As some of you already know I'm in the middle of the screening process for being a helicopter pilot in the Army.

I passed the ASVAB right off the bat and I just found out yesterday I passed the AFAST (Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test). So all I have left now is two physicals and an interview. My first physical is scheduled for Jan 24th and it's just the basic one that anyone going into the Army has to pass. After that I will be going to Ft. Lewis in Tacoma, WA for my pre-flight physical. They are all telling me that with my personality that the interview will be no problem...so basically the hard part is over.



I'm going to use this thread to keep any of you that are interested up to date. Once things get rolling I probably won't be on the board much, but I will be back as much as possible for sure.




Edit: Jan. 24th 2004
I qualified during my physical. I got up at the buttcrack of dawn (4:30 am) and went to MEPS. Went through about 5 hours of BS from a breathalyzer to "cough-cough" to agility tests....you name it...I probably did it.

Now I'm waiting for my recruiter to call about scheduling my pre-flight physical. I also got to chat with an Apache pilot/commander. He gave me lots of info about how to pursue the things I want. Now to decide if I want to fly recon in a Kiowa or attack in an Apache until the Comanches start replacing them. (Assuming I score in the top of my class and get to choose which I have no doubts of accomplishing.)


Edit Feb. 23rd 2004
I got a call from my recruiter about my flight physical. I went all the way up to Ft. Lewis just to find out my recruiters had screwed up on the date and now I'm waiting for Battalion to reissue orders for a new date.


Edit March 5th 2004
I went to Ft. Lewis for my delayed flight physical on Wednesday the 3rd. They took some blood and urine samples right of the bat. After that I got sent to a hearing test. Then they measured my body and took my pulse and blood pressure. I was then led to a room and hooked up to an EKG. The last place to go was for all the eye tests. They gave me a run down of tests and dilated my eyes. For the tests that had to be done to a pilot they had to dilate them more than normal...so instead of the normal 3 hour period of dilation...I had a 24 hour period. After the test I couldn't even read my watch or the lunch menu for that matter....everything was blurry. The ocular tension eye test showed that I had above average pressure readings...which can, but is not always, a sign of Glaucoma. I'm right on the edge of being acceptable. So they are going to submit it anyway and if the Docs at Ft. Rucker question it I may have to go back to Ft. lewis for another eye test. The doc told me he didn't expect there to be any issues.

Last night I had to go fill out my application packet and had to take my PT test. I had to do 40 push-ups and 50 sit-ups with each test having a 2:00 limit. Then I had to run 2 miles in under 16:00 mins. I passed.

Over the weekend I have to write a one page paper on why I want to be a pilot and on the 11th of March I have my one on one interview with a pilot. As long as I make it through that I will have my board interview the following week. It's getting close...I can feel it.


Edit March 11th 2004
I was supposed to have an interview today, but my recruiters haven't received my paper work from Ft. Lewis yet...so I had to postpone. The lousey part is that the next interviews for helicopter pilots don't happen until May. I'm in a holding pattern until then.


Edit April 14th 2004
Just got word today...I passed my flight physical!!!! After having to go take another eye test and submit it to Ft. Rucker they FINALLY got back the results. I go in tomorrow to sign my packet then I find out when my interview is.


Edit April 20th 2004
I have my interview on May 6th. The Portland Commander will write his notes and add to my application. The board will then review my application packet and I should get word some time around the 21st if I'm accpeted or not. Once accepted I have 10 days to swear in. Then I get my ship date which can be anywhere from 3 weeks to 12 months after swearing in.


Edit May 7th 2004
Yesterday I had my board interview at Recruiting Battalion Command. It went well. They told me they are forwarding my packet on for the final review. They also gave me some pointers on making my packet look better...so I have a week to get some things done. I should have my answer right around the 21st.


Edit May 24th 2004
I was accepted into the Army Warrant Officer Flight Training program. I go swear in on the 27th. From there I find out when I leave to start training. They say I can ship anywhere from 3 weeks to 12 months out.


Edit May 28th 2004
I swore into the Army yesterday. I leave for Ft. Knox, KY on July 13th. After Basic I head to Ft. Rucker, AL for my Warrant Officer training. I'll then come home for a couple weeks before moving to Ft. Rucker for flight school. Once I finish flight school I start my mandatory six years.

 

 

Ray dont go!

 

I'll miss you hun Congrats...

 

Congrats

 

nice... keep up the good work!!

 

very cool

 

Hunny Im so glad to hear that!!!!! Congrats and good Luck

 

Much luck to you Iuke!!! Be safe!

 

Remember, rotor side up!

I'd wish you luck, Luke, but I honestly don't think you need it. You have your head in the right place and, after more than 30 years growing up around the military, I can say without a doubt that you would be a credit to the service!