What is being an Army Flight Warrant all about?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 14:28:18 -0400

Considering trying to go AD WOFT. I'm in the Guard now, so there's obvious differences, but what kind of BS can I expect? What is the good I should expect?

For frame of reference on balancing my time, I have a happy little family of a wife and three young (5b, 4b, 4g) kids. Please tell me the good, the bad, and especially the ugly. Thanks!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 22 at 2021 11:49 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 11:49:01 -0400

The good: you will be sent to flight school and assigned an airframe to fly. You can potentially be qualified in multiple airframes including multi-engine fixed wing. You will be set up for a civilian career in aviation. Flight incentive pays etc. you can become an Instructor Pilot and certify as a Pilot Commander. The Army is getting ready to field a new generation of aircraft. Warrant officers are the flying continuity in aviation units. Maintenance test Pilot qualification. Safety Officer certification opportunity that is portable.

Bad: staying medically qualified for flight. Ground assignments where you don't fly (less likely as a WO than CPT-COL but still possible). A new generation of aircraft brings uncertainty and airframe transitions are centrally decided. As an example, my friend was a CW2 and transitioned from the AH1 Cobra to UH60 and assigned to a MEDEVAC unit. He loved being an Cavalry Attack Pilot and felt betrayed "driving a bus". Then he got into it and enjoyed having two engines vice one. You have to fly weird hours when the aircraft is available, ready, and light conditions meet training objectives. Additional duties like any other Army unit. Potential of Safety Officer certification putting you on the ground side.

You will deploy if there are units deploying. The US relies on air support as a force multiplier. As an Army Officer in general, you aren't punching a clock. You work until the mission is done. Sometimes your mission is to set conditions for others to accomplish the mission. Lots of foundation laying and planning.

You will need to prepare yourself for
- packet rejection. Read the posts here. Persistence
- nailing the Warrant Officer interview/recommendation letter from a senior warrant
- stay physically healthy and ready to go to WOCS.
- your kit must be prepared and marked in accordance with the WOCS SOP.
- follow Senior Warrant recommendations for increasing your selection likelihood.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2021 8:08 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 20:08:00 -0400

LTC Mackey pretty much laid it out.

Good: I would add it is an awesome program in general. I am going through the program now. A lot of high quality people around at all times.

Bad: the new 10 year service obligation starting after completion of flight school so basically 12yrs. Also, they are likely going to switch time in grade requirements for W1. TIG will reset once flight school is completed (long time as a W1).

Response by CW5 Sean Scott made Jul 21 at 2021 11:54 PM

CW5 Sean Scott — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 23:54:13 -0400

Let's see...

Worried about balancing your time, worried about being bothered with BS, want to know what's in it for you...

No mention of a calling to fly, or a desire to serve as an officer and leader, or eagerness to perform challenging missions in austere environments....

Good luck with that SWO letter.