Flight School Qualifications

[ANGGuy]

Hello all,

I have a quick question regarding the age Qualifications for Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training. From searching the web I have found that the Active Army has raised the age for the WOFT program to 33. Is that true for the National Guard as well? If so is that only for Warrant Officers or for Commissioned Officers as well? As a former Captain in the Air National Guard would I have a better chance at being selected for a Commisioned Officer slot or a Warrant Officer? Which position is the greatest need in the guard today?

Thanks for your time.

[matthew.ritchie]

It is theoretically possible for your state to send you to flight school as a captain (i.e., there is nothing illegal about it). In reality, I would be highly surprised if they did. If you get this at all, expect appointment as a Warrant Officer. Unless you are a private pilot already (and even if then), your chances are not good for selection for flight training. Speak to your state's Officer Strength Manager, or State Aviation Officer.

If you wear any sort of corrective lenses (glasses, contacts), are color blind, or have any problem with Army weight or fitness standards, then don't waste their time.

[ANGGuy]

Thank you for your reply, Major. Since I am 31 I expect that the odds would be against me. I am guessing that Aviation units are probably most interested in younger men and women since they would get more longevity out of them. As far as Warrant Officer vs Commissioned Officer I would not have any problem accepting a Warrant position. I do bring to the table a commercial pilot's license for both airplanes and helicopters and recognizing the effect that current op-tempos are having on the Guard and Reserves manning levels(especially in the company grade officers) thought that I might be useful. I'd would be lying if I said that I haven't always dreamed of being a military aviator.
I believe that if I was 25 or younger I would be a pretty desirable candidate for flight training. Is my age the major factor working against me or is it that flight positions are so few and far between?

Thanks again

[matthew.ritchie]

I recommend you pursue your goal, but I want to give you a frame of reference. Your case isn't the strongest I've seen, but so much depends on the needs of your state. I recommend that you have a second plan to serve in a non-rated capacity.