Should I stay in the medical field as a radiology tech or switch to aviation rotor wing pilot?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 12:34:34 -0400

I'm a SPC (P) with the civilian license as radiographer. 6yrs TIS. But my dilemma is, that I always wanted to fly helicopters. Would it be wise for military career progression as well as a life out of the military? Thanks in advance!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2017 12:43 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 12:43:52 -0400

Think of it as this, if you go 153A you would have two very good jobs that you could fall back on in the civilian sector. I say, if you want to go join the Warrant side, do it. This is the best time because they are hurting for pilots. They are losing pilots faster than they gain them.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Jul 27 at 2017 12:51 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 12:51:21 -0400

In a word. Yes. Makes you more well rounded in each. You get to pursue two dreams- got the best of both worlds. Work hard and do great things SGT Private RallyPoint Member . I tagged a few knowledgeable members that can give you great advice from many walks of life and careers.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 27 at 2017 1:33 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 13:33:08 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I always wanted to be a Helicopter Pilot. I was stationed with the 357th Aviation Detachment, SHAPE, Belgium from 1977 to 1980 - our mission was to fly the SACEUR GEN Alexander Haig all over Europe in UH-1's if his regular Air Force DC9 couldn't land in a certain location and get him out to the troops in the major military bases around Europe during the COLD WAR. I had a Commander who a mentor and I really thought about taking the Military Flight Appitude Test, but I went to OCS instead. Here is a great resource for you to review:
http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/download/MilitaryFlight.pdf

MilitaryFlight.pdf

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Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Jul 27 at 2017 1:54 PM

MSgt Stephen Council — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 13:54:13 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I say always follow that dream! People told me I was nuts to leave a career field in which I would easily be promoted to E9, but I wanted to be challenged and was interested in Intelligence and specifically Targeting. I became an Air Force Targeteer as an E4. I had the honor of being the Superintendent of Intelligence for the largest wing in the Air Force, I also served as the Superintendent of the Targets shop that picked where every bomb dropped for IRAQI FREEDOM. I was chosen as the USAF 2004 SNCO of the year for Intelligence. I had an awesome career and did something I loved. I eventually made E8 but for personal reasons turned down the stripe and retired. I was apparently a good leader as my flight sent me into retirement with a Stainless Steel, engraved Springfield Armory 1911 as a thank you for my service. I enjoyed the ride, picked up a degree on the way and continue serving my country today as a Gov CIV in the Missile Defense Agency. In short, follow your heart, trust in your God, and don't listen to anyone who you do not respect! If it is your dream to fly, go get those wings. I have never heard a pilot say they regretted getting them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2017 1:56 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 13:56:06 -0400

How hard would it be keep your license or what not active? Do you have continuing education requirements or something of that nature? Personally I would make the jump to aviation (almost did it myself many years ago), but keep the Radiology tech skills for life after the Army. I know it might be hard to juggle, but if you did make the jump maybe you could pick up an occasional per diem shift on the weekends if your command allows it to help you stay up to date.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2017 2:05 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 14:05:11 -0400

Chase your dreams

Response by MSG Andrew White made Jul 27 at 2017 2:40 PM

MSG Andrew White — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 14:40:49 -0400

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!!! YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2017 5:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 17:07:25 -0400

If it's your dream to fly....do it before it's too late. Still one of my regrets..not going 153A Rotary Wing Aviator. Everyone I know that did it loves it.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2017 10:48 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 10:48:44 -0400

I hate to be the naysayer here but as a radiologist, you can pay for all your rating out of pocket and fly for the sake of it. Flight schools are all over the country. Helicopter training is more expensive per hour than fixed wing. After you have your ratings, per hour rentals are reasonable. Read up on helicopter positions and you'll see there really isn't that many of them compared to fixed wing. Most want 1500 - 2000 hours. Which if you're not deploying back to back for a few years could take 7-8 years of Army fun to build up. Don't get me wrong, flying in support of ground forces is what I live for, but the amount of BS pre-deployment, during/after are making many pilots flee to the airlines or quit flying all together.

Response by SPC Stephanie Comstock made Dec 7 at 2017 12:26 AM

SPC Stephanie Comstock — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 00:26:35 -0500

Fly Forest Fly! Keep your A.R.R.T. up to date, one's, etc. It will always be there. In the .meantime, take the opportunity in front of you.

Response by SPC Charles Hunt made Feb 15 at 2018 4:24 AM

SPC Charles Hunt — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 04:24:22 -0500

You can continue maintaining your civilian license as an ARRT(R) technologist by doing your CEs and paying your bi-annual renewal fees while you pursue your other military career options. You'll get paid way more on the outside doing either one of those jobs. But you'll NEVER get a second chance to do Army stuff like you have now. Just saying...

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 15 at 2018 12:13 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 12:13:02 -0400

Go for it, you have nothing to lose!