Expert: Rod Powers - 9/13/2009

Question
I'm a senior in high school, and both of my brothers are in the military. As a little brother, I am interested in joining the Army to be a pilot. I read several of your other replys, but I still had some questions. I understand the process to some extent, but what I didn't find out is that you don't actually sign anything until you are approved by the board, and have passed all the tests and physicals? In other words, you don't have to join the Army until you are actually accepted into the Warrent Officer program? Also, what in the length of a contract? 4 years? 6? Thanks alot,
Tim


Answer
Hi Tim,

Usually, candidates enlist in the Delayed Enlistment Program (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/joiningup/a/dep.htm), while awaiting WOFTP board approval.

However, as it says in the article, you can get out of the active duty DEP at any time, so it's not a big deal. If you enlist under a WOFTP contract, you won't ship out to active duty (basic training), until the board approves your flight training application.

Here are some points to keep in mind:

1. You need a 120 GT on your ASVAB. (See: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyjoin/l/blarasvabscores.htm)

2. You need a 90 on your AFAST. (This is the Army Flight Aptitude Test)

3. Full Flight Physical (get this through the recruiter)

4. DO NOT ENLIST AS ANYTHING BUT MOS 09W. Army recruiters will sometimes tell you that you have to select a different MOS, while waiting for the board, but this is not true. The WOFTP is a pain in the ass for recruiters, and they don't get enlistment credit for those who enter the program, so some recruiters aren't willing to do the extra work. If your recruiter isn't willing to work with you, find another recruiter.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com