Should I enlist into the Army or apply to WOFT?

Stephen Hardy — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 11:43:24 -0500

I'm currently finishing up my AA degree and having a hard time of deciding whether or not I should enlist into the Army or apply to WOFT. I was going to flight school, but had to stop do to the expenses of college and flight school. Whenever I have been to the recruiters they say to go ahead and enlist into an aviation unit, then go off to WOFT. I just want to make sure which way would be best. I want to fly more than anything. Thank you in advance.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 11:47 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 11:47:20 -0500

If you want to fly, WOFT. You can always put in your packet later but why if you want to fly.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 11:47 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 11:47:39 -0500

I will never understand why recruiters or anyone says to enlist first and then go Warrant. This irritates me to no end. Save yourself the heartache and wasted time and just go Street to seat. Find yourself a recruiter willing to put in the time to get your packet together. If the recruiter tells you to go enlisted first, kick them to the curb. I did gain a lot of experience doing the enlisted route first, but honestly, I wish I would have gone warrant sooner.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Feb 15 at 2020 11:49 AM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 11:49:21 -0500

The best way is what you want. If you enlist first it will give you some Army experience. If you go WOFT you will have adapt to the Army fast. I saw WOFT candidates struggling during WOCS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 12:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 12:31:33 -0500

Do what you want to do. If you want to learn how to fix helicopters before flying them, then do that. If you want to shoot guns and jump out of planes first, then do that. If you want to be a crew chief or flight paramedic in the back of the bird, then do that first.
But if you only want to fly, then apply to that. One isn't better than another.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 1:46 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 13:46:48 -0500

You should absolutely 100% finish your AA before doing either. Your AA will carry a lot of weight within the military.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 4:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 16:12:31 -0500

WOFT

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Feb 15 at 2020 8:22 PM

SPC Richard Zacke — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 20:22:26 -0500

I loved the Army so I would tell you Army from my heart...but were talking about your heart and your passion for flying sounds strong but I think you need to talk to a different recruiter. Your AA is gonna help you pick your flight school. Follow your dreams or you will regret it possibly the rest of your life. Don't let anyone talk you into anything you don't want. Good luck Stephen Hardy .

Response by MAJ Tom Harper made Feb 16 at 2020 2:33 PM

MAJ Tom Harper — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 14:33:36 -0500

As a shavetail I recommend getting some enlisted time first, but not 9 years like I did. Pick an MOS you really want, hopefully aviation related, and with an AA degree you will get it. Then once you are comfortable in your MOS put in for WOFT. The enlisted time will give you a better understanding of soldiers and really help you further along in your career.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2020 10:13 AM

Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 10:13:59 -0500

IMO most recruiters will probably tell you that. WOFT packets are a lot of time and work and they have a lot of people who ask about it. Prove you’re willing to put in the work and that you’re worth their time and they’ll be more likely to help you. Also, if you don’t like the recruiter, find another one. One current WO1 Flight Warrant and I (submitting next week) both got lucky and had recruiters who have been in for awhile and haven’t ever put a WOFT guy in, so they were willing to work for it to have “a feather in their cap”. Plus some of the older recruiters don’t have anything to prove anymore, so they’re willing to branch out. Just my experience, take it with a grain of salt as a fellow civi. But know for a fact that, metaphorically, everyone wants to show up and fly.

Response by Michael Enderle made Oct 21 at 2020 2:56 AM

Michael Enderle — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 02:56:57 -0400

What did you end up doing?

I have a PPL and unrelated Associate degree, debating enlisting or WOFT. Part of me just wants to be around aircraft though. 28 so I need to get going though. Love to hear a follow up.