Hi, I want to join the Army as a Warrant Officer and would like my MOS to be aviation. (I want to become a helicopter pilot). I am a U.S Citizen, am 24 years old with a high school diploma. I also have all of my college credits finished (128 credits at Penn State) but am lacking the foreign language requirement for my diploma. (It's a 15 minute test that I have pushed aside for a few years because I was running my own business and felt "no need" for it, which I am starting to regret. I plan to take the test and receive my degree this winter 08'). My college grades were poor (2.0) but I am a very educated person. I know I can/will ace the ASVAB/AFAST and any physical/mental test with the proper amount of training/study beforehand. Can anyone tell me if I can be guaranteed a spot in WOCS/Flight school before I sign any papers? Because my primary reason for joining would be to fly helicopters. Also any insight from experienced aviators about anything, lifestyle, stories, etc...anything, will be very very much appreciated. Thanks guys for hearing me out on this ultra long post!

Check this link see if it helps you any.

http://usawocc.army.mil/warrant_off/howtowo.htm

Thanks Coachman. I found a couple of sites that are packed with information. I'm going to spend a few days reading them and i'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks again.

You know you can't join as a Warrant Officer, though, right?

I was under the impression that civilians can apply?

You enlist, go through basic, and then train to be a warrant officer before you train to become a pilot. It is a multi-step process.

There is a history around of here of some people who did not understand the concept that the military likes to train people regardless of their college qualifications.

M_Aviation, the age old procedure to join the US military is through a recruiter. He looks through all your stuff, arranges physicals, advises you on potential, chances etc., records your preferences. You are perhaps a clever individual (at least your spelling is good) but when push comes to shove it is the medical exam that makes or breaks you. If you don't pass it, all your efforts to join are in vain indeed. Remember, for aviation you will need to pass a special physical, a so called flight physical. The US Army usually doesn't guarantee any SPECIAL schools or training. In the end it is the NEED of the Army that counts. I believe you will understand that, because otherwise we end up with a bunch of primadonnas. And even if you attain all your wishes, you may end up flying other aircraft. So, go through your recruiter and get things started. By the way, how is your fitness? I mean sports.

M_Aviation I think you may have misunderstood the link I posted, you must join then take and pass basic training then as stated you can apply for WOC training, and hope you get accepted then after WOC training apply for flight school. But remember that every thing is at the mercy of the needs of the Army.

Thanks a lot guys. I think it's a little more clear now. I was under the impression that I could guarantee a smooth/immediate transition from basic to wocs to flight training but I see that isn't the case. I am willing to do a few different MOS'. I just don't want to end up doing something I REALLY REALLY didn't want to do. Mastertanker my fitness is overall pretty good. I play football, softball and ultimate frisbee recreationaly. (And have started to get into serious training mode).
btw if I came off sounding like a smart ass in my first post I apologize, I was trying to give as much backaground information as I could!

oh yeah and I am going to see the recruiter and try to stuff as much into my contract as possible! I'll let you guys know how it turns out! Thanks again!

Just my Two cents. If I where you I would look into Helicopter Mech, Crew Chief and then Warrent officer. You are still young and those Heli boys like there guys to start at the begining. Although I think there is a age limit to be accepted to flight school? So you might want to do your reserch, but I do know that they prefer every one to be trained from the ground up. Good luck.

Thanks Dbharr, i'll keep that in mind. I'll give everyone an update after I see the recruiter.

JUST MAKE DARN'D SURE YOU REPORT BACK TO US YOUNG TROOP