Any advice for going to airfield for LOR?

2022-11-22T23:43:32-05:00

Plan on going to an airfield to seek out so CW4/5 for LOR to add to my S2S packet. I’ve got solid test scores (93 ASVAB 71 SIFT), a year of college, and a couple of letters already. Any advice is appreciated!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Nov 23 at 2022 8:59 AM

2022-11-23T08:59:56-05:00

I would first seek out an officer or senior NCO in the unit that may know someone you can speak to for reference. There Federal to the person you seek, will go further than you saying how great you are.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Nov 23 at 2022 9:07 AM

2022-11-23T09:07:38-05:00

Forgive me, I missed the recruit. How do you profess to get on the airfield, unless you know someone who knows someone. Anyway not the way it usually works out. If you want to try, and have access.

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 23 at 2022 2:31 PM

2022-11-23T14:31:04-05:00

Agree with CSM Darieus ZaGara - You have a number of hurdles in front of you...

1) How exactly are you getting on the airfield (and by this, I assume you mean going to flight operations)? They are restricted access, so they aren't just going to let you on "because you want to speak with someone".
2) Assuming you did get access and/or were able to stalk a CW4/5 when they left the airfield, they might be willing to give you the time of day, but getting a LOR from a cold-call meeting ... unlikely. You'll likely have to develop a relationship and prove your worth for them to take the time and give you a LOR.

If there were any WOs that are associated with the SIFT when you took it (mentors, proctors, etc.) start with them. If not, talk with the recruiter that arranged the ASVAB and SIFT for you. They already know you and might be able to do the in-between introduction for you.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2022 9:47 AM

2022-11-24T09:47:10-05:00

I've gotta say I disagree with some of what has been said, and this is just my opinion:

I would say cold-calling is definately not something you want to do because chances are you don't appreciate cold calling yourself; however, its very easy to find a NG unit near you and speak to someone; and ask if you can talk to them (a pilot preferrably) like you would a recruiter about what the job entails. That could potentially get your foot in the door so you can start to build a relationship with someone and eventually ask for their recommendation. This may also be a way you could see the flightline and experience the day-to-day of what its like to BE an Army Aviator.

Luckily for you, for your S2S/WOFT application, its only recommended that you have an active army aviator as an LOR, but YOU don't need one. Retired aviators work (From any branch) and civlians that know you well are also acceptable.

If it were me, I would find the nearest aviation unit near you (by using some google searching) and call someone there, preferrably a retention NCO/WO at that unit, and express your interest in Army aviation as well as your desire to meet and speak with a serving pilot in the airframe you want to fly. We appreciate people who are driven enough to make things happen and are capable of using the limited resources they have to complete their task/goals and if you can show someone a little bit of their past selves in you as an applicant you will be surprised with the results. That being said, FY22, I beleive the stats said 87% of S2S applicants were selected so your chances are good.

Best of luck though and I hope you get what you're looking for. (Also don't call until like Dec, its Thanksgiving leave times right now and people are with their families lmao)