Hi Damion... 30 year career Army Aviator here, enlisted Aviation and Warrant, retiring in a few months. Good video, bringing to light a few of the challenges of this career. I personally think a better title would have been, "5 things to consider" vs. "reasons not to.." - 10 year ADSO = What some folks don't realize is the Army finally just came online with the Air Force and Navy for Aviator ADSOs, 10 & 8 years respectively. This also takes you up to being looked at for CW3 and Major. Another part of the reason was retention, but it also costs significantly more to train each pilot on these newer complex aircraft than it did years ago. As any big, smart business, you have to get your money's worth. So, knowing more of the real reasons why, should help folks make educated decisions. Not just, "Oh man! 10 years!? Boo.." You have to think too, within that 10 years is a ton of different experiences you're going to gain. It will be flight time in many different places and scenarios... tons of things that civilian pilots will never get to do. But, if someone is just wanting hours, hours, hours, then it may not be the right thing for them. - Comparing becoming an Army pilot vs. an airline pilot is not really possible. No major airline is going to hire you because you got your PPL and have a few hours in a Cessna 152. If you went straight civilian route, you have to spend a LOT of money and time to get hours, and different ratings, to even start being looked at for a serious position. You can get started doing some small "puddle jumper" routes, making a few dollars, then eventually make your way up. Totally possible, but not really a comparison for being a "newbie" in either venture. - Especially from the Warrant side, no other program in the military allows you to get to do what you do, with only needing a HS diploma. When you think back to graduation day from flight school and everything you learned in a short time, then look forward to all the different things you're going to do, it's a pretty good deal overall. - Payday $$$ = I agree with you... as a new W1 or 2LT, you're not necessarily making a ton of cash. But as a comparison, you're not making $250K as a brand new civilian pilot either. It all takes a bit of time to work your way up. By the time you are a few years as a CW2 or CPT, it's not too bad. Also factor in health care and other benefits. - As I have told the many young Soldiers and NCOs that I've been mentoring and writing recommendations for... the Army is not interesting in making "Pilots". We are in the business of making "Combat Aviators". Yes, you become a pilot and learn and do, all of the same FAA things that pilots do. But you also become entrusted with the lives of others, the respect of the awesome multi-million dollar machine that you get to fly, and you are expected to be an expert at blowing up bad guys with missiles and rockets, dropping off the good guys right at the bad guys' front door so they can go shoot them in the face, pick up your wounded bothers and sisters in a hot LZ, and bring in supplies and cargo to the guys and gals on the ground. Military life is no comparison to similar civilian life. It's absolutely an adventure, with so many extra opportunities. The kids in the Army that sit around and bitch about how crappy it is, are the same ones that do nothing at all to reach out and better themselves... expect things to just happen to them. It's not for everyone, but can definitely be a great time and an awesome start to a future career, whether you do a few years or 20+. Great job bringing up those particular topics. I hope the few paragraphs above, help shed some more light on them and compare from a career & senior perspective. Keep the greasy side down - Dan
Good Evening Sir, I read your comment and had a few questions. I’m currently going through 91B AIT for Army National Guard. My drill sergeant told me about the opportunity to fly for the army after I told him about my interest in flying. What are some tips you could give someone that knows nothing about this field and is freshly in the army?
Loved reading this reply! Would love to speak to someone like yourself to learn more about WOFT. I’m 35 and fly professionally in the civilian fixed wing world. Trying to get an inside look. I also have a family so that gives it a different light for sure.
With the 10 year ADSO I don't even know why the board would kick back strong packets. Clearly those who are submitting are willing to do a 10 year commitment. "We DoNT KnOw wHY WE cANT gET PiLOTs."
Flight school has been the best time during my military career. I was home every night, no deployments, TDY, etc. & extremely fun. Flight hour wise, it all depends what airframe you pick. As an AH guy, you will fly at least 140 hrs annually, as an instructor pilot, I’m flying up to 200 hours every semi-annual, it all depends on the track you choose. I do disagree with the 10 year ADSO, but again, if you were like me, a junior E5 looking for better opportunities and trying to make a career out of the military, then that 10 year ADSO doesn’t sound too bad. Experiences vary, & I have seen many people out of college struggle adapting to the army, because yes, the army will treat you like a child sometimes.
Thats really cool to hear man and motivating. I'm putting together everything I need to go the Warrant officer route. I'm 25 now and am having some serious regrets over choosing to pursue finances and freedom from a contract/time with family over the experience of serving, and don't want to waste another 5 years and miss the boat. The 10-year commitment doesn't really seem so daunting to me when I consider a lifetime of "I wish I really would've have done this." Fortunately, my wife is super supportive of this choice I'm making. And is willing to suffer through the time apart with me. Right now, the only thing I'm trying to figure out is the references that the board is going to need from me, I've pretty much got everything else ironed out. Do you have any advice that could help me out in following in your guy(s) footsteps?
We crew chiefs used to hate flying with pilots who didn't get a lot of "flight time," because they often took risks, at the end of the month, that bordered into 'wreckless territory.' (Once had a Cpt. who continued the training mission long after a pretty severe lightning storm rolled in on us. I had to threaten to "red x" my bird if he didn't set us down & the Lt. flying co-pilot agreed...) - We called those guys "desk jockeys"
That’s not even proficient. I’m a civilian pilot and when I fly that little I feel almost dangerous and that’s just a 172. Imagine that in a military aircraft.
My dads been in the army for 29 years and yes,I could earn a lot more in the civilian life.But I love the military life and that’s all I want to do.I’m 14 right now but I’m planning on joining the Airforce and flying C17s or Blackhawks in the army.
As an Army vet who has AF vets in his family, I can tell you the air force has better facilities (i.e. dining, shopping, doctors, etc). But being a helo pilot is way cooler... Maybe I'm slightly biased, but that doesn't mean it isn't true *smirk😏
"Coastie" pilots are great. As as Marine, I trained a few USCG flight students when a flight instructor in the Pensacola complex. Prior to enlisting, I did interview all the branches but just never connected with the USCG recruiter due to their odd office address (pre-GPS days this). If I did it all over again, I would have joined the USCG: great aircraft, great personnel and always interesting missions.
Hey there... retired W4 here. I thought this was honest and well done. I realize this is a video on 5 reasons you should NOT be an Army pilot, but one thing I would have included is the immense satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment one gets upon graduating from Army flight school. It wasn't the hardest school of my military career (close, though)... Green platoon was harder, and SERE was harder (at least for me), but the sense of accomplishment from any of the 3 individually tops everything I've done outside of the military combined.
In 2023, a 2LT at "Rucker" in flight school makes 63,430, not 53,920... you're off by quite a lot. 64 semi annual requirements are 70 hours, 140 hours a year. I've never had the Army tell us not to fly for even 1 month, let alone 6 months liked you mentioned.
I was a UH-60A crewchief (a long while ago) because my dad was an AH-1G Cobra pilot in Nam (got out as a CW2 or 3), and my grandfather was a P-51D pilot in WWII. Reason #1 is the *main* reason I didn't go to flight school. It was just too much time 'out of the real world' for me, and I didn't want to start and raise a family in the 'military environment.' Hell, imo, once you do SIX years, let alone TEN years, you might as well do twenty & retire... Then you'll still be young enough to start a new career, if you want to, or else actually enjoy retirement... * very based video. I appreciate it. Subbed
Flight school is difficult, and your family does indeed need to be aware of the time you won't be able to spend with them. But I disagree with being "over" it by day 30 (considering there's 200+ traingin days). If you love flying, it's so worth it. There are millions of dollars of resources at your disposal at all times. Coming from getting a PPL in the civilian world before attending flight school, getting paid to fly a twin-turbine helicopter with simulators at your disposal whenever you want, I looked at flight school as an opportunity. Take advantage of everything available to become a great pilot...I personally loved flight school.
True, the flight opportunities decrease with increased rank on the Branch Officer side. One caveat- you do fly as a LTC and COL when in command, but it becomes difficult to juggle with all your other responsibilities. 👍
Kinda just somewhere to post this, bit after getting an interservice transfer aproved and 80% done with my packet i gave up, for some of the reasons you mentioned and from people on the internet telling me the army avation life is terrible. I do appreciate your video's, helped me really decide what i wanted to do.
Really great Videos on becoming an army pilot and the 5 reasons not to. I just sent the links to my grandson who’s a senior in high school JROTC program. He’s just gotten his acceptance letter to the Citidel. I’m prior Navy reserve enlisted and a 2nd Lt. in the Army Nurse Corps for a short time. What you say makes perfect sense and I’m really happy I saw them at this time. Thanks so much for the timely and inside info. Sure beats making a mistake you’ll be sorry for later.
Just finished my CFI for fixed wing, rested a day or two and then I got bored. Started looking into Coast Guard, now looking into ANG again, like I was years ago. Also Guard. Thanks for your videos!! Super informative and concise. Keep up the great work 💎
Suggestion: If you do enter military flight training with any service, DO NOT volunteer the fact that you have a CFI. Keep you mouth shut and just perform above the norm and you'll excel. I say this having been a military flight instructor at Pensacola who flew with some excellent students who later told me they had a private pilot's license.
Hey Damion, I spent 20 1/2 yrs in the Army with 10 1/2 of that as a UH60 ADSO commercial rated multi turbine instrument endorsed,, Damion, you hit the jackpot with unit flying if you're really at 1000hrs in 6 yrs. I barely cleared 750 with 386 of that being combat hours from 2011 in Afghanistan flying MEDEVAC. If I could go back and choose to fly again,,, OH HELL NO!!!!! In the end state of ALL the service connected cervical and lumbar disc damage, the ARMY AND VA turned their back to me about having disc replacement surgery. The only place I have found so far willing to do the 4 possibly 5 lumbar disc replacement is in Germany. I used my civilian insurance as primary and Tricare as a secondary to get 2 discs replaced in my neck. Afghanistan in 2011 was intense with numerous hard landings under fire for CAT A urgent MEDEVAC requests.... Since the flight hour program was lowered from 136hrs annually per pilot to 96 (THE OBAMA YEARS) there has been nothing but problems with incidents and accidents due to lack of experience in critical decision making or identifying the correct EP and correctly executing that EP. This will only get worse in time if they do not up the training hours for pilots experience. I would tell guys to stay away from Army aviation and look into another service like the Navy or Coast Guard if you have a 4 year degree and 500 flight hrs. Retirement wise W/O retired pay is comforting but nothing compared to the retirement plan that commercial air line guys invest in. So in a nut shell,,, people SHOULD NOT APPLY FOR ARMY AVIATION UNLESS THEY DO THEIR HOMEWORK TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS REALLY HOW THEY WANT TO GAMBLE WITH A CAREER WITH NO CHOICE BUT TO SHOW UP READY TO PERFORM NO MATTER WHERE THEY SEND YOU AND HOPE YOU DON'T WIND UP WITH ANY SPINAL OR OTHER BODILY DAMAGE.
Correct about it being a retention issue. BUT, I know that they're supposedly looking at giving some solid bonuses to keep you retained. But we'll see.
And that's why the army sucks in general And to fly for the bastards for 10yrs would really suck...btw... Do you have to fly active duty for 10 years? Or can you fly the rest of your time as a reservest?
Oh boy!!! Now I know why I had so many former Army pilots in the Coast Guard!!! I always wondered but this video made it apparent why so many prior Army meat servos came over to the CG.
Always heard that Army WOs flew the most out of any branch. Maybe that has changed. Thank you for the truth! I think it’s safe to say that I can scratch Army off my list of options.
I saw a full bird fly into my airport and I was like “your a rare breed ma’am” lol. But I’m going to army flight school in February. Also I already have my fixed wing license so I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge once I get there
I worked on 60s in the army, I wanted to do WOFT and opted just to get out. The way now if you can be selected as street to seat in the guard. I’m telling my son that it’s a good way to get rated and come back home without the big AD crap unless deployed. This way you can come back, work on your ratings at home and go work as an airline pilot and do your guard work as well. I wish I would have done it that way.
Thank you for these videos. I’m trying to do an inter service transfer from the usmc to the woft program. Passed sift and medical hopefully I’ll be able to submit for the next board.
(^^^) Just don't forget to stash some Crayola's in your flight bag for when you get hungry during a mission. The Army doesn't include them in their MREs (My brother is a former Marine) 🖍️😏🖍️
My son is a perfect example of a HS grad that looked at WO pilot but rejected it due to time of enlistment . Even I as a Vet could not disagree . West Point grads only do 8 years and the last few just reserves if they go off active duty.
From West Point web site How long must I serve in the Army? You must serve a minimum of eight years after you graduate in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. This mandatory service obligation is the nation's return on a West Point graduate's fully funded, four-year college education that is valued in excess of $225,000.
Also, not sure if this point was made but the 10 year clock doesn’t start until after you graduate flight school, which is typically 15-18 months after commissioning (if you go the commissioned route) depending on what aircraft you end up in. So it’s almost a 12 year commitment really.
I trained and flew as a Marine pilot until, at the end of 1971 (with the Marines out of Vietnam), the Commandant reduced the size of the Marine Corps by a third, and that was the end of that. I earned an FAA Private Pilot's license and just flew civilian aviation in small GA aircraft until just a few years ago, so I truly LOVE flying. That means what I'm about to say is not a criticism but is merely one person's observation. If you wanna make big bucks as a pilot, you're gonna have to fly a 'long, circular tube' for an airline. You'll take off, turn on the autopilot, then land. The contrast is that the best, most fun, most exciting, most challenging flying is going to be military flying regardless of the service--but as Damion said, you're NOT gonna get rich. As Damion also said, as a commissioned officer the higher your rank, the less flying you're gradually going to do. But as an Army warrant officer pilot, you FLY (and that's your job!) I have a Coasty friend who says the CG really does fly a lot. He also said, "If you're an Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine pilot--unless you're in combat--you guys just 'practice'. On the other hand, we Coasties DO IT FOR REAL every day." In ANY case (as the saying goes), "flying is the most fun you can have with your pants on."
FYI, Chances are very slim that an airline will consider you if you are a rotary wing aviator without a heck of a lot other experience. There is little carry over from flying an Observation or Attack helicopter to flying an air transport category fixed wing aircraft. I'm not saying it is impossible, just a big stretch. Get dual rated and start banking turbine aircraft time.
I knew I wanted to fly since I was 7 but as a teenager I was very afraid of signing away a decade of my life or six figure student debt. I decided to go to A&P school at age 18 instead. It cost me $15k all in, tools included, and a month after graduating I got a job making about 50% more than the entry level Army pilot. 8 years later, I love working on aircraft every day, my student debt is paid off, I bought my first house last year, and I'm getting ready to buy myself an RV-8 kit for my 28th birthday. When I was in school I was told 1/3 of A&Ps were 60 years or older and most of those guys have since retired during COVID. The demand now is unreal and you can easily make 6 figures off an associate degree as an A&P. I do still get a little wistful whenever I see a Blackhawk at the airport but I knew giving up my freedom for 10 years wouldn't work for me. Just something for young folks to consider if you want to work in aviation and make enough money to go flying on your own terms. Plus flight benefits if you go with the airlines.
Im actually more interested in 25 and have waisted 10 years already im finally positive a pilot is what i want to be for any plane i want to join but the nervous and hesitation is the only thing stopping me and thing im trying to get past
I thought about this career so much during high school, and after graduating, i didn't know what i wanted to do with my life once out to the real world just always once in a time i think about it and also think about i don't want to live rest of my life regretting something dream always been be a truck driver or probably could serve the time and then do what i want after getting out it does sounds nice retiring early while still young and still going trucking just still dont want regrets in my life.
I understand completely what this gentleman is saying, however, the upside is that you're training and the aircraft your flying are the best and its free.
I agree with you. The Army will make you a 10 year commitment but will teach you how to flight dif hellos and that cost a lot. All AVs pilot I met in the Army do not regret it comparing with those that walk 12 mile in a road march, dealing with vehicle maint, office drama.....etc. At least you are flying....
You forgot to mention that the Army Aviation has Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers. None of the others services have warrant officers pilots. As much as I love and respect the WOs, the splitting of responsibilities and "crossover" of leadership creates a weird command structure that the other services don't have to deal with. Anyone who has been in Army Aviation knows what I'm talking about. And, if I were 20 years old, and knew what I know now, I would join the Air Force.
I'm planning on enlisting air force. I'm 18 few months out of school. I know airforce gets the best housing food etc. But what specifically is so good about airforce Mos? From what I've heard ( I want to be a maintainer) some of the jobs are grueling long shift based sessions
I flew in both the Marine as a commissioned and later, in the Army Reserve as a CWO. Great pilots in both services. Let's face it: the Army always likes to stretch the buck. They knew they'd need thousands of Hueys for Vietnam. Plus, they knew that young men are usually fearless. "High school to flight school" was a master marketing stroke that accomplished two goals: pay as cheap as possible to stretch the budget and put twenty year-old men in command of a Huey. (As a reservist and CWO, I flew with some Army lieutenants that were largely clueless in the cockpit despite having won their silver wings. Good reasons why they never made PIC.)
I was really looking into the warrant aviation officer route until the ADSO was increased 4 years. Absolutely wrong decision for attracting more pilots. Agree with you.
Hi there... 30 year career Army Aviator here, enlisted Aviation and Warrant. What some folks don't realize is the Army finally just came online with the Air Force and Navy for Aviator ADSOs, 10 & 8 years respectively. This also takes you up to being looked at for CW3. Another part of the reason was retention, but it also costs significantly more to train each pilot on these newer complex aircraft than it did years ago. As any big, smart business, you have to get your money's worth. So, knowing more of the real reasons why, should help folks make educated decisions.
I know fixed wing aviation isn’t as common in the Army but it would be cool to get a video breaking down the process for someone that flys (C-12, UC-35, or C-37)
True, people have been pulled away from Army Aviation by the airlines but pay is not the only reason. DA treats its pilots (especially the WO’s) like crap. We always felt like everything else like inspections and additional duties were the priority, not flying. Leadership is more worried if your binder/area is ready for ARMS and less concerned about your flight time.
Have a retired LTC Blackhawk pilot working with me who’s a Database Engineer.. Me being retired Navy asked him when he hired on.. WTF… lol. Pretty much what you said about Commissioned Officers flying a desk most of their careers is why he retired..
I’m prior enlisted with nine years in, but working as a pilot for a legacy airline. Trying to go WOFT in the Army National Guard just to get the retirement.
You are right. Army Aviation is too hard. No one should do it! 😂😂😂 Seriously, know what you are getting into and know yourself well enough to know what is truly important.
Damion, long ago i dropped navy flight training because i found the math too tedious. I had a degree in English. Do army pilot trainees have to be good at math? Thanks for the honest and helpful information in your videos. 🙏🙏🙏
How can you maintain flight proficiency at only 11 hours a month? Private pilot friends of mine want to fly at least 200 hours a year so that they feel safe. 2 of the guys will do flights that they don't need to stay current.
My son is working on his fixed wing PPL VFR then IFR. will this help him reenter via warrant officer program? He med discharged from injury. Backup is use his benefits for commercial training afterwards. What do u think?
I served 9 years in 6 was in the 75th rangers I been out for 5 years now I did a year as PMC shooter before the fall of Afghanistan. I have had lots of career changes went from security to construction to martial arts instructor. To officer for the State of Texas i gkt my Private plane Ls for fun 4years ago and im planning on pusshing for my CFI and Commercial. And. I had back surgery in January and I'm at a point where I can 100% go back to the military. Jokingly said that my friend said I got you gave me a number to his buddy. I called I just found out I can Reenlist back in thru the national guard. And I had him run my paperwork to see what jobs I'm offered. I was offered 12 jobs. Main one that caught my eye Infantry. The next one 15W. Drone pilot. I was like no shit.. cause I found out in flight school app 15W drone flight time is counted towards your FAA flight log book. So if I went back in as aDrone pilot I apply for active duty and go. With in 2 years I'm a SNCO pilot. Solely based off age and rank. And IL fly as a CFI at ft Bliss as a PMC cause if I did that then I'd rack up hella time and radio experience before I made the civilian jump to ATap flight school. To become a commercial Airline pilot for like delta or southwest... and instead of pushing for pilot or officer in the military or even WO, I instead just stay where I'm at since I'd be making 50k a year from the guard 1 weekend a month flying drones.. and working as a civilian Airline pilot making 105k plus. Unless I was offered a officers or WO position that's was strictly National guard or reserves so I can keep flying civilian wise... I don't see any of that happening tho so I'm iffy to trust the military again..
As someone who is about to enlist, Im trying to figure out what MOS to choose. I am a cadet at UNG Corps of Cadets ROTC Senior Military College, enlisting with the Nat Guard while I complete school. I have 3-4 options. O9R (enlisted and contracted cadet, kinda a filler MOS til commissioning upon grad. BCT is optional). 68W (Combat Medic) and 15T (Blackhawk Mechanic). I plan to commission regardless after grad as military is my next chapter after school but as far as deciding what to do that sets me up well both now and later is difficult. Bc the MOS I choose now (especially if I DONT choose 09R) will affect my branch down the road in BOLC. (Choosing 15T will give me a leg up in branching aviation but lessen my chance for medical and vice versa). What would you do?
I was a 15T when it was "67T." I loved it, for the most part, *once I got to a unit (101st) that had "crewchief slots."* And even then, you had a lot of 'military BS' in between missions... Before that, I was an aircraft mechanic on the ground for two years in Germany. I enjoyed it, but I was still 'on the ground'... One of my fellow crew chiefs once said it like this: "The Army takes everything that's fun, and makes it 'un-fun.'" I am absolutely glad I was in, and I *definitely* loved being an Army aviator. But, my friend was right. *Food for thought...
Anyone who thinks that flight school was incredibly hard has not spent much time in a CAB. I would pay to be able to go back to flight school. You fly every day, no additional duties, no purposeless EUCOM rotations or CTCs, no FTXs, no PT during flight training. All the things you described that made flight school hard will continue when you start progression at your unit, including learning Air Assault planning, etc. It's even worsened by PL obligations (If you are an RLO) and RL progression. Just my two cents, experience may vary.
Any airframe will work! 500 hours in a helicopter then do 250 on your own in an airplane and you’ve reached the 750 restricted ATP requirement for military pilots to fly for the airlines
Reason six: Flying a helo when operating in a desert and you are wearing a MOPP-4 suit + restrictive gas mask. My worst experience ever as an Army Reserve Chinook pilot!
Since you were reserve, what is the 10 year commitment like? Is it still 10 years of active duty? I’m 20 looking into flying as a WO but i can’t lie this 10 year obligation is destroying my enthusiasm.
@@ryanpotter2608 Ryan, it ALWAYS boils down to the unbreakable law of Supply & Demand no matter which service you elect to join. When I matriculated through Navy flight school as a Marine 2Lt, our national tragedy in Vietnam was beginning to scale down. I did win my gold wings but only served a total of four years and eleven months on active duty! I then found both USMCR and USAR reserve units that allowed me to fly on weekends for another 20 years. (Thanks be to God!) Lastly, when I got off active duty in 1975 there was a glut of USAF pilots getting out and smoothly slotting into the airlines. NO airline would look any helo pilot no matter the number of hours nor the complexity of the machine flown. Plus. back then, the regionals only offered poverty wages for every pilot they hired. With a family to feed and a mortgage to pay, I couldn't afford to start an airline career back in the 1970s. (BTW: my civilian employer in high-tech absolutely hated the fact that I continued my military career as a Reservist. But that's a whole 'nother story for another time . . . )
Not much in here is an apples to apples comparison. That year 2 UPS pilot pay comes after you already have about 8 yrs of full time commercial experience.
Flight school starts every two weeks. W.O. Corps is a good route if you do not have a commission. First, Evaluate why you are there ... before you think it's a nine to five job. You don't pass unless you meet standards. They don't give out trophies to everyone and at times it is not fair... so suck it up butter cup and move on. If you like being a team member, you might do well. Don't give up.
Hi Damion... 30 year career Army Aviator here, enlisted Aviation and Warrant, retiring in a few months. Good video, bringing to light a few of the challenges of this career. I personally think a better title would have been, "5 things to consider" vs. "reasons not to.."
- 10 year ADSO = What some folks don't realize is the Army finally just came online with the Air Force and Navy for Aviator ADSOs, 10 & 8 years respectively. This also takes you up to being looked at for CW3 and Major. Another part of the reason was retention, but it also costs significantly more to train each pilot on these newer complex aircraft than it did years ago. As any big, smart business, you have to get your money's worth. So, knowing more of the real reasons why, should help folks make educated decisions. Not just, "Oh man! 10 years!? Boo.." You have to think too, within that 10 years is a ton of different experiences you're going to gain. It will be flight time in many different places and scenarios... tons of things that civilian pilots will never get to do. But, if someone is just wanting hours, hours, hours, then it may not be the right thing for them.
- Comparing becoming an Army pilot vs. an airline pilot is not really possible. No major airline is going to hire you because you got your PPL and have a few hours in a Cessna 152. If you went straight civilian route, you have to spend a LOT of money and time to get hours, and different ratings, to even start being looked at for a serious position. You can get started doing some small "puddle jumper" routes, making a few dollars, then eventually make your way up. Totally possible, but not really a comparison for being a "newbie" in either venture.
- Especially from the Warrant side, no other program in the military allows you to get to do what you do, with only needing a HS diploma. When you think back to graduation day from flight school and everything you learned in a short time, then look forward to all the different things you're going to do, it's a pretty good deal overall.
- Payday $$$ = I agree with you... as a new W1 or 2LT, you're not necessarily making a ton of cash. But as a comparison, you're not making $250K as a brand new civilian pilot either. It all takes a bit of time to work your way up. By the time you are a few years as a CW2 or CPT, it's not too bad. Also factor in health care and other benefits.
- As I have told the many young Soldiers and NCOs that I've been mentoring and writing recommendations for... the Army is not interesting in making "Pilots". We are in the business of making "Combat Aviators". Yes, you become a pilot and learn and do, all of the same FAA things that pilots do. But you also become entrusted with the lives of others, the respect of the awesome multi-million dollar machine that you get to fly, and you are expected to be an expert at blowing up bad guys with missiles and rockets, dropping off the good guys right at the bad guys' front door so they can go shoot them in the face, pick up your wounded bothers and sisters in a hot LZ, and bring in supplies and cargo to the guys and gals on the ground.
Military life is no comparison to similar civilian life. It's absolutely an adventure, with so many extra opportunities. The kids in the Army that sit around and bitch about how crappy it is, are the same ones that do nothing at all to reach out and better themselves... expect things to just happen to them. It's not for everyone, but can definitely be a great time and an awesome start to a future career, whether you do a few years or 20+. Great job bringing up those particular topics. I hope the few paragraphs above, help shed some more light on them and compare from a career & senior perspective. Keep the greasy side down - Dan
Great input. Enjoyed reading your perspective
Good Evening Sir,
I read your comment and had a few questions. I’m currently going through 91B AIT for Army National Guard. My drill sergeant told me about the opportunity to fly for the army after I told him about my interest in flying. What are some tips you could give someone that knows nothing about this field and is freshly in the army?
Im thinking of becoming an aviator I would Like to speak to you if possible
Thank you for this information!
Loved reading this reply! Would love to speak to someone like yourself to learn more about WOFT. I’m 35 and fly professionally in the civilian fixed wing world. Trying to get an inside look. I also have a family so that gives it a different light for sure.
With the 10 year ADSO I don't even know why the board would kick back strong packets. Clearly those who are submitting are willing to do a 10 year commitment. "We DoNT KnOw wHY WE cANT gET PiLOTs."
Flight school has been the best time during my military career. I was home every night, no deployments, TDY, etc.
& extremely fun. Flight hour wise, it all depends what airframe you pick. As an AH guy, you will fly at least 140 hrs annually, as an instructor pilot, I’m flying up to 200 hours every semi-annual, it all depends on the track you choose.
I do disagree with the 10 year ADSO, but again, if you were like me, a junior E5 looking for better opportunities and trying to make a career out of the military, then that 10 year ADSO doesn’t sound too bad.
Experiences vary, & I have seen many people out of college struggle adapting to the army, because yes, the army will treat you like a child sometimes.
Thats really cool to hear man and motivating. I'm putting together everything I need to go the Warrant officer route. I'm 25 now and am having some serious regrets over choosing to pursue finances and freedom from a contract/time with family over the experience of serving, and don't want to waste another 5 years and miss the boat. The 10-year commitment doesn't really seem so daunting to me when I consider a lifetime of "I wish I really would've have done this." Fortunately, my wife is super supportive of this choice I'm making. And is willing to suffer through the time apart with me. Right now, the only thing I'm trying to figure out is the references that the board is going to need from me, I've pretty much got everything else ironed out. Do you have any advice that could help me out in following in your guy(s) footsteps?
Well isn't flight school not even a part of the contract?
130 flight hours a year?! That is ten hours a month. 2 hours per week. In other words, just maintaining flight proficiency. Wow.
We crew chiefs used to hate flying with pilots who didn't get a lot of "flight time," because they often took risks, at the end of the month, that bordered into 'wreckless territory.' (Once had a Cpt. who continued the training mission long after a pretty severe lightning storm rolled in on us. I had to threaten to "red x" my bird if he didn't set us down & the Lt. flying co-pilot agreed...)
- We called those guys "desk jockeys"
That’s not even proficient. I’m a civilian pilot and when I fly that little I feel almost dangerous and that’s just a 172. Imagine that in a military aircraft.
I respect your honesty Sir ✊🏼🇺🇸
🤌🏾
@@damion_bailey the force is my family #enhancerhecorp❤️✊🏼🇺🇸
My dads been in the army for 29 years and yes,I could earn a lot more in the civilian life.But I love the military life and that’s all I want to do.I’m 14 right now but I’m planning on joining the Airforce and flying C17s or Blackhawks in the army.
Good for you and wanting to continue A Military Career
As an Army vet who has AF vets in his family, I can tell you the air force has better facilities (i.e. dining, shopping, doctors, etc).
But being a helo pilot is way cooler...
Maybe I'm slightly biased, but that doesn't mean it isn't true
*smirk😏
In the Coast Guard, it used to be that if you ended a month with fewer hours of flight time than the number of days in that month you were being lazy.
"Coastie" pilots are great. As as Marine, I trained a few USCG flight students when a flight instructor in the Pensacola complex. Prior to enlisting, I did interview all the branches but just never connected with the USCG recruiter due to their odd office address (pre-GPS days this). If I did it all over again, I would have joined the USCG: great aircraft, great personnel and always interesting missions.
Hey there... retired W4 here. I thought this was honest and well done. I realize this is a video on 5 reasons you should NOT be an Army pilot, but one thing I would have included is the immense satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment one gets upon graduating from Army flight school. It wasn't the hardest school of my military career (close, though)... Green platoon was harder, and SERE was harder (at least for me), but the sense of accomplishment from any of the 3 individually tops everything I've done outside of the military combined.
NSDQ ! 19-05 :)
NSDQ💪🏾
Whatever career path you'll have in the future I am SURE you'll excel. Thanks for the great job you're doing at the moment for all Americans.🙏🙏🙏
In 2023, a 2LT at "Rucker" in flight school makes 63,430, not 53,920... you're off by quite a lot.
64 semi annual requirements are 70 hours, 140 hours a year.
I've never had the Army tell us not to fly for even 1 month, let alone 6 months liked you mentioned.
I was a UH-60A crewchief (a long while ago) because my dad was an AH-1G Cobra pilot in Nam (got out as a CW2 or 3), and my grandfather was a P-51D pilot in WWII.
Reason #1 is the *main* reason I didn't go to flight school. It was just too much time 'out of the real world' for me, and I didn't want to start and raise a family in the 'military environment.'
Hell, imo, once you do SIX years, let alone TEN years, you might as well do twenty & retire... Then you'll still be young enough to start a new career, if you want to, or else actually enjoy retirement...
* very based video. I appreciate it. Subbed
Flight school is difficult, and your family does indeed need to be aware of the time you won't be able to spend with them. But I disagree with being "over" it by day 30 (considering there's 200+ traingin days). If you love flying, it's so worth it. There are millions of dollars of resources at your disposal at all times. Coming from getting a PPL in the civilian world before attending flight school, getting paid to fly a twin-turbine helicopter with simulators at your disposal whenever you want, I looked at flight school as an opportunity. Take advantage of everything available to become a great pilot...I personally loved flight school.
True, the flight opportunities decrease with increased rank on the Branch Officer side. One caveat- you do fly as a LTC and COL when in command, but it becomes difficult to juggle with all your other responsibilities. 👍
As a CW2 in 69/70 in Vietnam. It was an honor to fly with my pilot friends. God Bless America
Kinda just somewhere to post this, bit after getting an interservice transfer aproved and 80% done with my packet i gave up, for some of the reasons you mentioned and from people on the internet telling me the army avation life is terrible. I do appreciate your video's, helped me really decide what i wanted to do.
You are so right!!!! Thanks for your honesty!
Really great Videos on becoming an army pilot and the 5 reasons not to. I just sent the links to my grandson who’s a senior in high school JROTC program. He’s just gotten his acceptance letter to the Citidel. I’m prior Navy reserve enlisted and a 2nd Lt. in the Army Nurse Corps for a short time. What you say makes perfect sense and I’m really happy I saw them at this time. Thanks so much for the timely and inside info. Sure beats making a mistake you’ll be sorry for later.
Just finished my CFI for fixed wing, rested a day or two and then I got bored. Started looking into Coast Guard, now looking into ANG again, like I was years ago. Also Guard. Thanks for your videos!! Super informative and concise. Keep up the great work 💎
Abbie 🥰 I love your channel and your crackhead energy. If you ever decide to do street to seat I can help you with your packet ☺️
@@copperwopper hi! Thanks so much for watching! I really appreciate that 😊 are you ANG?
Suggestion: If you do enter military flight training with any service, DO NOT volunteer the fact that you have a CFI. Keep you mouth shut and just perform above the norm and you'll excel. I say this having been a military flight instructor at Pensacola who flew with some excellent students who later told me they had a private pilot's license.
Did you join the military?
Hey Damion, I spent 20 1/2 yrs in the Army with 10 1/2 of that as a UH60 ADSO commercial rated multi turbine instrument endorsed,, Damion, you hit the jackpot with unit flying if you're really at 1000hrs in 6 yrs. I barely cleared 750 with 386 of that being combat hours from 2011 in Afghanistan flying MEDEVAC. If I could go back and choose to fly again,,, OH HELL NO!!!!! In the end state of ALL the service connected cervical and lumbar disc damage, the ARMY AND VA turned their back to me about having disc replacement surgery. The only place I have found so far willing to do the 4 possibly 5 lumbar disc replacement is in Germany. I used my civilian insurance as primary and Tricare as a secondary to get 2 discs replaced in my neck. Afghanistan in 2011 was intense with numerous hard landings under fire for CAT A urgent MEDEVAC requests....
Since the flight hour program was lowered from 136hrs annually per pilot to 96 (THE OBAMA YEARS) there has been nothing but problems with incidents and accidents due to lack of experience in critical decision making or identifying the correct EP and correctly executing that EP. This will only get worse in time if they do not up the training hours for pilots experience. I would tell guys to stay away from Army aviation and look into another service like the Navy or Coast Guard if you have a 4 year degree and 500 flight hrs. Retirement wise W/O retired pay is comforting but nothing compared to the retirement plan that commercial air line guys invest in. So in a nut shell,,, people SHOULD NOT APPLY FOR ARMY AVIATION UNLESS THEY DO THEIR HOMEWORK TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS REALLY HOW THEY WANT TO GAMBLE WITH A CAREER WITH NO CHOICE BUT TO SHOW UP READY TO PERFORM NO MATTER WHERE THEY SEND YOU AND HOPE YOU DON'T WIND UP WITH ANY SPINAL OR OTHER BODILY DAMAGE.
Correct about it being a retention issue. BUT, I know that they're supposedly looking at giving some solid bonuses to keep you retained. But we'll see.
Super helpful video. Currently considering signing on, but the low flight time and low free time has me considering other branches. Thank you!
Reason 6. You don't get to wear traditional flight suits to feel like a military pilot 😢 (the only branch that has it as unauthorized)
And that's why the army sucks in general And to fly for the bastards for 10yrs would really suck...btw... Do you have to fly active duty for 10 years? Or can you fly the rest of your time as a reservest?
Oh boy!!! Now I know why I had so many former Army pilots in the Coast Guard!!! I always wondered but this video made it apparent why so many prior Army meat servos came over to the CG.
Always heard that Army WOs flew the most out of any branch. Maybe that has changed. Thank you for the truth! I think it’s safe to say that I can scratch Army off my list of options.
I saw a full bird fly into my airport and I was like “your a rare breed ma’am” lol. But I’m going to army flight school in February. Also I already have my fixed wing license so I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge once I get there
I worked on 60s in the army, I wanted to do WOFT and opted just to get out.
The way now if you can be selected as street to seat in the guard. I’m telling my son that it’s a good way to get rated and come back home without the big AD crap unless deployed. This way you can come back, work on your ratings at home and go work as an airline pilot and do your guard work as well. I wish I would have done it that way.
Thank you for these videos. I’m trying to do an inter service transfer from the usmc to the woft program. Passed sift and medical hopefully I’ll be able to submit for the next board.
Hell yeah! There’s one every single month
(^^^) Just don't forget to stash some Crayola's in your flight bag for when you get hungry during a mission. The Army doesn't include them in their MREs (My brother is a former Marine)
🖍️😏🖍️
He is spot on. Wow great Vid.
My son is a perfect example of a HS grad that looked at WO pilot but rejected it due to time of enlistment .
Even I as a Vet could not disagree .
West Point grads only do 8 years and the last few just reserves if they go off active duty.
Not sure where you heard that, but current West Point grads have same ADSO (10 years) as everyone else.
From West Point web site
How long must I serve in the Army?
You must serve a minimum of eight years after you graduate in a combination of Active Duty and Reserve Component Service. This mandatory service obligation is the nation's return on a West Point graduate's fully funded, four-year college education that is valued in excess of $225,000.
That’s for most branches, but not if you branch aviation. I only know bc my son is a 2022 grad now at flight school.
Also, not sure if this point was made but the 10 year clock doesn’t start until after you graduate flight school, which is typically 15-18 months after commissioning (if you go the commissioned route) depending on what aircraft you end up in. So it’s almost a 12 year commitment really.
I trained and flew as a Marine pilot until, at the end of 1971 (with the Marines out of Vietnam), the Commandant reduced the size of the Marine Corps by a third, and that was the end of that. I earned an FAA Private Pilot's license and just flew civilian aviation in small GA aircraft until just a few years ago, so I truly LOVE flying. That means what I'm about to say is not a criticism but is merely one person's observation. If you wanna make big bucks as a pilot, you're gonna have to fly a 'long, circular tube' for an airline. You'll take off, turn on the autopilot, then land. The contrast is that the best, most fun, most exciting, most challenging flying is going to be military flying regardless of the service--but as Damion said, you're NOT gonna get rich. As Damion also said, as a commissioned officer the higher your rank, the less flying you're gradually going to do. But as an Army warrant officer pilot, you FLY (and that's your job!) I have a Coasty friend who says the CG really does fly a lot. He also said, "If you're an Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine pilot--unless you're in combat--you guys just 'practice'. On the other hand, we Coasties DO IT FOR REAL every day." In ANY case (as the saying goes), "flying is the most fun you can have with your pants on."
FYI, Chances are very slim that an airline will consider you if you are a rotary wing aviator without a heck of a lot other experience. There is little carry over from flying an Observation or Attack helicopter to flying an air transport category fixed wing aircraft. I'm not saying it is impossible, just a big stretch. Get dual rated and start banking turbine aircraft time.
I knew I wanted to fly since I was 7 but as a teenager I was very afraid of signing away a decade of my life or six figure student debt. I decided to go to A&P school at age 18 instead. It cost me $15k all in, tools included, and a month after graduating I got a job making about 50% more than the entry level Army pilot. 8 years later, I love working on aircraft every day, my student debt is paid off, I bought my first house last year, and I'm getting ready to buy myself an RV-8 kit for my 28th birthday. When I was in school I was told 1/3 of A&Ps were 60 years or older and most of those guys have since retired during COVID. The demand now is unreal and you can easily make 6 figures off an associate degree as an A&P. I do still get a little wistful whenever I see a Blackhawk at the airport but I knew giving up my freedom for 10 years wouldn't work for me. Just something for young folks to consider if you want to work in aviation and make enough money to go flying on your own terms. Plus flight benefits if you go with the airlines.
Thank you so much!
In the guard as a 15T and have my A&P. Thinking about going officer but I would need lasik.
Join the guard instead.
Im actually more interested in 25 and have waisted 10 years already im finally positive a pilot is what i want to be for any plane i want to join but the nervous and hesitation is the only thing stopping me and thing im trying to get past
I thought about this career so much during high school, and after graduating, i didn't know what i wanted to do with my life once out to the real world just always once in a time i think about it and also think about i don't want to live rest of my life regretting something dream always been be a truck driver or probably could serve the time and then do what i want after getting out it does sounds nice retiring early while still young and still going trucking just still dont want regrets in my life.
I understand completely what this gentleman is saying, however, the upside is that you're training and the aircraft your flying are the best and its free.
I agree with you. The Army will make you a 10 year commitment but will teach you how to flight dif hellos and that cost a lot. All AVs pilot I met in the Army do not regret it comparing with those that walk 12 mile in a road march, dealing with vehicle maint, office drama.....etc. At least you are flying....
You forgot to mention that the Army Aviation has Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers. None of the others services have warrant officers pilots. As much as I love and respect the WOs, the splitting of responsibilities and "crossover" of leadership creates a weird command structure that the other services don't have to deal with. Anyone who has been in Army Aviation knows what I'm talking about. And, if I were 20 years old, and knew what I know now, I would join the Air Force.
I'm planning on enlisting air force. I'm 18 few months out of school. I know airforce gets the best housing food etc. But what specifically is so good about airforce Mos? From what I've heard ( I want to be a maintainer) some of the jobs are grueling long shift based sessions
Thanks for your service 👍
@oni293 don't be a maintainer.
I flew in both the Marine as a commissioned and later, in the Army Reserve as a CWO. Great pilots in both services. Let's face it: the Army always likes to stretch the buck. They knew they'd need thousands of Hueys for Vietnam. Plus, they knew that young men are usually fearless. "High school to flight school" was a master marketing stroke that accomplished two goals: pay as cheap as possible to stretch the budget and put twenty year-old men in command of a Huey. (As a reservist and CWO, I flew with some Army lieutenants that were largely clueless in the cockpit despite having won their silver wings. Good reasons why they never made PIC.)
I was really looking into the warrant aviation officer route until the ADSO was increased 4 years. Absolutely wrong decision for attracting more pilots. Agree with you.
Hi there... 30 year career Army Aviator here, enlisted Aviation and Warrant. What some folks don't realize is the Army finally just came online with the Air Force and Navy for Aviator ADSOs, 10 & 8 years respectively. This also takes you up to being looked at for CW3. Another part of the reason was retention, but it also costs significantly more to train each pilot on these newer complex aircraft than it did years ago. As any big, smart business, you have to get your money's worth. So, knowing more of the real reasons why, should help folks make educated decisions.
I know fixed wing aviation isn’t as common in the Army but it would be cool to get a video breaking down the process for someone that flys (C-12, UC-35, or C-37)
True, people have been pulled away from Army Aviation by the airlines but pay is not the only reason. DA treats its pilots (especially the WO’s) like crap. We always felt like everything else like inspections and additional duties were the priority, not flying. Leadership is more worried if your binder/area is ready for ARMS and less concerned about your flight time.
I went in during the 80's rating was oh6 as a CWO coming from street to seat suck back in those days, got out in 2010
Why not go directly to train with Delta, Mesa, America West, and not even going military?
Have a retired LTC Blackhawk pilot working with me who’s a Database Engineer.. Me being retired Navy asked him when he hired on.. WTF… lol. Pretty much what you said about Commissioned Officers flying a desk most of their careers is why he retired..
Sending this video to the army
How different is the flight time for warrant officers?
Massive
Is the low flight time due to most of it going to the warrant officers? If so, that makes WOFT waaay more tempting
Very honest!
Can you talk about Army fixed wing pilot?
I’m prior enlisted with nine years in, but working as a pilot for a legacy airline. Trying to go WOFT in the Army National Guard just to get the retirement.
You are right. Army Aviation is too hard. No one should do it! 😂😂😂
Seriously, know what you are getting into and know yourself well enough to know what is truly important.
Great job
Damion, long ago i dropped navy flight training because i found the math too tedious. I had a degree in English. Do army pilot trainees have to be good at math? Thanks for the honest and helpful information in your videos. 🙏🙏🙏
How can you maintain flight proficiency at only 11 hours a month?
Private pilot friends of mine want to fly at least 200 hours a year so that they feel safe. 2 of the guys will do flights that they don't need to stay current.
Is numbness in legs common while flying helicopters?
Nice job.
Thanks!
2nd year ROTC AV hopeful here, every time I hear about air force/navy aviation it makes me regret going army 😭😭
Not necessarily a bad thing
My son is working on his fixed wing PPL VFR then IFR. will this help him reenter via warrant officer program? He med discharged from injury. Backup is use his benefits for commercial training afterwards. What do u think?
UPS uses helicopters to deliver packages ?
I served 9 years in 6 was in the 75th rangers I been out for 5 years now I did a year as PMC shooter before the fall of Afghanistan. I have had lots of career changes went from security to construction to martial arts instructor. To officer for the State of Texas i gkt my Private plane Ls for fun 4years ago and im planning on pusshing for my CFI and Commercial. And. I had back surgery in January and I'm at a point where I can 100% go back to the military. Jokingly said that my friend said I got you gave me a number to his buddy. I called I just found out I can Reenlist back in thru the national guard. And I had him run my paperwork to see what jobs I'm offered. I was offered 12 jobs. Main one that caught my eye Infantry. The next one 15W. Drone pilot. I was like no shit.. cause I found out in flight school app 15W drone flight time is counted towards your FAA flight log book. So if I went back in as aDrone pilot I apply for active duty and go. With in 2 years I'm a SNCO pilot. Solely based off age and rank. And IL fly as a CFI at ft Bliss as a PMC cause if I did that then I'd rack up hella time and radio experience before I made the civilian jump to ATap flight school. To become a commercial Airline pilot for like delta or southwest... and instead of pushing for pilot or officer in the military or even WO, I instead just stay where I'm at since I'd be making 50k a year from the guard 1 weekend a month flying drones.. and working as a civilian Airline pilot making 105k plus. Unless I was offered a officers or WO position that's was strictly National guard or reserves so I can keep flying civilian wise... I don't see any of that happening tho so I'm iffy to trust the military again..
Great!
It’s funny because where I’m at currently. It’s all higher brass that flys. LTCs. Full birds… even a 1 star every once in a while. Lol
As someone who is about to enlist, Im trying to figure out what MOS to choose. I am a cadet at UNG Corps of Cadets ROTC Senior Military College, enlisting with the Nat Guard while I complete school. I have 3-4 options. O9R (enlisted and contracted cadet, kinda a filler MOS til commissioning upon grad. BCT is optional). 68W (Combat Medic) and 15T (Blackhawk Mechanic). I plan to commission regardless after grad as military is my next chapter after school but as far as deciding what to do that sets me up well both now and later is difficult. Bc the MOS I choose now (especially if I DONT choose 09R) will affect my branch down the road in BOLC. (Choosing 15T will give me a leg up in branching aviation but lessen my chance for medical and vice versa). What would you do?
I was a 15T when it was "67T." I loved it, for the most part, *once I got to a unit (101st) that had "crewchief slots."* And even then, you had a lot of 'military BS' in between missions...
Before that, I was an aircraft mechanic on the ground for two years in Germany. I enjoyed it, but I was still 'on the ground'...
One of my fellow crew chiefs once said it like this: "The Army takes everything that's fun, and makes it 'un-fun.'"
I am absolutely glad I was in, and I *definitely* loved being an Army aviator. But, my friend was right.
*Food for thought...
What originally drew you to the Army and Army Aviation?
do I need a heli licese before joining
Does the 10 year commitment have to be active duty??
10yr ADSO is insane!!!
Tis!
Is that 10year a plus my 6years or is that concurrent?
@@Pierre-qx7lo ☠️ might as well do your 20
10 years post flight training, basic training and WOCS
Hi
Can I become a pilot in the army?
Not a helicopter pilot, fighter, or cargo plane.
What happens if you leave before 10 years?
As an ex Army AH-,AH-64 pilot I can unequivocally say that the Army blows chunks. They are ground pounders through and through.
The process is not well put together to join up. To many hurdles.
Man how do you stay current if get so little flight time?
Anyone who thinks that flight school was incredibly hard has not spent much time in a CAB.
I would pay to be able to go back to flight school. You fly every day, no additional duties, no purposeless EUCOM rotations or CTCs, no FTXs, no PT during flight training. All the things you described that made flight school hard will continue when you start progression at your unit, including learning Air Assault planning, etc. It's even worsened by PL obligations (If you are an RLO) and RL progression.
Just my two cents, experience may vary.
Aviation vs medical service corps aviation
Aviation for sure! Med service your career is very limited
It’s the same across western armies 👌🏼
Would flight school be somewhat easier for someone who is already a helicopter pilot?
Im looking the drop a warrent packet, is the 10 year regardless of active or guard?
This is correct, though I believe you can serve the 10 years across any component. I.e 6 years active followed by 4 reserves/guard
@@damion_bailey great!! Guard might be the Move then. Hopefully its not a ten year addition to my active duty contract
When you arent flying, what are you doing on a day to day basis?
When I went to flight school in the 90s, it was like trying to get a drink of water from a fire hose.
Will they turn you away if you don't have 20/20 vision?
If you were to go back and re-choose which branch you would like to attend flight school in.Which would you choose?
The pay may be less than civilian pilots but the level of respect from us civilians is huge.
Is the low flight time for commissioned specifically? Or is it the same rate for Warrant?
In the military, when you reach a certain rank, Major, CW04, and SFC, you are considered staff grade, middle management.
What sunset and rainbows in a killing gang ??
So at the army office what do I ask for if I want to fly and then fly for ups ?
Any airframe will work! 500 hours in a helicopter then do 250 on your own in an airplane and you’ve reached the 750 restricted ATP requirement for military pilots to fly for the airlines
@@damion_bailey thank you
It actually stands for Active Duty Service Obligation, and thats in regulation. And you forgot a "d".
Whoops!
Flight school was the most challenging/stressful thing you've ever done? lol bro did you go to college for art or something?
Don’t get wrong guy
Time in serves give you more money also bah and bas are not taxable this is why look like not enough money but you get more
When I served in the 90s. Our helo pilots were all WO...not anymore?
The army has trashed the Warrant corps.
Ummm...ok. Great detailed post there. 🤦♂️🙄
What do you think of a civilian instructor transitioning to instructor in the army
The flight time hit me hard. I'm out..
Reason six: Flying a helo when operating in a desert and you are wearing a MOPP-4 suit + restrictive gas mask. My worst experience ever as an Army Reserve Chinook pilot!
Since you were reserve, what is the 10 year commitment like? Is it still 10 years of active duty? I’m 20 looking into flying as a WO but i can’t lie this 10 year obligation is destroying my enthusiasm.
@@ryanpotter2608 Ryan, it ALWAYS boils down to the unbreakable law of Supply & Demand no matter which service you elect to join. When I matriculated through Navy flight school as a Marine 2Lt, our national tragedy in Vietnam was beginning to scale down. I did win my gold wings but only served a total of four years and eleven months on active duty! I then found both USMCR and USAR reserve units that allowed me to fly on weekends for another 20 years. (Thanks be to God!) Lastly, when I got off active duty in 1975 there was a glut of USAF pilots getting out and smoothly slotting into the airlines. NO airline would look any helo pilot no matter the number of hours nor the complexity of the machine flown. Plus. back then, the regionals only offered poverty wages for every pilot they hired. With a family to feed and a mortgage to pay, I couldn't afford to start an airline career back in the 1970s. (BTW: my civilian employer in high-tech absolutely hated the fact that I continued my military career as a Reservist. But that's a whole 'nother story for another time . . . )
Not much in here is an apples to apples comparison. That year 2 UPS pilot pay comes after you already have about 8 yrs of full time commercial experience.
Let me get in i will sign for 10! Dont care bout the money the experience nd coolness is esp when you make it out
Don’t understand how airlines, FedEx or UPS would be interested in Army rotary wing pilots.
You can get them flight hours up in 160th sir. 😂 Also what do you think about BARRON'S Military Flight Aptitude Tests for studying?
Please specify 🚁Pilots!
Flight school starts every two weeks. W.O. Corps is a good route if you do not have a commission. First, Evaluate why you are there ... before you think it's a nine to five job. You don't pass unless you meet standards. They don't give out trophies to everyone and at times it is not fair... so suck it up butter cup and move on. If you like being a team member, you might do well. Don't give up.
The Army needs to re-think this. Even if they plan on going to full automation in the cockpit, you still need people.