5 Ways To Become An Army Guard Helicopter Pilot

Serving as an Army Guard helicopter pilot is an esteemed and challenging career that requires a unique blend of skill, dedication, and physical stamina. These pilots play a critical role in supporting ground troops, conducting medical evacuations, and transporting personnel and equipment. If you're interested in becoming an Army Guard helicopter pilot, here are five ways to achieve your goal.

Meet the Basic Requirements

To become an Army Guard helicopter pilot, you must meet certain basic requirements. These include:

• Being a U.S. citizen
• Being between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent
• Scoring a minimum of 110 on the Army's General Technical (GT) score
• Passing the Army's Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
• Meeting the Army's body fat percentage requirements
• Having a valid driver's license

Additionally, you'll need to be willing to enlist in the Army National Guard for a minimum of six years.

Obtain the Necessary Education and Training

To become an Army Guard helicopter pilot, you'll need to complete a series of educational and training programs. These include:

• Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT): This 12- to 18-month program teaches students the basics of helicopter flight and is required for all Army helicopter pilots.
• Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) training: This 32-week program provides students with hands-on training in the UH-60 Black Hawk or TH-67 Creek helicopters.
• Aviation Officer Basic Leadership Course (AOBLC): This 12-week program teaches students the leadership and management skills needed to become an effective Army officer.

Understand the Role of an Army Guard Helicopter Pilot

As an Army Guard helicopter pilot, you'll play a critical role in supporting ground troops and conducting a variety of missions. These may include:

• Transportation: You'll transport personnel, equipment, and supplies in support of ground operations.
• Medical evacuation: You'll conduct medical evacuations, transporting wounded personnel to medical facilities.
• Reconnaissance: You'll conduct reconnaissance missions, gathering intelligence on enemy positions and movements.
• Security: You'll provide security for ground troops, escorting convoys and conducting patrols.

Gain Flight Experience

To become a successful Army Guard helicopter pilot, you'll need to gain as much flight experience as possible. This may involve:

• Joining the Civil Air Patrol (CAP): The CAP is a civilian organization that provides flight training and experience for young adults.
• Taking flying lessons: You can take flying lessons at a local flight school to gain experience and build your skills.
• Joining a flying club: Many flying clubs offer flight training and experience for members.

Network with Current and Former Pilots

Networking with current and former Army Guard helicopter pilots can provide valuable insights and advice. You can attend career fairs, join online forums, and connect with pilots on social media to learn more about the career.

Stay Physically Fit

As an Army Guard helicopter pilot, you'll need to maintain a high level of physical fitness. This may involve:

• Regular exercise: You'll need to engage in regular exercise, including cardio and strength training.
• Healthy eating: You'll need to eat a healthy, balanced diet to maintain your physical fitness.
• Getting enough sleep: You'll need to get enough sleep to maintain your physical and mental fitness.

Be Prepared for Deployment

As an Army Guard helicopter pilot, you may be deployed to combat zones or other areas of conflict. You'll need to be prepared for deployment, which may involve:

• Training for combat: You'll need to train for combat scenarios, including enemy fire and emergency situations.
• Packing and preparing equipment: You'll need to pack and prepare your equipment for deployment, including your helicopter and personal gear.
• Saying goodbye to family and friends: You'll need to say goodbye to your family and friends, which can be emotionally challenging.

Consider Joining the Army National Guard

If you're interested in becoming an Army Guard helicopter pilot, you may want to consider joining the Army National Guard. The Army National Guard offers a range of benefits, including:

• Education benefits: The Army National Guard offers education benefits, including tuition assistance and the GI Bill.
• Career training: The Army National Guard offers career training, including training in helicopter maintenance and repair.
• Leadership opportunities: The Army National Guard offers leadership opportunities, including officer training and promotion.

Gallery of Army Guard Helicopter Pilot Images:

Army Guard Helicopter Pilot Image Gallery

We hope this article has provided valuable insights and advice for those interested in becoming an Army Guard helicopter pilot. Remember to meet the basic requirements, obtain the necessary education and training, gain flight experience, network with current and former pilots, stay physically fit, and consider joining the Army National Guard. Good luck on your journey to becoming an Army Guard helicopter pilot!