What questions should we ask the RECRUITER?

[ladtx]

When I went through WOFT in 1968 I was an old man at the age of 22 with an Associates degree. There were many that went from "high school to flight school" and were PIC's (pilot-in-command) at the ripe old age of 18. The same can be done today. There is a strenuous "weeding out" that takes place once they get into the program. After I returned from Viet Nam I became a TAC officer at the Primary Helicopter School at Ft Wolters, TX and saw many of them "wash-out" before they even got to the cockpit. It's quite easy to pick out the ones who do not have the temperament or ability to function in the cockpit in a combat environment.

[Eagle Eye]

I helped process a few OCS and WOFT candidates in the 80's and saw that, technically, a lot of people qualified to apply, however very few were competitive enough to be selected.

Interestingly enough, competitive candidates almost always 'had the look'...which is hard to explain but you know it when you see it.

[TomServo]

Ya know - the Air Force ain't as safe and cozy as some of you paint it. Some of us actually serve(d) behind enemy lines in war. Some of us served in the Arctic where it gets to -125. And some of us were mistaken for Marines by (and I'm not pulling your leg)...Marines. Some of us dug our foxholes, put the warpaint on, grabbed an M-16 and did our job.

Just something to ponder.

[ladtx]

Interestingly enough, competitive candidates almost always 'had the look'...which is hard to explain but you know it when you see it.

I know what you mean. I think "the look" could most readily described as "determined self-confidence".

[Eagle Eye]

You mean not all you guys have umbrellas and duvets?

[TomServo]

lol! nope...:-)

[Old_Mil]

There were many that went from "high school to flight school" and were PIC's (pilot-in-command) at the ripe old age of 18. The same can be done today.

I know of no way to become a military pilot today that doesn't involve (a) ROTC, (b) a service academy, (c) OCS.

[ladtx]

The Army Warrant Officer program is akin to OCS. Previously becoming a WO and a pilot was done simultaneously. Now you must complete the WO training, pin on the bars then you attend flight training. It's all done at Fort Rucker, AL.

[Old_Mil]

I was under the impression that they ended the WOFT in the 80s? Also, the WOFT only puts you on a track to rotorcraft flying, not fixed wing flying, right?

[Old_Mil]

Also....look at the National Guard. Some stated will flat out pay in state college tution for Guard members.

This is an excellent idea - when I was looking at the various branches this past year, the Army National Guard offered me the best deal of all the services. You have the added benefit of having geographic stability through your state guard, knowing that you aren't going to get shipped around the country every 3 years from base to base.

[ladtx]

I was under the impression that they ended the WOFT in the 80s? Also, the WOFT only puts you on a track to rotorcraft flying, not fixed wing flying, right?

The WOFT was revamped in the late 80's I believe. You're right about being only for rotorcraft. I'm not sure what the present requirements are for transitioning into Army fixed wing aircraft, I would guess probably something like CW2 and above with over 1000 flight hours.

[Eagle Eye]

OTOH, you might go to Iraq!

I saw all kinds of ANG units in the mideast. My favorite was the Arkansas ARG tranportation unit out of BIAP.

[Old_Mil]

Yep, I might go to Iraq - but if I do it'll be as a doctor. As has been said here, the key to the military is nailing down the job you want.

[WaterDragon]

I agree with you, the young woman should check out the Air Force. However, anyone talking to a military recruiter better take most of what he/she says with a grain of salt. If you want in the military, jump in, it's a great experience, but don't expect to be mama's little darling ever again! LOL

[SShultz460]

Go Navy!

[Libloather]

So? What do you have? A Seaperson, a Grunt, a Jireen, or yet another fine addition to the Air Force? (You didn't sign anything - DIDJA?)

[Porterville]

Do you get to level villages are our we still pussy-footing around?