Posted on Dec 19, 2013
Advice on becoming a Warrant Officer (Aviation Officer)
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I'm interested in a change in career path by applying for the Aviation Warrant Officer program. Can any Chiefs out there render advice? What are the discriminating factors for selection? I will turn 33 in June, if I pass that date, how hard is it to get a waiver?
Posted in these groups: 
Aviation
Warrant Officers
Aviation Warrant Officers
Posted >1 y ago
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Having sat a board for as session last June, you need to have all "T" & "I"s crossed and dotted. Civilian education is a MUST given your age so you can make CW3. A superior APFT and photo with solid NCOERs is paramount because of your age and experience. Contact me if your packet is done for review and input.
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WO1(P) (Join to see)
I was selected this past May 2014 board Sir and will be attending WOCS in Feb 2015. It’s still a surreal feeling and I cannot wait for this new career change. I was very interested in what the board was looking for on the potential candidates that you pointed out. Like you said I focused on my APFT score, NCOER's, and College. I did have a low score on the SIFT which made me worry the most. I had a question about after selection?
As far as you said to make CW3 - what would you suggest focusing on to excel? Like you said, College is a must. I will be completing my B.A. in January 2015 prior to leaving for WOCS and will start working towards my Masters in Human Resources after Flight school. What would you suggest to Track, College (Major), duty stations, aircraft (if I have a choice), and what to focus on once I embark on this new career?
Thanks for any information or guidance.
SSG Neumann
As far as you said to make CW3 - what would you suggest focusing on to excel? Like you said, College is a must. I will be completing my B.A. in January 2015 prior to leaving for WOCS and will start working towards my Masters in Human Resources after Flight school. What would you suggest to Track, College (Major), duty stations, aircraft (if I have a choice), and what to focus on once I embark on this new career?
Thanks for any information or guidance.
SSG Neumann
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CW5 Sam R. Baker
SSG Neumann, or WOJG as you may be referred to upon occasion, the bird (aircraft) doesn't matter and looking ahead to CW3 and the requirements you need to concentrate on are already a push ahead of others as they are merely looking to finish flight school and fly in the real world. What I will tell you is that the college doesn't matter, the degree doesn't matter, the fact you have one and want a graduate degree speaks highly of your motivation and will to do what it takes.
Most get a degree with Embry Riddle thinking it gives them a leg up in aviation, no so much, means nothing on active duty. Get a degree in something that will take your work life to its end on the outside of the military. If flying is that, then fine, but I think more opportunities exist with the course you have mentioned already.
As for a track, none is really more important than the other. What the command, branch and Army need is what matters, filling the gap is where its at for promotion. Taking the challenges and jobs (additional duties) that no one either wants or wishes to do is what gets you ahead of others. Remember that everyone is a pilot in the unit, the ones who go outside that box and Soldier, lead and take care of the mission for the boss no matter what it is go ahead of others. That may mean clearly getting the flu shot, going to the dentist, air assault school or WHATEVER the commander focuses on. Being on time and never late, where and when you are supposed to goes along way too. This may seem trivial, but let me know your observation after you get into a unit and you will clearly see what I am talking about.
Duty stations are important is having variance, don't stead too long in a location. 36 months max and be proactive with your career manager in providing a 10 year plan with options to them.
Just remember a couple of things: Your file and career is yours, up to you, you're responsible and no one else is. That being said, a great DA Photo, ORB and OERs. Stay engaged in current and future trends such as the Profession of Arms and Mission Command systems.
I could go on, but hopefully this answers your questions somewhat WO1(P) (Join to see) .
Most get a degree with Embry Riddle thinking it gives them a leg up in aviation, no so much, means nothing on active duty. Get a degree in something that will take your work life to its end on the outside of the military. If flying is that, then fine, but I think more opportunities exist with the course you have mentioned already.
As for a track, none is really more important than the other. What the command, branch and Army need is what matters, filling the gap is where its at for promotion. Taking the challenges and jobs (additional duties) that no one either wants or wishes to do is what gets you ahead of others. Remember that everyone is a pilot in the unit, the ones who go outside that box and Soldier, lead and take care of the mission for the boss no matter what it is go ahead of others. That may mean clearly getting the flu shot, going to the dentist, air assault school or WHATEVER the commander focuses on. Being on time and never late, where and when you are supposed to goes along way too. This may seem trivial, but let me know your observation after you get into a unit and you will clearly see what I am talking about.
Duty stations are important is having variance, don't stead too long in a location. 36 months max and be proactive with your career manager in providing a 10 year plan with options to them.
Just remember a couple of things: Your file and career is yours, up to you, you're responsible and no one else is. That being said, a great DA Photo, ORB and OERs. Stay engaged in current and future trends such as the Profession of Arms and Mission Command systems.
I could go on, but hopefully this answers your questions somewhat WO1(P) (Join to see) .
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<p>SSG McCulley,<br><br>I hear the age waiver is pretty easy is you already have a FAA pilots license, but I have no idea what kind of hoops you would have to jump through otherwise. If the board convene date is prior to your birthday it won't be a problem. There is actually a 153A board happening in May 2014, and the packet submission deadline is mid March. If you can make it to that board you won't have any issues.<br><br>Discriminating factors? None really. The board only gets to see a select bit of your packet. They see things like your letters of recommendation, the Warrant Resume, ERB, professional certificates and college transcripts, SIFT score sheet and up to 10 years of NCOER evaluations, as well as a DA photo. The rest of the paperwork is only there to qualify your packet before the board actually reads it. They wont see any waivers (if you need them) nor will they even see the results of your flight physical.</p><p> <br></p><p>Most of the qualifying paperwork is stuff like application for appointment, statement of understanding, etc. Its real generic stuff that looks the same for everyone so what the board wants to see is three letters of recommendation that paint an excellent photo of you, a well written resume, and an ERB to back all of it up. A high SIFT score doesn't hurt either. I posted in another thread about the SIFT, if you want to send me a message and I'll get you the link!</p>
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