Intro
Take to the skies with the US Army Aviation Branch. Discover 5 ways to join, from enlistment to commissioning, and explore the various Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) available. Learn about flight training, officer roles, and the benefits of serving in Army Aviation, including career advancement and leadership opportunities.
The US Army Aviation Branch is a highly sought-after career path for those who are passionate about flying and serving their country. With its rich history and diverse range of aircraft, the Army Aviation Branch offers exciting opportunities for individuals who want to take their skills to new heights. In this article, we will explore five ways to join the US Army Aviation Branch and become a part of this elite group of aviators.
1. Enlistment
One of the most common ways to join the US Army Aviation Branch is through enlistment. To be eligible, you must meet the Army's basic requirements, which include being a US citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 35, and having a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and score well in the areas of mechanical comprehension, electrical systems, and spatial ability.
Once you have enlisted, you will attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) and then proceed to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for aviation-specific training. During AIT, you will learn the skills and knowledge necessary to become an Army aviator, including aircraft maintenance, navigation, and communication.
2. Officer Candidate School (OCS)
Another way to join the US Army Aviation Branch is through Officer Candidate School (OCS). OCS is a 12-week training program that prepares college graduates for leadership roles in the Army. To be eligible for OCS, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and meet the Army's physical fitness standards.
During OCS, you will learn leadership skills, tactics, and Army procedures, as well as aviation-specific training. After completing OCS, you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant and assigned to the Army Aviation Branch.
How to Become an Army Aviator
3. Army ROTC
The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-based program that allows students to earn a commission as an Army officer while pursuing a degree. To be eligible for Army ROTC, you must be a US citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 26, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Through Army ROTC, you will take courses in leadership, tactics, and Army procedures, as well as aviation-specific training. You will also participate in summer training programs, such as the Army Aviation Branch's Summer Training Program, which provides hands-on experience with Army aircraft.
4. Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)
Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) is a 6-week training program that prepares individuals for technical leadership roles in the Army. To be eligible for WOCS, you must have a minimum of 2 years of experience in a technical field, such as aviation maintenance or electronics.
During WOCS, you will learn leadership skills, tactics, and Army procedures, as well as aviation-specific training. After completing WOCS, you will be appointed as a warrant officer and assigned to the Army Aviation Branch.
5. Direct Commission
The Direct Commission program allows individuals with prior aviation experience to join the Army Aviation Branch as an officer. To be eligible, you must have a minimum of 1,000 hours of flight time, a commercial pilot's license, and a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Through the Direct Commission program, you will attend a 6-week training program that prepares you for leadership roles in the Army. After completing the program, you will be commissioned as a captain and assigned to the Army Aviation Branch.
Army Aviation Branch Careers
In conclusion, joining the US Army Aviation Branch requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for flying. Whether you enlist, attend OCS, join Army ROTC, attend WOCS, or receive a direct commission, there are many ways to become a part of this elite group of aviators. With its rich history and diverse range of aircraft, the Army Aviation Branch offers exciting opportunities for individuals who want to take their skills to new heights.
Army Aviation Branch Image Gallery
What are the requirements to join the US Army Aviation Branch?
+The requirements to join the US Army Aviation Branch vary depending on the path you choose. Generally, you must be a US citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 35, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to take the ASVAB test and score well in the areas of mechanical comprehension, electrical systems, and spatial ability.
How long does it take to become an Army aviator?
+The length of time it takes to become an Army aviator varies depending on the path you choose. Generally, it takes around 2 years to complete the necessary training and become a certified Army aviator.
What are the different types of aircraft used by the US Army Aviation Branch?
+The US Army Aviation Branch uses a variety of aircraft, including helicopters, fixed-wing planes, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Some of the most common aircraft used by the Army Aviation Branch include the UH-60 Black Hawk, the AH-64 Apache, and the OH-58 Kiowa.