If I drop a Green to gold packet am I able to pursue a position as a 15A (Aviation officer) to fly on the commissioned side?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 15:19:21 -0500

I am currently enrolled in college to get my two year degree to then drop a Green to Gold packet to commission. I want to fly and was wondering if it is possible, and if so, what steps should I take to try and get a Aviation officer spot and attend flight school. Any information at all is greatly appreciated.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2022 3:37 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 15:37:21 -0500

Branch selection is on an OML basis...meaning the higher your GPA, the better chance you'll have at getting the branch you want. You can also apply for the WOFT (153A) program, if flying is all you want to do.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2022 7:27 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 19:27:28 -0500

I went to OCS. The only guy in my class that got Aviation as a Branch already had a fixed wing license. In my humble opinion, go Warrant Officer for flight. It’s the most direct option to fly. You can always try a commissioning source but there is practically zero chance to guarantee Aviation. On a side note, Aviation officers don’t get the flight hours WOs get. They have other duties and responsibilities as they progress.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2022 5:27 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 17:27:21 -0500

As CW3 Private RallyPoint Member said, branch selection is based on order of merit and needs of the Army. I started out Infantry and then branch transferred to Aviation. All of the officers in my flight school class that did branch transfers were either National Guard and had assignments to Aviation units, or they had pilots licenses (I got my license while stationed in Germany). The rest were ROTC 2nd Lieutenants that were able to get Aviation right from school.

You do mention a 2 year degree. Usually a 2 year degree comes with an Associates Degree. A commissioned officer must have a Bachelor's Degree or be within a few credit hours of getting a Bachelors and must have the Bachelors within a certain time period from commission. I'd check with your local ROTC unit (most colleges have an ROTC program associated with them, even if they don't have one on campus) to see what information they have. Usually these units have a very knowledgeable E-7 attached who can point you in the right direction. If an Associates Degree is what you're getting, then Warrant Officer may be the direction for you. There are a lot more flying slots for Warrants, so your chances are much higher going that direction. You do need to have a full packet for going Aviation regardless of the route.

For further information you can also contact the Go Army site: https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/aviation.html and they can get you the information you're looking for.

Army Aviation

Army Aviation trains pilots, aircraft mechanics, and intelligence operatives to help defend the skies.