Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/pilot

Advertisement

Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/16/2009


Question
Hello. My name is Steve. I am planning on joining the USMC after high school. I really want to pursue a career as a helicopter pilot. Could you give me info on what I need to do to become that. All advice is welcomed. Thanks
                                         Steve

Answer
Steve,
Only the Army allows enlisted men to become helicopter pilots.  All the other Services require their helicopter pilots to be Officers that have a 4-year college degree.  Also, the other Services require their helicopter pilots to have an airplane license first.  Only the Army allows potential pilots to go directly into helicopter school and skip the fixed-wing training.
It will definitely be worth your while to talk to an Army recruiter, no matter what grade you're in.  He can help you be prepared for when you graduate.
Thanks for wanting to serve your country in uniform!
Colonel H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.