I attempted to attend WOFT back in 1985 under the High School to Flight School program. Passed the FAST test and Warrant Officer Board, only to be denied because of a vertical astigmatism that was "2 clicks" too far out of standard. Broken hearted, I decided to go Airborne Infantry Unassigned Ranger instead. Years later, as a Drill Sergeant, I found out during Summer Training for ROTC students, that if I had gone to OCS, I would have passed the standards for commissioned officer rotary wing pilot. Been retired now since 2002 and not sure what the standards are today, but keep this in mind if this is your dream and the same obstacle is put in front of you.
I am sure it's changed since I was in 1969-1973, but they recruited me right out of my senior year of high school. I already had a helicopter license since I had been spraying crops for a while, but that's how I did it. No glamour, we knew right where we were headed. Vietnam.
I always tell people even though I'm just in college right now that if you are going into the military you need to be ready to make the recruiter work for you. Don't let them shoehorn you in and wind up just being another notch in their quota belt.
Finding the right recruiter is probably the best advice in this video. Back in 1980 (the dark ages), I decided I would try for Army Aviation. The whole process was absolutely miserable. After I took the ASVAB, my recruiter called me and said "Well, you can have basically any job in the Army that you want that doesn't require a college degree (officer)." He already knew I wanted to go aviation so he set me up for the aviation aptitude test (what is now the SIFT). After I took the test, I waited, and waited, and waited. Finally he called and said "Bad news...you failed the test". Now, I had been an aviation buff for years...I knew a LOT about flying without having never actually flown. I knew the instruments, I knew the weather, etc. I told the recruiter "I have taken a LOT of test in my life...there is NO WAY I failed that test." He called me back a few days later and told me "I just found out that the scoring methods were changed....you passed the test". Next was the physical. I had some issues with vision, but the flight surgeon asked if was was planning on flying supersonic aircraft. I said no, so he signed off. I was scheduled for the Oral Review Board THE NEXT DAY....again, uninformed recruiters. After a 6 hour bus ride, I was told that my packet had not had time to reach the board and I would have to come back next month. A week later, I got a job offer that was too good to turn down, so I never went. I eventually got a Private Pilot license with a helicopter rating ( it cost me $12K and I never really got to make full use of it...). Having a knowledgeable recruiter is the most important thing you can do. Thanks for the video.
I wish you were around in 2000 to tell me about WOFT. Great information! Well done and never forget "Above the Best". For those that don't know what that means we fly and fight above the skies to keep our ground heroes safe!
Glad the recruiter I found immediatly took action. He was glad that I knew what I wanted. All I said was 153M. Got to get a few more credits then I can take the testing.
If you're in college or about to enter college, you can also check out the ROTC program. If there isn't one at your particular school, you can find one at another university and commute to the program. One reason why I recommend this is because ROTC is especially geared toward university students being groomed and trained to become commissioned officers. You'll get a look at leadership roles, team work and expectations. Some people enroll and then decide that military life isn't for them. There is no obligation until your senior year and you can apply for flight training at the end of your junior year. It's another avenue to explore.
100% FACT! Great video! Yeah, the recruiters are about checking boxes and getting their numbers. If the recruiter in your area is not helpful, go to another town. That is what I did. Had to drive two hours to find a good recruiter.
One thing to consider, most Army Aviators are type A personalities. As a Warrant Officer, you will be ordered to do very dangerous tasks and perform those tasks without hesitation. It takes a lot of courage and the ability to ignore fear while flying the aircraft, regardless of the treat. My flight class was 71-1. I have logged over 900 hours of combat in Vietnam. You will never be more alive than when you are in combat, often taking fire while flying, with your life and others' lives at stake. Very few of you will ever get the chance to become an Army Aviator. One other thing, you need an IQ of at least 140. Good luck and God bless.
Went through WOFT back in 1989. The Army is certainly willing to take an inter-service transfer from another service then one of their own. Why? The Army isn’t losing a body, but gaining a body. However, if it’s your dream or drive to fly then go for it.
Army is the ONLY branch that you can be a pilot straight out of high school lol. All the other branches make you go to college first and commission as an officer. Yet, the army STILL has commissioned pilots as well. I don't get it lol
Be dope if you made a video about your life leading up to becoming a pilot and where you're at now. Great vid , I'll make it there someday but this information helps !
I attempted to attend WOFT back in 1985 under the High School to Flight School program. Passed the FAST test and Warrant Officer Board, only to be denied because of a vertical astigmatism that was "2 clicks" too far out of standard. Broken hearted, I decided to go Airborne Infantry Unassigned Ranger instead. Years later, as a Drill Sergeant, I found out during Summer Training for ROTC students, that if I had gone to OCS, I would have passed the standards for commissioned officer rotary wing pilot. Been retired now since 2002 and not sure what the standards are today, but keep this in mind if this is your dream and the same obstacle is put in front of you.
“I need time to study because I’m not a good mather”
I am sure it's changed since I was in 1969-1973, but they recruited me right out of my senior year of high school. I already had a helicopter license since I had been spraying crops for a while, but that's how I did it. No glamour, we knew right where we were headed. Vietnam.
I always tell people even though I'm just in college right now that if you are going into the military you need to be ready to make the recruiter work for you. Don't let them shoehorn you in and wind up just being another notch in their quota belt.
I was a Naval Aviator in the Marine Corps. One thing people should be aware of is that there is
Your background music is a bit too loud relative to your voice.
Currently looking to switch career paths and follow my childhood dream. Thank you for this directional video! looking forward to the future.
Finding the right recruiter is probably the best advice in this video. Back in 1980 (the dark ages), I decided I would try for Army Aviation. The whole process was absolutely miserable. After I took the ASVAB, my recruiter called me and said "Well, you can have basically any job in the Army that you want that doesn't require a college degree (officer)." He already knew I wanted to go aviation so he set me up for the aviation aptitude test (what is now the SIFT). After I took the test, I waited, and waited, and waited. Finally he called and said "Bad news...you failed the test". Now, I had been an aviation buff for years...I knew a LOT about flying without having never actually flown. I knew the instruments, I knew the weather, etc. I told the recruiter "I have taken a LOT of test in my life...there is NO WAY I failed that test." He called me back a few days later and told me "I just found out that the scoring methods were changed....you passed the test". Next was the physical. I had some issues with vision, but the flight surgeon asked if was was planning on flying supersonic aircraft. I said no, so he signed off. I was scheduled for the Oral Review Board THE NEXT DAY....again, uninformed recruiters. After a 6 hour bus ride, I was told that my packet had not had time to reach the board and I would have to come back next month. A week later, I got a job offer that was too good to turn down, so I never went. I eventually got a Private Pilot license with a helicopter rating ( it cost me $12K and I never really got to make full use of it...). Having a knowledgeable recruiter is the most important thing you can do. Thanks for the video.
I wish you were around in 2000 to tell me about WOFT. Great information! Well done and never forget "Above the Best". For those that don't know what that means we fly and fight above the skies to keep our ground heroes safe!
Anybody watching this,
Glad the recruiter I found immediatly took action. He was glad that I knew what I wanted. All I said was 153M. Got to get a few more credits then I can take the testing.
If you're in college or about to enter college, you can also check out the ROTC program. If there isn't one at your particular school, you can find one at another university and commute to the program. One reason why I recommend this is because ROTC is especially geared toward university students being groomed and trained to become commissioned officers. You'll get a look at leadership roles, team work and expectations. Some people enroll and then decide that military life isn't for them. There is no obligation until your senior year and you can apply for flight training at the end of your junior year. It's another avenue to explore.
100% FACT! Great video! Yeah, the recruiters are about checking boxes and getting their numbers. If the recruiter in your area is not helpful, go to another town. That is what I did. Had to drive two hours to find a good recruiter.
Got selected a few weeks ago, thanks for the helpful videos.
Need more guys like you to help young guys navigate the world of getting the right MOS. Thank you,
Bad ass ink. Man I wish I could pass a 1 class med. this was my life’s dream. There are other things but damn.
One thing to consider, most Army Aviators are type A personalities. As a Warrant Officer, you will be ordered to do very dangerous tasks and perform those tasks without hesitation. It takes a lot of courage and the ability to ignore fear while flying the aircraft, regardless of the treat. My flight class was 71-1. I have logged over 900 hours of combat in Vietnam. You will never be more alive than when you are in combat, often taking fire while flying, with your life and others' lives at stake. Very few of you will ever get the chance to become an Army Aviator. One other thing, you need an IQ of at least 140. Good luck and God bless.
Went through WOFT back in 1989. The Army is certainly willing to take an inter-service transfer from another service then one of their own. Why? The Army isn’t losing a body, but gaining a body. However, if it’s your dream or drive to fly then go for it.
Army is the ONLY branch that you can be a pilot straight out of high school lol. All the other branches make you go to college first and commission as an officer. Yet, the army STILL has commissioned pilots as well. I don't get it lol
Be dope if you made a video about your life leading up to becoming a pilot and where you're at now. Great vid , I'll make it there someday but this information helps !