Posted on May 28, 2020
PFC Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
8.59K
7
5
0
0
0
I just completed the sift today, got a 42 which is by no means great, but I have prior experience flying fixed wing aircrafts, records of those flight hours and a foreign private pilot's license. I haven't been much time in the army (AD 68W), would have more of a chance going for reserves or NG, rather than active?
Avatar feed
Responses: 4
WO1 Chemical Operations Specialist
2
2
0
I believe previous flight experience is obviously a positive. However, the question you have to ask yourself..is that enough to prove to the board you are worthy of the ARMY investing ALOT of money into you and your career in the next 6-10 years. Also, you have to remember there are 15 series soldiers (your competition) that fly around for their day job, have flight experience, etc. and are non-select. So I agree with the previous replies from the other people that you should continue working on your packet for the future but obviously continue Improving in your enlisted career (which is one of the hardest parts....excelling in what you have to do versus what you want to do).

On a positive note I have worked with commissioned officers that got into flight school with a 42 SIFT score which emphasizes its not based on one thing but a whole person concept. Also, considering you are a medic I would go ahead ASAP and ensure you are medically qualified before you keep investing your time into a “possible” career field.
(2)
Comment
(0)
WO1 Chemical Operations Specialist
WO1 (Join to see)
>1 y
Another note: I actually had the opportunity to sit down and speak with the aviation branch chief so the advice isn’t really mine just relaying the information.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Intelligence Analyst
2
2
0
Your previous flight experience does not effect or improve your chances of selection. The board is looking for leadership potential and the potential to succeed. You are correct, a 42 is not great, but a 40 is passing. Nobody can tell you what you are going to have a better shot at. If you are new to the Army, you are going to have one hell of a time completing a packet which requires letters of recommendation for senior leaders and warrant officers. I would suggest getting more experience in the army and proving your potential to your leaders first.
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
CW2 UH-60M Pilot
1
1
0
I agree with the answers. You have a low score. You need to compensate in other areas. You need to show the board that you are a future leader. How do you do that? By going to the Soldier of the month board( and winning of course). Some may say that your prior aviation knowledge may not help, I disagree. The Army picks up guys from high school with much less experience than you. So continue pushing forward. Download all documents, have a digital and hard copy. Make a binder for the hard copies. Get everything you can by yourself done. The last things you should need should be the LORs. When you talk to your company commnader, show him that binder that should be 85-90% done. He/she will know you mean business. There will be 1000 things that’ll be priority at your job. But on the weekends and off time, GET IT DONE. No one else will get it done for you. Best of lucks!
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close