Looking to become a pilot for the army national guard but the state I’m looking at is backed up. Are there some other options?

2020-12-07T08:16:56-05:00

I’m looking to become a pilot in the West Virginia national guard once my reserve contract ends, problem is they are backed up for about 2 years with pilots right now. Can I fly for another state or the Reserves even if I have to travel up to 4-6 hours to get there? Is it worth it and will they even accept a packet from someone so far away?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Dec 7 at 2020 8:23 AM

2020-12-07T08:23:44-05:00

You can join the National Guard in any state, residency is not a requirement. The Army Reserve is nationwide, of course, so no restrictions. If you haven't done it already, I would take the SIFT and get a Flight Physical to see if you meet the qualifications.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 7 at 2020 3:52 PM

2020-12-07T15:52:28-05:00

Several choices if you want to fly for the military:
Army aviation warrant program, which you seem to be interested in, is available for active duty and reserve component. As far as flying for the Army Guard, you could check with a Guard recruiter from neighboring states. Maybe one of them wouldn't be booked up as badly.
Naval Aviation fixed and rotary wing is available active duty and reserve, Navy and Marine. To commission, you'll need a bachelors degree. Check Navy.mil web page.
Air Force pilots are all officers, except for a few drone pilots who are NCOs. Officers require a bachelors degree. Air Force pilots serve active duty, reserves, and Air National Guard. Last I checked overall the Air Force was short on pilots. Check af.mil website.
I'm not sure where Space Force is on having pilots operating air-breathing aircraft. They may not have any in-atmosphere flying assets. Their operations personnel do "fly" satellites. Not conventional aviation.
Coast Guard has fixed wing and rotary wing pilots. They have their own commissioning programs, but use Navy flight school to train pilots. Check their web page.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2020 5:34 PM

2020-12-07T17:34:59-05:00

I would try other States or Army Reserve but many USAR units had a policy within the past 10 years that if you were not within 150 miles (approximately), they would not send you to flight school and accept you into the unit. They would only accept you if you were already pilot trained. Their rationale was they had experienced too many pilots that got tired of the commute after awhile and stopped coming to drill after awhile.

Response by CW4 Danny Cowden made Dec 28 at 2020 10:05 PM

2020-12-28T22:05:21-05:00

Yes, if your fully qualified as in good test scores. It’s worth it. Trust me.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2020 11:05 AM

2020-12-29T11:05:00-05:00

If flying is your overall goal I would look into going back Active. The main issue with the amount of pilots we have right now is that majority WANT to be in a reserve/NG status. Active Component desperately needs pilots. Yes, it would suck to have to go back Active and be forced to go where the Army requires you, but if you really want to be a pilot, then the reward is greater. I have known a prior Reservist that went Active Pilot because she also could not get in to the NG here for piloting. She was assigned as a Apache pilot, and since then (2017) she hasn't looked back and enjoys her career. Something to consider.