Army WOFT?

C150J

C150J

Well-Known Member
Hi all,

Background:

I am currently a student trainee (90-day summer position, to be followed by my senior year and possible appointment as a special agent/criminal investigator) with a federal law enforcement agency, made up of mostly prior-service individuals. As some of you know, I am currently a 500-hour multi-engine/instrument rated pilot. For informational purposes only, I go to an Ivy League school (some people consider that important, but I really could care less!)

Situation:

After several weeks of working with my division, and speaking with my coworkers, I have come to realize that my desire to serve will not be fully satisfied by a civilian stint with the Federal Government. I know that probably sounds incredibly corny, but I’m beginning to realize that I really want to serve, especially seeing that the Armed Forces are in need of people (the Army, in particular).

Goal:

I would like to apply for the Army’s WOFT program in August (when I return home and can process through my local recruiting office), but want to validate some of my thoughts and maybe get some gouge on the process.

Questions:

1.I want to be a WO to fly a lot, but are there opportunities to get commissioned? Just thinking ahead.

2.Can one cross-train with another specialty? I apologize if that’s improper terminology.

3.Should I consider another service/program? I’m thinking about applying to AF OTS, but I would really want to be AFOSI, not a pilot. Don’t’ get me wrong: I’d take either in a second, but I’m not sure I can apply to OTS “AFOSI only.” Does anyone know how an AD officer goes about applying to OSI (I’m very familiar with the civilian-agent route).

If anyone has anything else to offer, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!
J.
 
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Questions:

1.I want to be a WO to fly a lot, but are there opportunities to get commissioned? Just thinking ahead.

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Yes there are, as long as you meet the prerequisites to qualify for a commission (degree, etc)

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2.Can one cross-train with another specialty? I apologize if that’s improper terminology.

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Don't know how you mean. Do you mean become a pilot as a WO, then cross-train to another job as a WO? Clairfy.

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3.Should I consider another service/program? I’m thinking about applying to AF OTS, but I would really want to be AFOSI, not a pilot. Don’t’ get me wrong: I’d take either in a second, but I’m not sure I can apply to OTS “AFOSI only.” Does anyone know how an AD officer goes about applying to OSI (I’m very familiar with the civilian-agent route).

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So far as I know, OSI agents are selected from those already established in the USAF. They can come from pretty much any field, but I don't believe you can go OSI as an initial-entry job.
 
Thanks for the reply, MikeD:

What I meant by "cross-training" is learning another specialty. I have heard of this being done before, but in a very vague nature...

Thanks!
J.
 
I'm quite sure you will be happy with whatever you decide. One thought to remember, your standard of living will be much higher in the AF as opposed to the Army. Mike will probably agree. Some people could care less, but I care about my SOL. Good luck in your endeavors
 
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One thought to remember, your standard of living will be much higher in the AF as opposed to the Army.

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Yeah, that may be true, but if you join the Marine Corps, you can be born-again hard!!!!
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smile.gif
 
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One thought to remember, your standard of living will be much higher in the AF as opposed to the Army.

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Yeah, that may be true, but if you join the Marine Corps, you can be born-again hard!!!!
wink.gif
smile.gif


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LOL but your a big softie!
 
Justin,
Sorry it took me awhile to get back to you, but here are my answeres ... for what they are worth.

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Questions:

1.I want to be a WO to fly a lot, but are there opportunities to get commissioned? Just thinking ahead.

A: First you should define what it is you really want, then focus on that and pursue it to its logicall conclusion. As a WO you will be disappointed in the amount of flying you actually get to do. There are many ... many variables such as what airframe you get assigned ( for life ), The mission, Unit strength, funding, deployments, maintenance ... etc. The single biggest variable is a thing called Additional Duties. Mike D has explained this one in detail, but basically it is the resposability assigned to an officer, and it is the one that he/she is evaluated on for promotion / retention. Remember this The Military wants good officers, team players ( yes men ), who will get the dirty jobs done, if in fact you can do this and still get a chance to fly bully for you. It isn't untill later in your career that the flying gets more emphasis. You gotta pay your dues first. Realistically you can expect about 200hrs of flight time per year, if you're lucky, the minimums are about 110 hrs per year and that can get waived for many reasons.

As far as switching to "commissioned" status ... it can happen but it defies logic. Usually I see commissioned guys revert to WO status because upward mobility is limited.

2.Can one cross-train with another specialty? I apologize if that’s improper terminology.

A: What you mean here is cross branch training. I am an Aviation Warrant, selected for such because of aptitude and desire. The other branches usually select senior NCO's ( E-6 and above ) for appointment as a Warrants within that branch that the NCO has experience and technicall and taticall expertese in. As an Avition Warrant you will be limited, not saying it couldn't happen, but why would they choose you over someone with years of specific expereience?

3.Should I consider another service/program? I’m thinking about applying to AF OTS, but I would really want to be AFOSI, not a pilot. Don’t’ get me wrong: I’d take either in a second, but I’m not sure I can apply to OTS “AFOSI only.” Does anyone know how an AD officer goes about applying to OSI (I’m very familiar with the civilian-agent route).

A: I think you've answered your own questions here. I can't speak to the AF side, I will defer that to the AF folks here. I refer you to my originall statment ... define what it is you want to do and back plan from there a course of action that will get you there.

If anyone has anything else to offer, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!
J.

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Which agency? I work with lots of those guys from a bunch of different ones and am interested in why your particular agency might not meet your needs.
-LC
 
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