Expert: John L - 2/4/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I am very interested in becoming an army helicopter pilot.  You seem like a great expert and resource for information on how to prepare.  I am 21 years old and have a bachelors degree in health science and graduated with a 3.9 gpa.  I understand there is a woft program.  Do you think I would be competitive. I have found very little info on this program and how to get into it. Ideally I would like to get into the reserve or guard as a pilot

ANSWER: Anyone in the Army or national Guard can apply to be a pilot.  You have to pass the aptitude tests, flight physical and background check.  Civilian flight experience is not required, but knowledge of flight is extremely helpful.

The Guard is your best bet, I would join as a black hawk crew chief or UAV pilot (if your state has them), then submit your packet. talk to a guard recruiter on the path.

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QUESTION: I have heard you can submit a packet as a civilian. Is this true and does it apply to guard/reserve?

ANSWER: yes, but they cannot accept you until you finish basic training and specialty training until they have a flight school entry program, which is rare.

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QUESTION: typical reruiter run around, short and unspecific answers.       no info about what I  asked.Only advice is to enlist first, shock!

Answer
I am short and to the point. The active army had a direct flight school program, but discontinued it after the drop out rate was extremely high.  I gove honest answers as I have nothing to gain from telling you to enlist, it is just the cold hard fact.  One has to prove himself that he is fit for the duty, one must be a soldier first, pilot second.  If you have a flight backg round, your chances are extremely high, if not, then you are just one of thousands per year to think they got what it takes.  But few make the cut.  A warrant officer pilot is a former enlisted or officer who has been around a little bit and know what the Army life and standards are.

Sorry if you feel like you are getting the run around, but that is the path to pilot.  If you have a degree, enlist under OCS (officer) option  finish officer training then submit your pilot package that way.

How bad do you want it?  That is the main question.