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.

[Dougg]

I am interested in learning more about the Army Guard. I am an Air Guard officer (CSO) looking to be a pilot and want to learn more about flying in the Army Guard. I do not anything about the process.

[Pavan]

Is Reserve Army Pilot going away? and is active duty the only way to be a pilot in the Army?

• This reply was modified 3 days, 18 hours ago by  Pavan.

[kevin-andreani]

Yes, Reserve aviation pilot slots are gone since the reserves will be losing their aviation assets. However, AD is not the only option, the National Guard is still an option and the best one (in my opinion). All the Reserve guys I know are contacting different states to get in with them.

[cody-gomora]

How competitive are National Guard helo spots? I’m currently applying to air guard fixed wing slots, but I would be just as happy (possibly happier) with a helo slot…

What does the process look like? Is it more traditional in the way that you use a recruiter to join? Also what are the risks? Can you join to fly helos then get told you’re going infantry instead?

Another big downside I see joining the army national guard is that I would be going in as a warrant rather than a fully commissioned officer. Can you explain the difference between the two? I have a bachelors degree and would like to get the most out of it…

I appreciate any advice you have! Sorry to throw a bunch of questions at you.

[kevin-andreani]

Competitiveness will vary by state and most states want prior service, only a few will take civilian applicants (street to seat). You can PM me if you want and I can answer all your other questions. I’m a Warrant Officer and I had my flight ratings and a degree and I don’t regret it at all. With the National Guard you get a guaranteed pilot slot and will know your airframe regardless if you’re a warrant or LT. If you go active duty commissioned officer then you will have to compete for an aviation slot, again I recommend National Guard.