Posted on Oct 9, 2018
What are my options to enter active duty Army aviation as an ARNG 2LT?
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Army National Guard has treated me pretty well for six years, so I've decided that I want to make a full-time career out of the military. Specifically, I'm aiming for Army aviation. But so far, I haven't had much success looking for answers. Particularly I'm wondering what my path from the ordnance corps to aviation would be. Is a second BOLC an option? Would it have to be Captain's Career Course? Does CCC even take LT's that haven't done flight school yet? Could I get such a transfer guaranteed in writing before going active, or would it be a "needs of the Army" gamble?
I'm also trying to contrast all of this with Marine aviation. Marines claim to be the only branch that can guarantee an aviation slot in writing...so far, it seems that way. I'd rather stay Army, but if Army can't guarantee me anything...
Other items of note: I've already done my flight physical and the SIFT test, all greens. I've been in six years, and it's been two since I finished OCS, so I'm pretty sure my service obligation to the Guard is up.
I'm also trying to contrast all of this with Marine aviation. Marines claim to be the only branch that can guarantee an aviation slot in writing...so far, it seems that way. I'd rather stay Army, but if Army can't guarantee me anything...
Other items of note: I've already done my flight physical and the SIFT test, all greens. I've been in six years, and it's been two since I finished OCS, so I'm pretty sure my service obligation to the Guard is up.
Aviation
15A: Aviation Officer
HRC
Fort Novosel
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 7
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Kerby,
I am a Guard 15A currently at flight school. I highly recommend staying with the National Guard and pursuing aviation. Compared to the active duty side, getting a flight spot in the guard is a fairly smooth process, especially that you have already taken the SIFT and done your physical. Here are some options I see for you:
1. As a LT pre CCC you can keep your commission and branch transfer into aviation (if accepted by your NG state). For example, in my class we have a 1LT who is pre CCC and a branch transfer from the Infantry. We also have several Captains attending flight school who are also pre CCC. Timing is the key. The longer you wait to get accepted the more trouble you could get yourself into. Your State Army Aviation Officer (SAAO) would be the POC for this. With regards to BOLC, you will be a BOLC bypass since you already graduated the ordnance course, but you will still attend SERE-C prior to starting Common Core (the first part of flight school).
2. Have you considered applying for aviation as a Warrant. Again, I can't speak for the AD side, but in my experience with the NG it is fairly common for O-1s to O-3s to revert to W1/CW2. My friend and I went to the board together (she was already a 2LT MP and I was still a ROTC cadet) and she was accepted and offered to revert to W1 to expedite her process of getting down to flight school. I suggest contacting your state's aviation office about that process.
If this is something you truly want, I would be in contact everyday with your SAAO inquiring about the branch transfer process or the option of reverting to W1. My state usually holds 4 interview boards a fiscal year, so the next one may be coming up for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me.
Good luck,
Luke
I am a Guard 15A currently at flight school. I highly recommend staying with the National Guard and pursuing aviation. Compared to the active duty side, getting a flight spot in the guard is a fairly smooth process, especially that you have already taken the SIFT and done your physical. Here are some options I see for you:
1. As a LT pre CCC you can keep your commission and branch transfer into aviation (if accepted by your NG state). For example, in my class we have a 1LT who is pre CCC and a branch transfer from the Infantry. We also have several Captains attending flight school who are also pre CCC. Timing is the key. The longer you wait to get accepted the more trouble you could get yourself into. Your State Army Aviation Officer (SAAO) would be the POC for this. With regards to BOLC, you will be a BOLC bypass since you already graduated the ordnance course, but you will still attend SERE-C prior to starting Common Core (the first part of flight school).
2. Have you considered applying for aviation as a Warrant. Again, I can't speak for the AD side, but in my experience with the NG it is fairly common for O-1s to O-3s to revert to W1/CW2. My friend and I went to the board together (she was already a 2LT MP and I was still a ROTC cadet) and she was accepted and offered to revert to W1 to expedite her process of getting down to flight school. I suggest contacting your state's aviation office about that process.
If this is something you truly want, I would be in contact everyday with your SAAO inquiring about the branch transfer process or the option of reverting to W1. My state usually holds 4 interview boards a fiscal year, so the next one may be coming up for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me.
Good luck,
Luke
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2LT (Join to see)
Lucas,
I sincerely appreciate the advice! However, I want to make military my full time career. I'm done trying to balance a civilian life with a military life.
I sincerely appreciate the advice! However, I want to make military my full time career. I'm done trying to balance a civilian life with a military life.
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Every branch except the army guarantees flight spots before you go to OCS or OTS in the AFs case
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