Which route should I take?

[Flyingbear]

I'm 25yrs old. Have a bachelors degree in Aviation Sciences. I have around 2000hrs of flight time and currently fly the EMB-145 jet for an airline. I've been interested in the reserves.

I was contacted by a recruiter who so far has done a fantastic job. He doesn't just feed the pros he shows me the cons as well. I've wanted to get a flying gig with a Texas based unit and as of right now it looks like I could end up at Ellington Airfield with a reserve unit there.

As I stated I'm a pilot. I love to fly. It's the only reason I'd join. I've heard through word of mouth that I should get the Warrant officer position. I asked my recruiter about it. He said he hadn't really had anyone with my experience walk in and say they want to fly. So he asked someone and was told that I am unable to join as a warrant officer. I'd have to either A)enlist and put in a packet to become a WO or B)Join as a Lt.

I've been told that Lt's don't really fly as much as warrant officers. I want to stay near the cockpit. What I don't want, however, is to be forced to enlist then sit there for a few years doing some random job while I'm waiting to get my packet in.

Is there something we are missing or is it really not possible for someone with all his flying ratings to go into a flying position? I know in other branches like the AF you do. So I'm just curious.

Also is there anyway I can contact that specific air wing at Ellington Field to perhaps talk to them about it? This is a big decision and I want to make the right one.

[matthew.ritchie]

The Guard does not have a regulatory provision to bring in a pilot candidate directly. Thus, we need to do this a clumsy way. This involves pre-identifying and pre-qualifying you for flight school, getting you enlisted and qualified in some enlisted job, and then make you a WOC.

You're concerned about the bait-and-switch. I can state from the Guard's standpoint, however, that most states are in need of pilots. Texas, for example, is at 62% strength in pilots. While there are plenty of people who want to fly, there are few who are both (1) qualified, and (2) willing to put forth the effort. We need pilots, but no one will chase you down to give you wings -- you need to put forth the effort.

If all you want to do is fly, then serve as a warrant officer. The initial training requirement is shorter as well.

You will still need to complete basic training, some advanced individual training, warrant officer candidate school, and flight school. You don't need to do all those events at once, you can spread them out over a period of years.

I recommend contacting me directly on email with your recruiter's name, so the three of us can ensure that you're in contact with the right people in Texas, to get you on the path to flight school. Your recruiter can only do so much in this situation, we need to get the state's Officer Strength Manager and/or Command Chief WO involved, to keep you aligned for the long-term.