What are your biggest question’s about Army Aviation?

[Alert_1]

Any recommendations on how to get in touch with CW3s for LORs? I just recently got out after 7 years in the Army (3 enlisted in the infantry and 4 as a tank officer) but quickly realized that I want back in, only this time I’m dead set on flying. The recruiter basically said he can hook me up with a SIFT and flight physical, I just need the LORs. Thoughts?

[Cherub]

I can absolutely link you up with some folks. Book me for a session and I can get you some connects bro.

[Alert_1]

Awesome! After looking over your profile, I see that you’re a pilot for the Michigan Army National Guard. I did my enlisted time there out of the Detroit Light Guard Armory. If I can get back into the Michigan Guard as a pilot that would bring me back home, which is what I’m looking for.

[Cherub]

Hell yea man. I can definitely help you start the process.

[Colin]

Is it true that the National Guard is willing to process vision waivers?

I was in the process for applying to the Army Reserve but, upon learning my vision (2.00 ish) would be out of regulation with the army’s 1.50 myopia requirement, I was told it was not waiverable and would need LASIK/PRK.

Flash forward 6 months, I’ve been talking with a National Guard recruiter (North Carolina) who mentioned they are in need of pilots and that the vision requirement was waiverable for them. Any insight into the veracity of this? Would be great if this opens up the door to Army Aviation.

[rmautino]

It will vary by the unit and the timing. Any reason for not wanting to get LASIK/PRK in order to have your vision corrected to the requirements? Your life could depend on it, visuals cues can be incredibly subtle under NVGs flying terrain flight on a low illum night.

[Colin]

Thanks for the reply! To clarify, my corrected vision is 20/20. The surgery is not risk free and my eyes are otherwise healthy. My eyes pass the AF uncorrected standards, so, aside from being unnecessary for the AF, it would set me back 6 months and another medical check which is dicey since I am already 32 and have active AF opportunities in the pipe. My end goal is to fly an airframe for the military, but I would also like to eventually fly on the civilian side and already have a Class I. I was delighted to hear it is potentially waiverable for the Guard. I would ultimately get surgery if I was guaranteed a contract, however, the sequence is reversed and the risk of surgery for me is too great for only a potential opportunity.