane. Best deal ever!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2021 8:16 PM

2021-10-24T20:16:51-04:00

My advice would be to talk to people who have flown each. Ask them the types of missions they conducted. If something appeals to you look into it further. All of the airframes are great, you just need to determine what mission/ community combo works best for you. I received my first choice and have no regrets thus far. If you do not receive your top choice, so be it. Embrace it. There are positives about each.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2021 1:59 PM

2021-10-26T13:59:44-04:00

As guard I didn't have to select like you do but I did get a choice between Blackhawk and Chinook and choose Chinook. I picked Chinook partially because it gave me a type rating, (Hawks might have one now but didn't then) and my BS in Aviation that I was almost done with required either a CFI or a type rating to graduate.
Inexplicably the Guard and Reserve students still had to attend selection day. Blackhawk's had the most duty locations which I think is a valid reason to choose hawks. Apaches allow you to blow stuff up which does seem pretty cool and something you'd only get to do in the military, and the almighty Chinook clearly caries the most, including a few more comforts when going to the field. I think you guys get a few fixed wing slots too these days. That wouldn't have interested me at time as I specifically sought out the Army for helicopter flying.
When I went though almost entire classes were getting either Blackhawks or Apaches which invariably left more than a few students upset as it seemed like the two camps were lift or guns. If you don't get what you want try to be happy that you're getting paid to fly and then fully buy in on whatever you're assigned.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2021 10:57 AM

2021-10-28T10:57:28-04:00

My class had the option of 2 Chinooks, 2 Apaches, the rest were Blackhawks. At the time I only wanted Kiowas but they were starting the processing of removing them from the inventory within the next couple years. Ultimately I’m glad I got “stuck” with my current aircraft and it actually worked out better for me in the long run. If you love flying I think you’ll end up loving that airframe as you get more comfortable with it and it’s capabilities, whether it’s an attack or assault platform.