Posted on Dec 5, 2019
Cadet PVT Squad Member
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I am a current MS1 in Army ROTC at an SMC and I want to fly. I know the Army has the high school to flight school program where you can become a flight warrant officer straight from being a civillian. Warrant Officers seem to get more flying hours than regular Officers. Would it be worth looking into leaving ROTC and going to WOFT. I do not have a scholarship and I am not contracted. I do not hate my life at the SMC I just really want to fly Army. Thanks in advance for your advice, all comments are appreciated.
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Responses: 11
MAJ Keith FitzPatrick, CPIM, CSCP
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Well, there is a gamble involved. If you finish ROTC and don’t get accepted to Aviation Branch or you don’t pass flight school, at least you have a bachelors degree and you’re still an officer.

If you go warrant and fail flight school, you’ll be an enlisted guy filling a “needs of the Army’” slot without a bachelors degree.

Serving as an enlisted solder can be fun - I had a blast - but the pay is low and all the trash details suck.
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LT Brad McInnis
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I wanted to fly as well. I grew up on Top Gun (don't judge). I went to a high school that trained us as private pilots. Had my PPL when I left school. Ended up driving ships for the Navy. Had an absolute blast and never looked back, never had regrets. My point is, there are many different paths. Go for your dreams, but realize that where ever you end up can be the best place if you let it.
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LTC Eugene Chu
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Before making any hasty decisions, consider a few factors. While you may have intense desire to fly, you also need to have robust profile for consideration.

1. Medical qualification. You must meet health standard, especially eyesight, in order to go into aviation. While many serve in uniform, some are not eligible based on specific deficiencies.

2. Physical fitness. Most uniformed personnel must be able to pass ACFT including pilots. You need to have strong score to be considered competitive

3. Mental qualification. You must have strong ASVAB score with particular focus on GT sub-score. Although some can do well on exam without college, you will be considered weak if numbers are not competitive.

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/advance-your-career/warrant-officer/flight-warrant-officers.html
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