It helps to do well in high school as well, especially in your math and science courses. Flight school involves a lot of classroom instruction, and a good understanding of math, physics, and other science fields will be a big help. You could still join the Army with a GED instead of a high school diploma, but it does hurt your chances of acceptance and you might not be eligible for Warrant Officer training. If possible, it’s best to complete high school and get your diploma. [2] X Research source
If you’re 33 or 34, you may be able to get a waiver. Ask your superior officer or recruiter about your options in this case. You can still join the Army as old as 35, but you probably won’t be accepted for flight school. [4] X Research source
In general, men need to be between 60–80 in (150–200 cm) and 100–250 lb (45–113 kg). Women need to be between 58–80 in (150–200 cm) and 90–236 lb (41–107 kg). [6] X Research source If you can’t reach these physical requirements but still want to serve your country, the Army does have many other civilian jobs that you could apply for. Talk to a recruiter to see what your options are. [7] X Research source
You do still need a Green Card and permanent resident status to qualify for the Army, so make sure you complete all of this before applying.
Your recruiter can walk you through this process and help you with your application. If you don’t apply for WOCS right when you enlist, you need to have at least 12 months left on your enlistment contract to qualify for WOCS. If you have less than this, you’ll have to re-enlist first.
It’s best to start preparing yourself for basic training by getting in good physical shape and learning as much as you can about the Army. This will make your time in basic training much easier. Only about 15% of recruits fail basic training, so you have a good chance of passing as long as you prepare yourself. [13] X Research source
If there is any gap time between basic training and starting WOCS, make sure you workout regularly to stay in top physical shape. You’ll have to pass more physical tests in officer school and you’ll have trouble if you let yourself get out of shape. [15] X Research source
You’ll receive a packet outlining the process and your instructions for reporting to WOCS when you’re accepted. If you have any questions, ask your recruiter. Be sure to review the Army’s checklist for everything you need to bring with you to WOCS. You can only enter WOCS without prior Army service if you plan on becoming a pilot. Other service members must be at least a Staff Sergeant/E-6 to qualify.
Recruits at WOCS attend different programs based on their intended career. You’ll be placed in a program for aspiring pilots looking to attend flight school. Navigation is an important part of WOCS, especially for aspiring pilots. Review the Army manual on field navigation so you’re well-prepared for this training.
The Army provides a study guide for the SIFT, so be sure to work with that guide to do as well as possible. In general, you can only take the SIFT exam twice. If you pass on your first try, then you don’t have to take it again. If you fail twice, then you can’t take it again.
WOFT is also at Fort Rucker.
Since you’ve already gone through a lot of classroom instruction in WOCS, you should be ready for this portion of your training. Pay attention and draw on all the classroom skills you’ve already gained to get to this point.
The OH-58 Kiowa is a small reconnaissance aircraft used for scouting. The UH-60 Blackhawk is a transport helicopter used for evacuations and search-and-rescue missions. The AH-64 Apache is an attack helicopter that’s used in combat missions. The CH-47 Chinook is a large transport helicopter used to move supplies.
You’ll not only practice flying the helicopter itself, but also using all the equipment you might use in flight like night vision goggles. There will be different procedures and maneuvers for different helicopters. If you fly an Apache, you’ll probably practice selecting and strafing targets, while with a Blackhawk you’ll probably practice landing in a hostile zone to evacuate injured soldiers.
