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ChiefRev posted an update
Hello BogiDope community. My name is Kennedy. I am a Warrant Officer in the Army, flying AH-64 Apaches. Within the last couple of months, I have been considering submitting a packet for either the Air Force or Navy to go to OCS and fly for either of these branches. I keep receiving common reactions that I am nuts for wanting to leave the Army and the Warrant Officer community. I want to state on the record that I truly do enjoy flying Apaches and that I really enjoy being a Warrant Officer. The issue that myself and the rest of the Army Aviation community is running into is our employer. If the Army can find a way to ruin something that is awesome, well then they have achieved that.
My questions to the community. Is the grass greener in the Navy or Air Force? Is it worth taking the leap? Is it even realistic and possible for me to transfer? Air Force Officer recruiters make it sound impossible. “GPA needs to be at least a 3.7.” “Good luck getting through MEPS.” Also, I learned that if I submitted a packet for the Air Force, they send your packet to the board within the civilian pool. They do not place you next to other active duty SM. I’m not sure if this is good or bad.
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Hey Rev, it’s awesome to hear you fly Apaches! Those are some impressive machines. Mind if I ask if you’re standard or Air Cav?
Don’t worry you’re not alone in your problem. Recruiters seem notoriously difficult to work with and a lot of people tend to get railroaded and pidgeon-holed. I definitely can say they’re making it sound hard. Once upon a time I inquired about active duty through OCS and they said they wouldn’t look at any civilian with under 500 hours; most everyone I talked to since (including USAF pilots) say that that sounds bogus. I know that USAF OCS has an average overall GPA of like 3.8 but pilots specifically seem to have been a deal lower. I can’t say it for certain so take it with some salt but that’s what I remember. I do know the Navy’s OCS isn’t as bad; I know a lot of people got selected for pilot with sub 3.0 GPAs, others got selected with good grades but zero flight time. Of course they can all turn out fine but the main thing is it varies. I’d figure you’d have a great shot being already military and flying.
I also understand that the people can cause a job to be sour. Certainly the tale of many career fields. I’m sorry but not being in myself I’m not at all qualified to say how green the grass is. I do know that USAF pilots tend to have a lot more restrictions and bureau paperwork placed on them, not so much the Navy. Was a case of being told ‘what you can do vs what you can not do’ as I’ve been told. Different cultures and circumstances for operations.
Wish I could’ve been more help. Will definitely say to you to keep going and not be discouraged. People are definitely going to make things sound impossible and throw things in your way but it’s nothing they haven’t done before. Godspeed.
-Cameron
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