75th/SF to 160th

[Almighty Bones]

I have never seen this question asked so here goes, if it has been please just redirect me to the post if I have missed it.

How many people in 160th or in Aviation itself are from 75th or SF, that have reclassed MOS's and transitioned into an aviator role.

I have heard a few have done it, I just wonder if its a viable option I could look into in the future. Obviously I have a long ways to go, getting a contract would be a start, just making it to the 75th is the next step, onto SF if I decide that the military SOF life isnt too bad and is something I'd like to pursue further. If all that is said and done and I still want to attempt my hand at flying, do I have more then a snowballs chance in hell or is it so slim that I could make it but it would be a waste of time more then anything?

Thanks for any input.
-------
Bones

[Ace]

Originally posted by Almighty Bones
How many people in 160th or in Aviation itself are from 75th or SF, that have reclassed MOS's and transitioned into an aviator role.

Rough guess, 10 to 15%


.......do I have more then a snowballs chance in hell or is it so slim that I could make it but it would be a waste of time more then anything?.... [/B]

If your talking enlisted side of the house, then yes, good chance, the experience would look good in your application packet.

If your talking Warrant Officer, still looks good, and I wouldn't call ANY training a waste of time (I know that's not how you meant it) but you would be better off going in as a Warrant, getting some experience in the regular Army, then putting in a packet.

[Almighty Bones]

Much Appreciated Ace, I shouldnt even be asking these questions. Guess I have too much freetime on my hands until I get my contract. Focus focus focus.

Thanks Again
Bones

[Huey One Four]

What happened to Flgtcrw1? He's our usual expert and I notice on his post it says hes unregistered. Any idea Ace? Hope its not PERSEC or any other abbreviation.

Thanks

RH

[Ace]

Originally posted by Huey One Four
What happened to Fltcrw1?......

He had a poor attitude, so we booted him, LOL

[Marlboro Man]

He had a poor attitude

Not him! Really? Was it because he couldn't work on/over a MH?

[grrlcop74]

He kept blinding everyone with that belt buckle that's bigger than he is.

Flt, if you're out there man, I'm still taller than you LMAO.

Kristen

[GunPilot]

Lots-O-former Rngr/SF boys, make the switch to aviation and then in to the 160th.

If you want to be a ranger or SF great..Ruck Up!; if you l want to be a Nightstalker then get into aviation (WOC) build your time and contact the 160th recruiter. No requirement to be prior anything to be a nightstalker, they just have to want you.


PS
Admin:
Did Flt Crew really get Das--Boot.

[Sharky]

Actually we learned that FltCrew was gay and that he was terrorizing straight soldiers all over post. So, we had to get rid of him. Last I heard he was auditioning to be the next Backstreet Boy. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

[mdb23]

So the rumor that FLTCRW1 is working as a fluffer for the Chippendales is untrue? Damn, I really enjoyed telling that one.

mdb23

[WS-G]

Originally posted by Ace
He had a poor attitude, so we booted him, LOL

Grey side up!

[Dark Helmet]

I know a guy that was the youngest guy in the history of the 75th to pin on E6 at 20 years old, a couple weeks before his 21st birthday. He was a Grenada Raider with 1/75 as a 17-year old E2.

He went SF, did time in 7th Group, and then went to WOFT and got picked up immediatly as a little bird pilot at the 160th (his right shoulder scroll, mustard stain on JM wings, CIB, and triple canopy got spotted early). Last I heard he had left 160th SOAR in 98 or so. Lost track of him; don't know where he is today.

[Almighty Bones]

I will be happy just getting to the 75th, thing is. I am getting a late start in the military, ill turn 22 in May, that means i could have served a full 4 year enlistment already. With going in with a 4year stint alreayd, ill be 26. I guess it could be possible to serve a short 3 year stint, but i dont believe they will let me serve that many years if i attempt the jump to SF.

If you have to become a WO and go to flight school before your 29, I can only serve my first initial enlistment then decide which way my career takes me if I still have one at that time. Its an either or, not both SF and Aviation.

The guy you know got in early so he could serve with 75th, SF, and 160th.

Thanks for the info.

[WS-G]

Bones:

If you genuinely want to be an Army Aviator above all else, then go straight to WOFT! If you want to fly for a living — in the military or out — you need to be aware that unless your father's an Air Line Pilot's Association (ALPA) member, the only funding you're going to get for the lion's share of your flight training if you don't get into a military flight school will come from one source and one source only: you wages/salary.

Paying for the number of hours you'll need not only for the Commercial Pilot Certificate (a prerequisite to getting any job as a pilot), but for the additional hours you'll need to taken seriously by any legitimate employer, will cost you upwards of $30000. Be advised that on an enlisted man's salary, it will take you years to pay for it.

[BLKHWK626]

W. Salter has good points, besides WOFT age cut off 26, how is your eye sight? need 20/20 uncorrected (no glasses) could probably be waved, there's a way to do everything in the Army, and with them hurting for aircrew's in general if you're close, they could probably hook you up. have you looked at the A.S.V.A.B. test yet? you need to score AT LEAST a 110 GT on the test, more score, better oppurtunities for you. And above all else! no cherry WOJG is gonna be doing any high speed TF160th mission's right outta flight school! and what if in flight school you get picked up for the Apache? non of those in TF. moral of the story, thats a very complicated question, a little more than just "can it be done";)

[Almighty Bones]

Yeah I talked with Salter about it in Socchat the otherday, thanks though.

Yes I could end up flying Gunships if I made it that far. Given the choice I wouldnt. Dunno if they ask for preference or not, and yeah I know "Needs of the Army".

Also right on point with no Cherry WO going to be Flying 160th riight out of Flight school. I would hope the Background would help my packet be pushed through for considertion though.

as for eyes 20/20, for the ASVAB I scored higher then 110 GT I believe 116. I have a 91W Airborne Ranger Option and leave March 5th. In case you hadnt read it from earlier. So the beginning of the long difficult journey is about to begin.
I Have considered other options, Ranger Medic->160th medivac medic-> Aviation role. Hoping taht with my background already in teh 160th would help me out there as well. This is down the line, so I dont have much to worry about except Basic, and as soon as thats done, AIT, and then Jump school.... One step at a time.

By the time I am done with my first enlistment I may change my mind and not want anything to do with the Army, have to be there do that to know what its like first.

BTW I thought Flight School cut off was 29. Not 26.
Thanks

[Ace]

Originally posted by Almighty Bones
160th medivac medic

No such thing. Just because a unit has medics, doen't mean they have a "medivac" mission.

Originally posted by Almighty Bones
BTW I thought Flight School cut off was 29. Not 26.
Thanks

You are close, you have to have an approved packet while you are still 29. You can attend training at age 30.

[Almighty Bones]

no Medivacs? ok. Can't remember who mentioned it in SOCCHAT but it was a BTDT if I remember right, so I took it as they had some.

Another question though:
In BHD They have a CSAR team with PJ's. Does 160th have those? and if so, are they always PJ's onboard or would they carry Army Medics?

[RLK]

I have yet to find anything about vision waivers, but if you know something I don't please hit me up.

My stats:
Right=20/15
Left= 20/40

[BLKHWK626]

RLK, dont know if they do that or not, I just meant as hard up for aviators as they are right now, maybe?

I'm not, or ever have been in TF160th so I'm just shooting from the hip, so to speek, but the SAR mission is usually done with (probably) PJ's or SF medics or something of that nature, since the nature of most situations would put TF with groups like that.

[Ace]

Originally posted by Almighty Bones
Another question though:
In BHD They have a CSAR team with PJ's. Does 160th have those? and if so, are they always PJ's onboard or would they carry Army Medics?

When you need that info, I'm sure someone from the unit will let you know.

[WS-G]

Originally posted by BLKHWK626
need 20/20 uncorrected (no glasses) could probably be waved...,
Yeah, that's what took me out of the running. That rule was changed in FY 1999, though the limits are still pretty damned tight: Distant (uncorrected) — 20/70 for the Air Force, 20/50 for the Army, 20/30 for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard on the first medical exam. Near (uncorrected) still has to be 20/20 at 16 inches. In the case of Army and Air Force students, Class 2 standards (20/400 correctable to 20/20) begin to apply once one has actually begun hands-on flying during the training program, but not before. Getting past that initial military Class 1 exam is the hurdle, and even with the slightly relaxed new rules, there still isn't much leeway.

Until the late 1980's, it was possible under USAF regs for a "rated officer" (i.e.: Navigator-Observer or Flight Surgeon) who had satisfactority completed at least one tour in his original rating to crosstrain as a pilot with only a Class 2, and further, the maximum cutoff age didn't apply either. This loophole has since been closed.

Age limit was jacked up to 29 — or 30, depending on the service in question — as well.

OTOH, for those who don't mind flying as "professional backseaters", Class 2/3 standards are good-to-go at initial accession for most positions (USAF Navigator and USN Flight Officer are a little more stringent, but not by much). If you want to fly as a crew chief, helos are the way to go! Look very thoroughly at the 67- and 68-series MOS's.

[Almighty Bones]

Understood Ace, thanks.

Thanks for your insight as well Salter

[krader]

I realize this is a very dead discussion here but I thought I would add this article I found today since the guy was asking about SOAR Medics?



Krader
http://www.nightstalkers.com/articles/tmfh.html

[TigerHooter]

Originally posted by krader
I realize this is a very dead discussion here but I thought I would add this article I found today since the guy was asking about SOAR Medics?



Krader
http://www.nightstalkers.com/articles/tmfh.html
I do believe this article was posted about 2-3 months ago, but thanks for highlighting it krader. Life as an Army medic in the 160th is probably more diverse than in any other unit. No telling, day to day, what you will be doing, nor where you may be doing it. Dr. Swann, the author, arrived about a year before I retired. Good man! I'm sure he left a legacy in the unit. Likewise, the medics that stay, become part of the 'family'. Trusted not only for their expertise as 'Docs', but for their ability, motivation, and determination as soldiers, warriors.

In regards to former Rangers and SF becoming pilots in 160th, Ace's guesstimate is probably pretty close. When it comes to looking at a candidate for flight school, and later 160th, a 'good' record in either unit is better than a 'stellar' record in most other infantry, mech, or armored units. To the board reviewing, monitoring, and deciding on a pilot candidate for 160th, one who does well all around in assessment, and is a respected member of one of the SOC related units is "like gold".

The low percentage of former 75th and SF guys that become Army aviators is mostly due to the fact that not many apply. I'd like to see the stats, by MOS, that apply for flight school compared to those that graduated. Also, those that begin vs. graduate. There are physiological reasons why people do not complete Army flight training, outside of injury and illness. Also, some quit and some former SF guys I know asked to return to SF after a tour as a pilot.

My flight school class started with 31 men and 1 girl. The class was about 50/50, prior service/'off the street'. 9 of the prior service guys were from combat arms (incl- 2 SF/1 LRRP/1 Marine vet), 5 aircraft repairer/crew chiefs, and 3 from support MOSs. All the 'prior service' guys were E5 or better. 5 guys DOR'd, 5 were eliminated (3 due to spacial orientation problems and 2 for cheating on eye exams to qualify), and 5 set-back for spacial orientation problems who later graduated. We graduated 17 of the original 32. We lost both of the SF guys (1 for being too 'sneaky', falsified color perception test results). The other, L. Summers, was set-back, but graduated and, last time I saw him, he was a Captain.

Got long; Sorry!
I know how 'we' looked on SOC brothers and the like, the experience was respected, but the 'man' was still tested. Can't let a good man go soft!

[sixgun]

There was, at one time, a program to actively track SOCOM personnel that went WOFT and then invite them to apply for assessment after they finished their first utilization tour. I don't know the status of that effort, but as it was started around Dell Daily's time as Rgt. CO, there should be a few guys that have been assessed by now under it - if it still exist...

As for avoiding Apache assignment if you want to get to the TF, that ceased being an issue some time ago. The LB guns have many former 64 guys. It was a big fight for a year or two, but in the end the needs of TF outweighed those of the 64 community. Logically, with no Cobras left in the inventory the supply of gun guys would dry up if you could not assess 64 guys. 58 guys, and a few 60 guys (2 that I know of over the years) have made it in the gun company - but a pure gun guy has the advantage from the start IMHO.

The real issue here, however, seems to me, is that you have not made up your mind what you want to be when you "grow up". You want to fly for the TF, or you want to go SF, or you want to be a Ranger, or what? Daydream big, thats fine. But at some point you have to demonstarte decisiveness and commitment. Your wonder-all-over-the-map career musings seem to indicate an indecisiveness that is generally not a plus in any of the MOS's you've indicated a desire to pursue.

Take your contract, go to Basic, AIT, get through RIP, spend some time at the squad level. THEN start making an informed decision about where you want to be and what you want to do. Commit to finishing those things. Or commit to WOFT now and screw the contract. Commit and don't let go until they give you what you want. But show some commitment or you won't make in any of the SOC fields. Sure as some other-world deity made little green apples your "I'm just here till I figure out what I really want to do" or "I'm just spending time here to gain some insight" attitude will be apparent to those charged with turning your young ass into something worthwhile to the unit - and what you will "figure out" is that you "really" don't like having your ass kicked on a daily basis, the "insight" you will gain will be about how it feels to live with some E6's boot in your ass.

[Ace]

Sixgun,
Glad to see your still around.

Damned good advice.

[sixgun]

I been busy, very busy lately. See you in the TR.

[krader]

Tiger Hooter Said: Life as an Army medic in the 160th is probably more diverse than in any other unit. No telling, day to day, what you will be doing, nor where you may be doing it.


TigerHooter,
Out of Curiousity since this section seems to have been reborn with some veterans of the unit, Are there any instances which can be made public in which the 160th medics have been used? It sounds as if from the article they have the oppurtunity for a heck of alot of training. If it can be shared in anyway, have they ever done medivac or hit the ground in CSAR (or anything else), though I have never read it in print I would wonder if they didnt get called upon in Somalia. Sorry if I am overstepping the boundries its my EMT work both on the streets and in our ER that peeks my interest in the medical side of things.

Thank you for sharing what you can.

krader

[Rngerdv]

Edited by Ace

It may be open source, but it doesn't mean we have to discuss it, or help "others" find info they don't need.

If anyone has a problem with me editing this post, feel free to PM me.

[TigerHooter]

Originally posted by krader
Tiger Hooter Said: Life as an Army medic in the 160th is probably more diverse than in any other unit. No telling, day to day, what you will be doing, nor where you may be doing it. ~ Sounds like a recruiter ~


TigerHooter,
Out of Curiousity since this section seems to have been reborn with some veterans of the unit, Are there any instances which can be made public in which the 160th medics have been used? It sounds as if from the article they have the oppurtunity for a heck of alot of training. If it can be shared in anyway, have they ever done medivac or hit the ground in CSAR (or anything else), though I have never read it in print I would wonder if they didnt get called upon in Somalia.

Thank you for sharing what you can.

krader
No, yes, ____, and yes, everyone was 'called upon'.

TH