What is the process for going active from the National Guard? Can I apply for a pilot slot being a 68W (medic)?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 12:23:50 -0400

Hey guys, I have a few questions here. I'm hoping to get some answers about possible paths within the Guard for me. My recruiter is being a little sketchy and not providing any solid answers so I thought to try here.

My story: I'm a few years out of college with a bachelor's degree (Biology). 99 ASVAB. However, I have a few legal infractions - 1 alcohol summons for which I paid a fine, and 1 marijuana infraction which was dismissed outright. Due to these infractions, I was told by National Guard recruiters (also Navy officer recruiter) that I should go enlisted first and then I'd be able to do OCS after about a year in, which is what I'm doing.

I already enlisted as 68W (medic) and will be going to bootcamp in a few months. However, I have a few questions:

After going through basic and advanced training, I'm thinking I would like to go on an active duty assignment (6 months - 1 year). My recruiter told me this process is simple and that there's different assignments at different bases around the world - that I'd be able to apply to the opening I'm interested in, however he doesn't really go into any detail, which is making me wary. My question is how likely would I be to get such an assignment coming out of training and how would this process look?

Another thing is I'm very interested in becoming a pilot. It's always been a dream for me. After going through training and 1-2 years experience, would I be able to apply to OCS for a pilot slot (with no flying experience)? Or to apply for a warrant officer pilot slot? If so, what are my possibilities/chances here?

Hopefully you guys can help here, as it's hard to get concrete answers anywhere.

Thank you!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2018 1:05 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 13:05:29 -0400

You would either have to live out your current contract with the Guard, or get a conditional release. As far as being a pilot, you can let your recruiter know that you want to submit to be a Warrant Officer Helicopter pilot. As far as your qualifications are concerned, you can either dig into the AR 201-610, or email a cyber recruiter at goarmy.com.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 7 at 2018 1:14 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 13:14:02 -0400

OK, where to start. Going on Active Duty after completion of training. OK, yes there are assignments for short periods of active duty in the Guard, but it depends on your state and you MOS. It really isn't as simple as the recruiter made out, but yes you can do it. Been a while since I was in the Guard, but that information generally comes from your units S1 section, which is the Administrative section.
The first problem you are going to have with either OCS or WO Flight School is that both require a 110 GT score on the ASVAB. You can retake the test and it's possible to get a waiver if you are close for OCS, I have never personally seen it done, but WO Flight School is pretty competitive and without top credentials, your chances aren't good.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Jun 7 at 2018 1:19 PM

SGT Eric Davis — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 13:19:22 -0400

Get through basic and AIT 1st then worry about the next process. You can go from guard to active but it depends on your state if they release you. If you can when you complete AIT find a unit deploying or need soldier for a tour!

Response by SSG Quince Kreb made Jun 7 at 2018 2:39 PM

SSG Quince Kreb — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 14:39:48 -0400

Hi there,

With your alcohol and drug legal issues, it may be a problem getting a Secret Security Clearance for Aviation, especially as a pilot.

By going National Guard first, you will have a contract with them for whatever number of years you signed up for. It's challenging to leave the Reserve or National Guard, no matter what those recruiters say. Remember, they will tell you whatever they need to to get you to sign a contract... even lying to you. It has to be on your contract.

It is easier to go to Flight School in the National Guard than what it is from Active Duty, whether it's by way of a Warrant Officer or Commissioned Officer.

I'm retired Army Aviation with 24+ as a mechanic, crew chief and door gunner on UH 60 Black Hawks. I was in regular aviation units, but spent more than 50% of my time in Medical Evacuation... Dustoff.

Many of the my team members that I was a supervisor of wanted to go to Flight School were able to within 2-3 years. You could try to get into a Medical Evacuation unit to get accepted into the Flight Medic career path.

I hope this helps you out.

Quince

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2018 4:54 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 16:54:43 -0400

"After going through basic and advanced training, I'm thinking I would like to go on an active duty assignment (6 months - 1 year). My recruiter told me this process is simple and that there's different assignments at different bases around the world - that I'd be able to apply to the opening I'm interested in, however he doesn't really go into any detail, which is making me wary. My question is how likely would I be to get such an assignment coming out of training and how would this process look?"

Yea...that won't happen right when you get out of AIT. The state sent you to school to fill a slot within a unit, not immediately bounce and go do some active tour with a unit you have nothing to do with. He is right, it (technically) is simple and there is a ton of assignments all around the world. But graduating AIT and trying to get on one immediately is going to make your unit mad, all the way up to brigade. Plus you have to get a commander's release, which, without that, you really can't even begin to apply for them.

The process is lengthy, simple, but lengthy. It's stacks of paperwork, lots of submitting up and down the chain, and lots of corrections and resubmitting.

Again, I highly doubt that any sensible unit would allow their brand new solider to show up and take off on some assignment with someone else, after the state just spent a gob of money getting you trained up to fill a slot THEY needed filled.

Don't hedge your bets on this happening. Get a few years and some rank then go.

Voluntary mobilizations are a different thing all together...

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2018 1:21 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 01:21:01 -0400

Your recruiter is full of it about assignments. Also not sure about your 99 on the ASVAB. Both 68W and becoming a pilot you will need a GT of 110. Best of luck!!!