Posted on Nov 18, 2021
What can we expect when transitioning from AD Air Force to become an Army WO Pilot?
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My husband, AD SrA, is interested in applying for WO Army. I’m active duty AF and have four years left in my contract. I would appreciate some guidance on what to expect from both ends. Like will he need to go through basic again, but for the Army? Then after that would he go to WOCS? How does the flight school work, is it still in Mobil? The 12-18 Month flight training, is that at a duty location or is it still with the Flight school, like after the 6 week course? I know a recruiter can answer these questions but I really don’t want any sugar coating or misinterpreted explanations. Our current base doesn’t have any WO so we really don’t have anyone to talk to about all this. I would appreciate any guidance having anything to do with transferring to WO. TIA.
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 6
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/continue-serving/transitioning-services/inter-service-transfer-program.html
He's going to have to go talk to a recruiter ultimately and a retention NCO or equivalent if you have in the Air Force. I don't think it's a very simple or quick process just trying to do an inter-service transfer to start with.
He's going to have to go talk to a recruiter ultimately and a retention NCO or equivalent if you have in the Air Force. I don't think it's a very simple or quick process just trying to do an inter-service transfer to start with.
Inter-Service Transfer Program
Transfer from other military branches into the Army and continue your military career using the Operation Blue to Green program.
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SSG Dave Johnston
Hazing for about a month or two... Won't be as bad as it was in decades gone by but still,,, expect it...
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SFC Kelly Fuerhoff
SSG Dave Johnston - I wasn't talking about WOCS. They have to get through the inter-service transfer part first.
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He will not have to go through basic training as AD AF transfer. The United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) is located at Fort Rucker, Alabama. It will be a full PCS. After being accepted, he would attend WOCS, WOBC-A, SERE, Common Core (training airframe), Advanced Airframe, WOBC-B and possible the ALSE course, all at Fort Rucker. Flight school is as equally rewarding as it is difficult. It will not be uncommon if his schedule runs from 0400-2200hrs throughout the four or five months of common core alone. Without any administrative, academic or physical setbacks, he would be looking at a timeline of around 18-24 months. He should understand that there is a 10 year ADSO on completion of flight school, essentially making this a 12 year contract. I cannot speak for the inter-service transfer process.
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Flight school is at Fort Rucker as well as WOCS. He will attend WOCS and then move right into the Flight training status. Sometimes there are delays in training so there may be a holdover status until flight school starts but generally, 14 to 18 months for training while at Fort Rucker. Then you go to your unit and get specific mission training for that mission set in the operating area.
I had Navy and AF guys in my WOCS class, they didn't have to attend basic again so I'm pretty sure that will be the case. They will take into consideration that you are AF and try to send him to a base where you are of close to it but since he's going to be new to the "game" it might not be possible at first, then after the first duty station they can get it closer. If they can't get you guys close together I'd suggest he do a one year tour overseas like Korea or Honduras with assignment closer to you upon completion. They used to do that type of request but I retired in 2018. Things change quickly.
The guys and their families who were other services liked the job and being able to fly helicopters but the living conditions may be less than what you have experienced thus far. It's a great lifestyle though so good luck!
I had Navy and AF guys in my WOCS class, they didn't have to attend basic again so I'm pretty sure that will be the case. They will take into consideration that you are AF and try to send him to a base where you are of close to it but since he's going to be new to the "game" it might not be possible at first, then after the first duty station they can get it closer. If they can't get you guys close together I'd suggest he do a one year tour overseas like Korea or Honduras with assignment closer to you upon completion. They used to do that type of request but I retired in 2018. Things change quickly.
The guys and their families who were other services liked the job and being able to fly helicopters but the living conditions may be less than what you have experienced thus far. It's a great lifestyle though so good luck!
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