Reach Your Highest Potential With a Career in Army Aviation
Pursuing a career in Army Aviation opens you up to an exciting array of many different specialties. From flying planes, to operating drones, to fixing Black Hawk helicopters, and more, you’ll have an exciting career ahead of you—no matter the role.
When you take on the challenge to pursue one of these careers, however, it will require skilled training. You’ll learn to stay calm and focused in all weather conditions when operating aircraft, while learning to lead all types of vital combat and support missions.
An Aviation Role for Every Skillset
The range of aviation roles available to Soldiers span a variety of aerial missions, including humanitarian relief, combat and rescue, and intelligence gathering.
PILOT AIRPLANES, HELICOPTERS, AND DRONES
Army pilots are responsible for flying fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aircraft (drones) to conduct surveillance, gather intelligence, engage in combat, rescue and humanitarian missions.
REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE AERIAL FLEET
Army aircraft mechanics perform electrical and structural repair and maintenance of Army aircraft and equipment. These include Black Hawk helicopters, attack helicopters, and air traffic control—crucial to the success of Army aviation missions.
COLLECT INTELLIGENCE AND DETECT AERIAL THREATS
With an aerial intel role, you’ll be responsible for operating and firing the Avenger portable surface-to-air missile system to protect against enemy missile attacks, or evaluate data about incoming enemy aerial and missile attacks and conduct aerial surveillance.
A Unique Opportunity to Go From High School to Flight School
The Army is the only branch of the military where you learn how to become a pilot with a high school degree or equivalent, all while receiving Army pay and benefits.
In exchange for paid pilot training, you’ll commit to ten years of service after you graduate from the six-week Warrant Officer Flight School as an Aviation Warrant Officer, a respected aviation expert role in the Army. The value of this type of experience matches that of the cost of a civilian or university flight school.
Like all Warrant Officers in the Army, you'll be responsible for solving technical problems within your area of expertise, serving as invaluable advisers to commanders and other Soldiers, and training enlisted Soldiers and Officers in a specific career field. Other Aviation Warrant Officer roles in the Army include Helicopter Pilot Warrant Officer and Airplane Pilot Warrant Officer.
We understand that you probably have a million questions. Don’t worry, we’ve been there too. We’ll make sure you get all the answers you need.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
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Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
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Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.
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Common Questions About Army Aviation
What makes a successful Army Aviation Candidate?
The most competitive aviation candidates are highly motivated, diligent, and responsible. They’re motivated by the skill, achievement, and professionalism of flying. Plus, they have top-notch visual and spatial skills, stable health, and impeccable judgment and emotional control.
What types of aircraft do Army Pilots fly?
Depending on your specialty, you could fly cutting-edge fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters including the C-12 Huron, UH-60 Black Hawk, the CH-47 Chinook, and AH-64 Apache.
How much do Army Aviation Pilots make?
The base salary for Army pilots ranges depending on your rank and status. Pilots who are Aviation Warrant Officers start between $39-$54K for those with less than two years of Army experience but increases the longer you serve and the further you move up in rank. For example, Warrant Officers with eight years of Army experience earn up to $69K annually. But that Army Basic Pay is just one part of your total compensation, which includes generous vacation, health care and housing allowances, and more.