I am planning on re-entering the military after 12 years. I served 4 years active Army as a 19D and had always wanted to be an aviator. When I first entered, I was told my vision was a block to that career. Shortly afterward I found out that I WAS eligible as a candidate due to the fact that contacts were now acceptable. I finished my term as a scout and never thought about it until lately. When speaking to the recruiter he suggested coming back in as a 15B and getting some references from my higher-ups and the pilots themselves, and after getting some hands-on experience with the aircraft. By doing this I would pad my WO packet considerably and stand a much better chance of getting the nod to start flight school.
But, here's my problem: I am 34 years old, will turn 35 after summer's end. Currently, all information that I have found leads me to believe that you have to submit your packet by the age of 33. When speaking to my recruiter he rolled back my age 4 years due to my previous service, and gave me the above suggestion for a career route saying that my age won't be a problem. Is this the case? Do I really have a shot at getting into flight school, or am I just kidding myself?
BTW, I am an RE code 1, physical profile 111111A, with a GT score of 116. Vision standards are 20/30 and 20/50, correctable with contacts. Considering having laser surgery done before submitting my WO packet. Edited: My physical profile seems like it should have a 2 in there, due to contacts, but that's the last one I have on record. Also I remembered my GT score wrong, it's 116 (not 125). And, my recruiter didn't actually CHANGE my age on anything, just made mention that my prior service would help me in getting a waiver.
I used to work in an Apache BN so I had some exposure to the aviators. Sure the recruiter is right- you can come in as a 15B and be a crew chief/ maintenance guy. After a few years, you can put in a warrant packet and hope for the best. But I do know that some of our pilots enlisted straight for flight training. They completed BCT (while making E-5) pay, then went to WOCS and the aviation course. I would recommend taking this route. I'm not to savy on the details behind the program, but I do know that some of the pilots did this. I would ask about this and do more research so that you can reassure yourself as you try to become an aviator and don't end up just working on the birds.
I would suggest you look at the Warrant Officer Recruiting page and talk to those guys directly. I was in your shoes a few years ago and wished that I had done things differently.
Thanks! I was hoping that I'd get just that kind of information. I fired off an email to the WO recruiters, so hopefully I'll be able to nail this down soon.
I don't really mind the idea of working on birds for the next four years or more, I just don't want to miss an opportunity to fly if one is available. I feel like I wasted a lot of opportunities the first time through and I'm NOT gonna make the same mistake the second time around. Too many first timers never utilize enough of the resources around them and end up just making the Army "just another job". I feel like if I plan it right this time, not only will I have a great time, but I will set myself up pretty good for promotions and/or a better transition back into the civilian sector.
Yeah MI guy is right.. your recruiter is probably blowing smoke up.. well you know. but from what I understand if a recruit enters in any sort of officer program that recuit doesnt count towards the quota or whatever so your recruiter would likely be looking out for his best interest not yours
Posts: 19 | Location: Ft. Bragg | Registered: 19 November 2007
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