I was wondering if the Army has a need for pilots? DH is prior commissioned Navy and was released in 2005 due to overmanning. Many people we talk to encourage us to seek out the Army. I just wondered if it were true that the Army did have a need for pilots? He completed all of the USN flight training circulum and got released prior to winging. He was released on good standing, and even has a letter from the commodore stating that he successfully completed flight school. The only problem he might have is his age. He's now 33. Any insight/advice is appreciated. Keep in mind, I'm only seeking out information on whether or not we should/could pursue this.

Thank you.

The Navy cut loose a pilot? WOW! Was he a P-3 guy?

Is he's currently civilian than head down to your local recruiter to talk it over. How long was he in the Navy? I don't remember if this is right, but I believe military service length is subtracted from the age for flight applicants.

www.baseops.net

he's got plenty of options, if what you say is true.

oh & if he's a p-3 guys, then i'd also try;

U.S. border patrol
DEA
US Customs

It's hard as hell to get on, usually have to know somebody...

I think the original poster was asking about Army Aviation...

But, regarding the information posted above about federal law enforcement flying opportunities - it's not in the least bit accurate.

First of all, knowing somebody has little influence on the federal law enforcement hiring process - you're either a qualified/high-quality candidate, or you're not.

Also, the US Border Patrol and US Customs Service no longer exist. They merged several years ago under the Dept of Homeland Security and are now called US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

New applicants seeking a CBP pilot position (Air Interdiction Agent) must possess an FAA Commercial & Instrument rating (ASEL, AMEL, or RW), 1500 hours TT, and other PIC and currency minimums). I doubt that a newly minted Navy pilot has anywhere close to this much experience - and the model/type of aircraft has little bearing on whether the person will be selected or not.

As for the DEA...the DEA does not fill pilot positions off the street. Unlike CBP, DEA pilots are all GS-1811 Special Agents, and as such must get hired as a special agent, go to Quantico for 17 weeks, and then work investigative cases for a number of years before even thinking of flying for the DEA. It's a moot point however, because DEA instituted a hiring freeze in 2005 and is still not accepting applications.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: palmfish,

Went to flight school with a P-3 pilot, but he finished the school and went to a unit. Very nice story with him and he became an Apache pilot. I didn't know they were kicking guys out of school when they were about to finish. Get your DD214 and head down to a recruiter and talk to them to see if flight school is a possibility. If he doesn't have wings don't think things are gonna be a breeze.

That whole story sounds a bit odd...but, YES the Army is definately in the need of aviators...at least I know that the National Guard is.

My unit is sending a guy who just turned 37...granted, that is nearly UNHEARD OF, but it proves that it is possible.

He may have better luck going Guard than active duty.

Besides, even though its a scumbag move, he could always revert to Active Duty at a later time.