What are the pros and cons of CWO Flight School or Green to Gold?

2021-07-28T20:59:54-04:00

As a recently transferred marine from the closing of tanks in the corps to the army tank community
I find myself wanting a bit more
Ive been considering going to the CWO Flight program or going green to gold, as a solider with currently no college experience im at a halt on what to do next with my career. Is there anyone who has experience with either of these programs to help me make the right decision

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2021 10:40 PM

2021-07-28T22:40:24-04:00

If you can qualify, go fly. The WO flight program is excellent.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2021 1:46 AM

2021-07-29T01:46:00-04:00

You'll need a 110 GT to start for both of them, as well as being a US citizen and having a secret clearance.

If you want info about G2G go to your post education center and sit in their G2G brief with a G2G recruiter. There are several G2G programs and you'll just get confused trying to read about it before you get a brief.

If you want to fly, go to your local Special Operations Recruiting Battalion where you'll also find the Warrant Officer recruiter who will give you a brief about becoming a Warrant officer

FYI you will incur an 8-10 year ADSO depending on what you do. As an officer you have two looks at each rank to get promoted. If you fail to meet those promotion gates you will be separated from active duty, possibly missing out on an active duty retirement

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2021 10:35 AM

2021-07-29T10:35:00-04:00

Warrant = you get to fly which is pretty cool
Officer = you do a lot of PowerPoints and briefings (but with higher pay)

I kid of course but the career paths are very different. My advice would be for you to really explore how you want your future to look. Loosely put, Commissioned Officers are like business execs who deal with reports and planning whereas Warrant Officers are technical experts that tend to be more hands on with whatever it is they specialize in. In this case if you intend to fly for the remainder of your career perhaps Warrant is the way to go.

I was prior enlisted and went the Commissioned Officer route. I will admit I do often miss 'getting my hands dirty' and being involved with Joes and equipment, but I also have seen the value of gaining experience in a executive type role. It certainly has helped me in my civilian role so there is that. Either way I don't think you can go wrong.

Best of luck to you and make the most of the opportunities out there.

Response by CW3 Chuck Eastman made Jul 29 at 2021 10:35 AM

2021-07-29T10:35:19-04:00

If flying is your passion, then definitely go the WOFT route. If getting higher education and flying for a bit, then getting pulled away for staff duties (but getting more education along the way), Green to Gold is a good way to go.

I know several pilots that were commissioned officers, then reverted to become warrant officers because flying was what they really wanted. On the other hand, I only know of one warrant that became a commissioned officer (another option you can explore later).

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 29 at 2021 3:17 PM

2021-07-29T15:17:09-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member a key question is "do you want to fly"? If you sincerely believe flying helicopters for the Army will fulfill a life goal for you, then you should apply to be a flight warrant officer. From what I see on RP, the application process itself takes time, dedication, and patience. If you are accepted, then you'll need to get through the WOC program and flight school. These programs are designed to both teach you what you need to know to be an effective and safe Army Aviator and to eliminate candidates who can't meet that goal. The Army web page spells out the requirements to enter the flight warrant program. Fortunately for you, a college degree is not required. If you meet the other requirements, the I say talk with your chain of command. If they will support your application, then apply.