Army Guard Questions

[mrvmo]

For those of you in the Army Guard, I have a few questions.

1. I am a furloughed guy from the airlines with no prior military. Is it possible to get in the Army Guard to fly helicopters? Do they have selection boards and "slots" like the Air Force and Navy?

2. If so how do I go about starting the process?

3. What is the pay like?

4. How long is the commitment?

If someone could PM me with this info I would greatly appreciate it. It would actually be great if I could talk to someone about all this. Thanks.

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

How old are you?

 

[walmartwannabe]

Army Guard Info...

Hi there,

I am also on furlough, but fortunate to have a new flying job. I spent six years in the Army Guard and loved most of it.

I flew helos under the roll of a commissioned officer. I would highly recommend that you look at both jobs (WARRANT or COMMISSIONED) before searching for units. Im not sure about this, but I think there is a cap on age for OCS and Warrant Officer School. The commissioning aspect could help you later if you ever desire to fly for a different branch of service.

First thing we need to know is your age, eduacation background and are you looking for a specific location to serve (guard unit)

In a nut shell, I found that most units are interested in commissioned officers because many are getting out or reverting to warrant officer. My experience as a lieutenant consisted mostly of operational and logistical duties. Although the warrant officers had many of their own responsiblities, I found that they were able to fly more. Warrant Officers typically run the Flight Facility (instructor pilots-instument evaluators). The benefit of being in the guard is that you can fly quite a bit and not be subjected to moving around all of the time. In some cases, after some time in the unit, you could work as an Active Guard Reservist (fulltime within the unit). Helos are fun, and if you are fortunate to find a unit who will hire you, you can expect at least a year and a half on active duty while at OCS or WOC school and Fort Rucker for flight school.

With your background, flight school would be more fun than difficult. Let me know if I can help and I will put you in touch with the Aviation Units out there.

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

I know of a few units that are hiring full time, you really need to be under 30. I have seen them waiver 33 or 34 yr old guys but most of them were prior service. You looking for a full time position or just a guard bum?

 

[mrvmo]

I'm 28. Talked to a few people in the Chicago area at Midway yesterday, but couldn't really find anything out. Thanks for the help guys. Please keep it coming.

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

AZ guard is hiring full timers to fly the Apache, you might want to give them a try.

Committment for active duty is 6 yrs after wings, it will take roughly 1 yr to get your wings.

1st thing to do is get an ARCO Military Flight Aptitudee study guide and go take the AFAST. You can do this at yout local MEPS. THey usually give this test about once a month. After they see you can past this test, which is easy BTW they will get serious about talking with you. The next step is taking a Class I flight physical.

Any more questions?

 

[mrvmo]

Seven year full time commitment is a little to much. Hoping to maybe, and I say that without much confidence, get called back by then. I am looking more along the lines of the reserves or the guard. I appreciate the info though. It all helps.