What is highly sought after when applying to be a 153A?

2020-06-19T16:55:46-04:00

BLUF: I have applied in previous years (2014-2016), only to be met with FQ-NS. My NCOER's excellent, leadership experience, awards, ERB maintained, APFT 270-290, DA Photo perfect, CW5 referrals, error free packet, military schools (1 or more per year), pursuing a degree, and a SIFT score of 43 (possibly the boards deciding factor). What more can I do to exponentially make me competitive?

Currently, I am looking into getting my PPL on a helicopter even if it puts me 14-18K in debt. I am willing to do whatever it takes to become a Warrant Officer (153A), thank you in advance for reading, any guidance is welcomed and much appreciated.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2020 5:36 PM

2020-06-19T17:36:10-04:00

I got selected for 153A during the March 2020 board. My “stats” are similar to yours, I got a 46 on the SIFT(not high either) If you want I can look over your packet and try to find anything. Maybe shoot you some notes/recommendations? Either way, good luck and submit again this fiscal year.

Response by CW2 Theo Bell made Jun 19 at 2020 7:44 PM

2020-06-19T19:44:38-04:00

Have you passed a Class 1 flight physical?

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 19 at 2020 8:03 PM

2020-06-19T20:03:14-04:00

I am going to be blunt, you think you had everything to be selected to include an 'error free packet' and a 'perfect DA photo' however the board did not agree with you. I am in the process of applying to become a nurse practitioner and much like you, have to put a packet together. I could get three O-6 physician recommendations but all that tells me is you are good with three O-6s. I went for variety, one is from a radiologist, one from a nursing supervisor, and one from a large community business owner. Look at your packet again and stop thinking it is perfect. You maybe one helluva NCO but the board only sees what you put down on paper and I see a couple times that you think you were perfect, are you?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2020 9:10 PM

2020-06-19T21:10:48-04:00

I branch transferred from Infantry to Aviation. I was an officer already, but you have to transition through WOC School first. Performance in school and in Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) course will determine choice of aircraft, so don’t get hung up on which aircraft, it’s premature and may show that you’re more concerned about the aircraft than becoming an Aviator. See if you can get a Field Grade Aviation Officer letter of recommendation to add to your packet. Higher ranks won’t hurt. Finally, I got my civilian pilot’s license. Every Commissioned officer that was a branch transfer in my class (Regular Army, not Guard or Reserve) had a pilot’s license. It isn’t necessary that it be a rotary wing license, in fact getting a rotary wing license may or may not be good because it is possible that you would have been taught habits in a civilian helicopter that would be hard to unlearn for Army methods. If you get a fixed wing license, you will learn a few negative habits, but they are something the school is experienced in dealing with. Getting the fixed wing license is much cheaper than a rotary wing license and is more practical in the long run. What they want to see is that you have an aptitude for flight (taking flying lessons will also help with the FAST as well), not necessarily that you have an aptitude to fly helicopters.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2020 9:27 PM

2020-06-19T21:27:22-04:00

Age and TiS could have something to do with it. They’re more willing to invest all that money in someone who might stick around longer than in someone who’s already mid-career and not likely to give them another 15-20.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2020 11:48 PM

2020-06-19T23:48:35-04:00

Brother keep trying and don’t give up

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2020 9:50 AM

2020-06-20T09:50:47-04:00

How much college? Good GPA? I was also selected this past board and didn’t score as high as I would like on the sift. However, my degree was aviation focused and I pretty much had all A’s except one B. Kinda balanced out the sift score. I would say just keep networking and knocking college out.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2020 10:09 PM

2020-06-20T22:09:35-04:00

When I was selected I had the similar stats as you. I was a 19K as well. Anyways, I would like to see your packet if you don’t mind and see if we can improve your summary ir find any discrepancies.

Response by CW4 Danny Cowden made Jun 28 at 2020 8:36 PM

2020-06-28T20:36:20-04:00

Test scores and PT test the biggest factors.

Response by COL Kelly Hines made Jul 22 at 2020 11:30 AM

2020-07-22T11:30:10-04:00

I was the Commandant Of the Warrant Officer College when I retired. A lot of it comes down to the recommendation letter; how well it's written and who/what the CW5 was. Otherwise, from what you say, you are on track. Another help would be having the degree already complete. All that said, I saw a trend of the branch toward getting younger Soldiers assessed in order to get the most out of them on the back side. Idea is debatable but heard it from more than one GO.

Response by MAJ David Stokes made Aug 7 at 2020 7:31 AM

2020-08-07T07:31:35-04:00

KEEP TRYING! At 28, your at the tip of the age group. but don't let anyone tell you NO. There are wavers for EVERYTHING! You just have to get the right people to sign them. I agree with everyone's remarks below (as of this date). Aircraft type should not be a priority at this point, getting excepted into flight school is. BOY, I hate to say this, and in writing too, but - BROWN-NOSE! LOL. less tacky said, "NETWORK" Head to the flight line and start talking to the CW4 and CW5's. Explain to them your desires and "DREAMS". Don't make it a one day thing. You'll have to show them you believe in what you are saying and willing to do the pain for the gain. Go there with some knowledge of aviation with the able to ask sensible questions.
Ok, not to mislead you on that statement. DONT - "So, this is a helicopter? Boy you must have to learn a lot of stuff to fly it."
DO - "When I get to flight school, what was the hardest phase for you? How to you make it through? Would you be willing to show me....."
You'll have to show them you are not a one hit wonder. Gaining their trust will be important. Before they, or any RLO or WO, will write a glowing referral for you, you must show them WHO you are and WHY they should refer you. BLUF - It's their name on the bottom of that page and pretty good chance they know the people who will be reading it. They will be putting their reputation on the line for you!
Once you have master that task, You need some "O" power. Go for O-6 or above. (NETWORK!!!) Once your in with the CW's start dropping hints about "Would it help if the BDE CDR Wrote a letter too? LOL DUH! OF COURSE., but ask! Start dropping the bug in their ear. Ask if you can attend safety and stand meetings (CO, BN, BDE level). GET YOUR FACE SHOWN AND KNOWN! Never hurts to ask to be introduced to the AVN BDE CDR. Having sat on these boards, scores, PT etc. are a fast review, BUT, what the officer corps think of you and your abilities to "MAKE IT" are paramount.
Get your COC to make a statement on your NCOER like "unlimited protentional sent to FS NOW". "Aptitude tp master any system, task or assignment". Use that -1 to relay your goals! Using the COC for "career guidance" is a good way to start the discussion.

OK, if you still have not be accepted into FS by this time. Look at the NG and ARMY RES. These are options but I am WARNING YOU, this is a slippery slope and should ONLY be looked at as the ultimate last resort! FIRST, understand the difference between the two. Next, You STILL have to get approved AND a flight slot. These are VERY hard to get and you definitely have to kiss some MAJOR FOURTH POINT OF CONTACT TO GET IT! Refer to that line I didn't want to put in writing - NETWORK! IF for some reason you choose to go this route, MAKE SURE YOU ARE PUT IN A WO FLIGHT LINE AND PAR #! NOT as a 9999 (Over strength). GET IT IN WRITING! BOTH SIDE WILL S#$%@ YOU IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING! These is another topic.