What is the best route to become a Warrant Officer and AH-64 Apache in the Army?

Hunter Maier — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 21:06:18 -0500

I’m 16 years old and desperately want to become a Warrant Officer in the Army, I’ve been looking around for the best ways to do it and have found some pretty good info. Honestly, I don’t care much about getting paid a tremendous amount, I just want to serve my country and enjoy what I do at the same time. Ever since I was a little kid I’ve wanted to fly an AH-64 Apache and I’m wanting to know the best route to do so. Also is it possible to go through training to become a warrant officer and enlist when you’re just 17 years old.

Thanks for the feedback

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 9:11 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 21:11:21 -0500

I enlisted when I was 17, my dad had to sign a consent form. As far as becoming a warrant officer, from what I know, warrant officers are the experts of their field. This means that they had to have years of experience already working in whatever field it is. Once you as an NCO have so much time in service, you can submit a packet to go to WOCS. I believe you have to have at least a 110 gt score on your asvab and of course you'll need to support of your command.

Response by TSgt Terry Hudson made Jan 29 at 2019 9:20 PM

TSgt Terry Hudson — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 21:20:49 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member you’re almost correct. Since he want to fly he doesn’t need to enlist first. He can go from high school to flight school. Hunter Maier I think you have wait until you graduate. The age requirement for WO is 18 with a GED or High School Diploma. Also you have to take the SIFT. To do do get in touch with an WO recruiter they have a website with people for you to get in contact with.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jan 29 at 2019 9:21 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 21:21:39 -0500

My 2 cents: focus on on school and your grades. You could then apply for the “High School to Flight School” program which is very competitive: hence school focus. Contact your recruiter for further details.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 9:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 21:31:32 -0500

good luck, great advice here. Also, I think you'll find the pay quite fair.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jan 29 at 2019 9:37 PM

LTC John Mohor — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 21:37:07 -0500

Hunter I strongly recommend you keep doing your absolute best in school. It wouldn’t hurt you to try and find out where an aviation unit might be located near you (probably in the Guard or possibly reserves). Does your high school have a JROTC program? Or Civil Air Patrol. Becoming familiar with drill and ceremonies, rank structure and military organization regardless of organization certainly can’t hurt you. Good luck in your endeavors.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 9:54 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 21:54:09 -0500

I wish I had known what warrant officers really were when I signed up! My recruiter talked me out of WO and convinced me to enlist.
Granted, I've made a brilliant career and have gained a lot of experience but I'm still a little resentful.
As a potential recruit you have all the power. Explain to your recruiter that 153A is the MOS you want and that's it. Don't let them tell you you have to enlist first and apply later in your career, you don't.
If you haven't taken the ASVAB start studying. There are several practice tests online. You need a 110 GT score to apply. If you don't get it the first time, try again. Once you get that Google SIFT practice test, and start studying. The better your score the better your chances of being excepted.
If your recruiter isn't working to get you want you want, find a new recruiter! Don't give up on your dream!
Also, start running!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 10:30 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 22:30:34 -0500

Hunter Maier You have to be 18 years old for the program that you want. Below are the requirements that you can study. In the meantime, finish out high school with your best effort. Please keep us posted.

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/advance-your-career/warrant-officer/flight-warrant-officers.html

Flight Warrant Officers

If you have dreamed of becoming a helicopter or fixed-wing pilot, the Army can help you turn that dream into a reality. Warrant Officers fly some of the most exciting, technologically advanced aircraft in the world.

Response by Sgt Van Livingston made Jan 30 at 2019 8:45 AM

Sgt Van Livingston — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 08:45:00 -0500

Unless it has changed, when I was in you had to be a PFC (e3) to apply for warrant officer. The old joke among officers was that a wo was a pfc with a club card.

Response by SSG Darrell Peters made Mar 1 at 2021 12:38 PM

SSG Darrell Peters — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 12:38:29 -0500

I highly recommend at least two years of college in a technical field. Aviation Mechanics or Aircraft Frame Mechanic. Some Colleges like Eastern Kentucky University have an Aviation program. Warrant officers are experts in their field. You need to specialize in an area that interests you. If you enlist at 18 straight out of High School it is a safe bet you will not see Warrant Officer School until you are 21 even then it would be iffy without at least two years of college or vocational school in a technical field. Education will increase your chances of getting to warrant officer school.