Questions for US Military members

[garandman]

Dust off, I have another story you will get a kick out of.

I asked one of the Kiowa [Bell JetRanger] pilots once how he reconciled being in an unarmed helicopter over avery armed battlefield.

He said, "We subscribe to the 'Large Sky, Small Bullet Theory.' "

 

[BostonVI]

I think at this point I'm going to apply for Army WOFT and if I don't get it, I'll enlist active in the Marine Corps. As crazymjb pointed out I'd still have time to pursue aviation afterwards and I'd have the prior military experience under my belt. That said I do need to look into to the NG programs, because if they give me the option to stay in school I'd take it in a heartbeat. Looking back I should have went to a school that had on-campus housing so that the whole "where the hell am I going to live thing" wouldn't be an issue. Regardless thanks again everyone for the input, it's a pretty big decision and most of you have been more helpful than even some of my friends and family with prior mil exp.

 

[Martlet]

I think at this point I'm going to apply for Army WOFT and if I don't get it, I'll enlist active in the Marine Corps. As crazymjb pointed out I'd still have time to pursue aviation afterwards and I'd have the prior military experience under my belt. That said I do need to look into to the NG programs, because if they give me the option to stay in school I'd take it in a heartbeat. Looking back I should have went to a school that had on-campus housing so that the whole "where the hell am I going to live thing" wouldn't be an issue. Regardless thanks again everyone for the input, it's a pretty big decision and most of you have been more helpful than even some of my friends and family with prior mil exp.

PM Martlet

 

[goodlife30]

Mass guard OCs will take members with 60 college credits. You need 90 to commission and I believe have a year to finish after that. That's what it was when I went through. OCs is no joke. But you learn a lot about yourself and how to manage people. That is the toughest thing to do in today's pc environment.

But I would suggest if you are looking for full time go for it. But i would suggest an OCs program or a warrant officer program. Be the guy making the decisions. There are some great army schools and the language school is one if the best. You can even be a chaplain if you want. Sky's the limit. Go for it

 

[BostonVI]

PM Martlet

Thanks Martlet! PM inbound.

 

[Andy in NH]

...and if I don't get it, I'll enlist active in the Marine Corps.

If / when you do, be aware that the Marine Corps does not guarantee a specific MOS upon enlistment.

You can get a specific occupational group guaranteed, but not an individual MOS.

For example - the 1300 field is Engineer, Construction, Facilities, & Equipment. It is composed of the following entry-level enlisted MOSs:

1316 Metal Worker
1341 Engineer Equipment Mechanic
1345 Engineer Equipment Operator
1361 Engineer Assistant
1371 Combat Engineer
1372 Assault Breacher Vehicle Operator
1391 Bulk Fuel Specialist

You might fancy yourself as a 1371 Combat Engineer (clearing obstacles, demolishing bridges and planting minefields) and expect that is what you will do, but you could just as easily find yourself selected and trained as a 1391 Bulk Fuel Specalist (pumping gas) based on the needs of the Corps at the time you get sent to MOS school.

 

[BostonVI]

Much thanks to everyone for the great advice and even more to those that offered further consultation via PM. I've decided to start the long and arduous WOFT application process for active duty Army. Took the ASVAB today and got a 97% AFQT score and a 131 Army GT score which puts me above the 110 minimum score for warrant applicants. Now it's time to study for the aviation test and hunt down some Chief Warrants to interview with for letters of recommendation. Thanks again everyone!

 

[Admin]

USMC > Army

 

[Skysoldier]

USMC > Army

No, they probably just makes the questions easier!

 

[mark056]

With regard to being an Army Warrant Officer in general, PM inbound NLT this weekend.

Be mindful that the services are downsizing too, and there will be a Reduction in Force (RIF) of warrant officers across the board and Aviation will get hit.

 

[GadgettR1]

Just started checking out this post. Have you gotten/found all the info you need? I have a good friend that is in with all the recruiters in Mass (NG) he's the 1SGT for them now. And while I'm not a WO I may be able to answer or get answers for any of your aviation questions if they haven't been answered already. I'm a CE (crewchief) on a Medevac UH-60, formerly a CE on Medevac Uh-1's. I'm currently based out of Quonset Point, RI but I was out of Camp Edwards (Otis AFB) on the cape from 84-95 and still have a few friends there. Pm me if needed.

Chip