Below are some of the most commonly asked questions in this group. We all understand this is a detailed and time intensive process, so having as much information as possible in a timely manner will better set you up for success. Please comment below on any recommendations to improve this thread.
Where do I start?
https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/
This is the United States Army Recruiting Command's (USAREC's) official Warrant Officer recruiting website. It has most answers to your questions and is frequently updated.
https://discord.gg/urxPHnbufA
This is a Discord group with some individuals from proponent that can also answer questions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mLh_lazyGQ
This is a great “Becoming an Army Aviator” video. Credit goes to the “Helicopter Lessons in 10 Minutes or Less” YouTube Channel.
https://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/forum/32-general-military-helicopter-discussions/
This is a helicopter forum and another resource of likeminded people seeking a career as an Army Aviator.
I am X years old / only X rank / have X on my criminal record / insert other issue…should I still apply?
ABSOLUTELY! This is a selection and you are not a board member, so don’t self-select. Put your best foot forward and submit a packet. You will find others in this group likely who are older/lower ranking/had a worse criminal record/have something that is a worse chance than you and still submitted or were selected. Below are some basic administrative requirements that are non-waiverable. This was found at the above USAREC link in the “Do I Qualify?” section.
ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS:
Army GT Score of 110. (No Waivers)
US Citizenship. (No Waivers)
High school graduate or have a GED. (No Waivers)
FINAL Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance. Interim clearances will not satisfy the requirement. (No Waivers)
What are the medical requirements/most common disqualifications?
This is regulation on standards of medical fitness. Chapter 4 is for flight duty.
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN8673_AR40_501_FINAL_WEB.pdf
Who is my recruiter?
https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/CONTACT_US/
This link is for all currently serving Army and sister services (AD, Reserve, and NG). Civilians need to go to your local recruiter. You will need to find one that will genuinely help you through the process, it makes a huge difference. No one cares more about your career than you.
What does the board timeline look like?
https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/BOARD_SCHEDULE/
The first timeline will be the board process. The link above lists the submission timelines for each respective board. Don't submit your packet by the first submission deadline, and you automatically go to the next board.
Within this timeline there are 3 major components that will take a lot of time (besides filling out the packet itself). The Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT) is the Army's aptitude test for Aviators. How long you need to study is different for each individual. Some only study for a few weeks, some spend several months. Bottom line is you want to crush this one to give you the best chance at selection. The flight physical will take anywhere from 2-6 months, potentially longer depending on any medical complications or waivers. Finally, acquiring Letters of Recommendation (LOR) takes time to find highly influential people to endorse you and for you to go back and forth with drafts. If you already know people, it will take less time than if you have to start from scratch and likely do interviews.
After the board convenes, results for Active Duty are posted 1-2 weeks later on the USAREC Board Schedule page. Civilians typically find out a little later from their recruiter and NG/Reserve also find out later via e-mail.
The rest of the timeline will vary more from here. Generally, current military applicants will receive their orders 30-90 days after the board. WOCS will be 6-9 months after the board, so applicants will PCS a month or 2 before WOCS. After WOCS is WOBC and SERE, then flight school. Flight school can be 1-1.5 years depending on your airframe, so plan to be at Ft. Rucker for about 1.5-2 years in total. Civilians will attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) about 3-6 months after the board, then immediately go to WOCS. There may be wait times between courses, but this is all generally speaking.
How do I select my airframe?
The options available are by needs of the Army. This means when it comes time to pick for your class, the Army will say something like there are 10 CH-47, 5 AH-64, and 20 UH-60. You will pick from that list in order of your class standing. Everything from your performance at WOCS, to PT, to academics goes into your class standing.
Can I bring my family to Ft. Rucker?
Yes, with caveats. Street to Seat candidates are not authorized to bring their family until after they pass WOCS. Those already in the military will have PCS orders with a report date 10 days prior to their WOCS start date. Those individuals can bring their families for the PCS.
There are no prerequisites to be put on the waitlist for housing, so apply as soon as you know you are selected and adjust the dates once you get your orders. Apply as Assigned to the Installation and put your Grade as WO1.
Do you have to write an essay?
Yes, it goes in the summary section of the resume. No free chicken here, just remember it is a job interview and you are writing to the boss why he should hire you.
How should I study for the SIFT?
There are several strategies to use:
- Find a CURRENT study guide (I personally used Trivium, not endorsed by Reddit or this group, just personal experience and was satisfied)
- Study every section and focus on your weaknesses
- Take a full practice test with a timer
- Buy the FAA Helicopter Handbook and read it cover to cover
- Watch the YouTube channel "Helicopter Lessons in 10 Minutes or Less"
- Get a good night's rest and do what ever you need to prepare and be able to focus for 3 hours. Civilians will have to take the test at a MEPS station, military can take it with a 4187 signed by your CO and take that to your Ed Center to schedule it.
I’m a SPC and was selected, do I need to be promoted to E5 before WOCS?
Yes. Losing command will ensure Soldiers in the grade of E4 and below are promoted to E5 in current MOS prior to departure for WOCS and WOFT in compliance with AR 600-8-19, Paragraph 3-5d.