Posted on Aug 16, 2021
Anthony Price
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Is it true that you do not have to have a college degree to be an aviator warrant officer in the U.S. Army?
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Responses: 9
CW3 Chuck Eastman
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True statement. As you progress in rank, they'll encourage you to get a degree to be more competitive for promotion, but it's not required to get the ball rolling. Heck...I finished my degree when I was 39!
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Anthony Price
Anthony Price
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thank you so much for your answer, sir! have searched on so many resources and everywhere in different ways. I’ve been trying to plan my career a bit, and if that’s the case, I’m gonna start up my degree and finish up in the army to be competitive in a future. have a nice one!
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MAJ Byron Oyler
MAJ Byron Oyler
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Anthony Price - Please be mindful how and what degree you obtain. Right now the Army accepts these online degree mills however it is pretty clear the bachelors and graduate degree holders being put out are not the same quality you would expect in the past. A college education brings far more than a subject studied and classes taken, it brings other obstacles and challenges that help a person grow. A good example that comes to mind is closing the bar down at 0230 and being at clinical at 0630 hungover. Took me two times to grow and realize that was stupid.
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
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Yes, In fact at one time, and maybe even now, there was a From High School to flight school slogan.
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SFC Jeremy Boyd
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It is correct that you don't require a college degree to become an Aviation Warrant Officer, but if you are looking to enlist through the WOFT program from the civilian side first, then it would be of great value to you to have at least some college under your belt. To enlist for WOFT you are required to have a high school diploma at minimum, but being non-prior service you will have to attend a WOFT board conducted by your local recruiting Battalion headquarters, and I believe the approval authority if you pass the board is still the office of the Commanding General of USAREC.

There are only so many WOFT slots open to compete for in a given fiscal quarter or year, and there will be far more applicants than slots available. Those who already have college degrees and/or civilian rotary wing flight hours under their belts will be far more competitive than those without. If you do have any college completed already, my advice would be to attempt to at least complete a Certificate of Completion or an Associate Degree first before applying.
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MAJ Membership Database Manager
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Great advice. I was one of those right out of high school 18 years old. Was flying as pilot/aircraft commander in Vietnam at 19. Things have changed now but it can be done.
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Anthony Price
Anthony Price
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thank you very much for your great advice, SFC!
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Is it true that you do not have to have a college degree to be an aviator warrant officer in the U.S. Army?
CW2 Ais Platoon Leader
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Correct. Haven't needed one for a long time.
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WO1 Supply Systems Technician
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yes but there are other requirements that far surpass a degree (depending on MOS).
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MSgt Frank Askins
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When I was at the induction center in 1968, I had signed up for the Air Force. Before we actually took the oath, the Army folks called four of us into a meeting where they encouraged us, 18 year old HS grads, to join the Army instead of the Air Force. Seems they were impressed with out test scores. It sounded like a good deal on the surface because they promised to make each of us a Warrant Officer instead of E-1's and showed us how much more money we would receive each month and also mentioned that those other recruits would have to salute us. The real kicker, they thought, was that they would teach us to fly helicopters. While the offer was tempting, none of us took it for one reason or another. For those who don't know their history, Vietnam was raging during this time and the probable life expectation of a new helicopter pilot in 'Nam were not very good. That had nothing to do with my decision to stay with the Air Force. My decision was based on my oldest brother already being in the Air Force. He was my idol as far back as I can remember and I wanted to be like him.

Ironically, after Vietnam was over I met several SSgt's who were previous W/O's who flew choppers during Vietnam. They were no longer needed as pilots and had been reduced to enlisted grades and given other jobs. In the long run, my Air Force career developed into a very productive career in cyber security with the Federal government. I doubt that would have happened if I had decided to join the Army instead of following my big brother.
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Anthony Price
Anthony Price
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great story!
"follow your dreams and your goals, not someone else’s" - the best advice I've ever get. you can’t bring back the past, but you had a great experience.
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CW2 152 E Apache Pilot
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No college required. But it always helps get selected.
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That is true. Even better is that army flight school might yield college credit later. I was part way though a BS in Aviation Technology when I attended flight school. Army flight school translated to 33 credits (though my university only accepted up to 30 credits from the military) which shaved an entire year off of college. I had to do some leg work to get the university to adhere to their own polices and accept the credits.
SPC Ait Student
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I would go ahead and submit if you’re interested. It may look daunting, but you do not need a college degree. If you are not selected they will send you their suggestions on how you can best improve your packet. Strong test scores, letters of recommendation, and work history can go a long way.
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Anthony Price
Anthony Price
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yes, I’m interested in your point of view and I think I’ll take it. the degree is fine, and I’ll work on it. but give priority to the above because from numerous answers I learned that this would be the best option. thank you for your answer!

p.s. it’s better to be aware of your own mistakes, but if they send it, it’s actually great.
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SPC Ait Student
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Anthony Price I just got picked up this month, so if you have any questions I’m happy to help. This is a great platform as well. Lots of different perspectives.
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