What does it take to become an Army Aviator?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:39:42 -0400

My uncle flew for 40 years and said it was the best decision he ever made. He and I have always had conversations about it, so now I'm just looking for a more up to date outlook on it. So I have a couple questions:

1.) Are you obligated to an Active Duty contract initially, or can you go straight into a Reserve or National Guard unit? I keep reading that there is a service obligation of 6-8 years, but it seems like its not very clear about how much can be Active Duty and/or Reserve/Guard.

2.) Which would be more advantageous in the long run: 15A and be a commissioned officer or 153A and be a warrant officer? Seems as though as a warrant officer you would actually end up flying more than if you were commissioned, but as far as career progression it seems commissioning is better.

3.) What really makes a good competitive packet when you go before a board? Obviously a 300 PT score, the highest GT score and SIFT possible and a boat load of LOR's are ideal. But shy of that, what would make you a good candidate? And on the flip side, is there anything that would disqualify you, other than obvious legal issues? (i.e PT failures, etc.)

I appreciate any advice and constructive feedback

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2020 12:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:44:13 -0400

Question 1: yes there is an obligation, if you are active duty, you fill out a DA61, application for active duty but it’s not a given that you get it.

Question 2: if spoken to 15A’s that wished to fly more and vice versa, it’s really about what you want to do but commissioning means you will have to hold command at some point

3: nobody really knows but those are looked at well and sometimes ignored.

Don’t question your decision and start your packet.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Apr 8 at 2020 12:47 AM

SPC Nancy Greene — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:47:39 -0400

Excellent Questions SPC Daniel Carroll!
I don’t know the requirements or contract commitments for today’s Army.
I went straight RA, contract for OCS & AIRBORNE...however; however injury in Basic precluded me from going OCS & Airborne. Stated Enlisted & then requested Medical discharge after almost completion of original contract. Different Army in 83-87!
Hope you receive appropriate answers... WO would be my choice...

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2020 2:20 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 02:20:10 -0400

Great questions!

1. If you are in active duty at the time you fill out the DA61 form you will stay in the active duty even though you are applying to the Reserves. For you to be a WO or Commissioned Officer in the National Guard or Reserves you’ll have to apply through them.

2. It depends on you. I’m a WO who just want to be an expert at flying. As an Commissioned Officer you have to fly, be a PL, do Staff time, CPT career course, be a commander, etc. I don’t want all that responsibility and stress. As far as promotion rate, there’s 80% plus promotion rate to CW3 and CW4.

3. Have you heard the “total concept Soldier”? I mean, no one really knows what they are looking for. However, are you going the Soldier of the month board? BDE board? Etc. Are you the 9-5 type of guy or are you committed to mission success? What are you doing to set yourself above others? Did you go to BLC yet? Were you in the Commandant’s List? You may not be a fan of boards but it speaks volume of your character, desication, and willingness to reach higher levels of success. If you were a Corporal, I’d suggest the Audie Murphy Board. You could have all of the above and still not be selected, but I would make sure that my packet is as strong as it could be. You don’t have control on somebody else’s packet but yours. Don’t think about anyone else’s packet, just worry about yours and make it as strong as possible. Your packet must be a balanced packet if you don’t have one thing or the other. For example, you have a 250 PT score but a 60 score on your SIFT. You want to balance it as much as you can. Aim as high as you can always.

Wish you the best of lucks should you decide to be a WO or Commissioned Officer.