Duties:
Army Aviation Warrant Officers are highly trained and technically proficient pilots and tactical experts, responsible for the operation and command of Army aircraft, both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, across the spectrum of military operations. These officers produce essential capabilities to commanders at all echelons, functioning as direct combat participants and providing long-term aviation expertise within Army units. They serve as a critical integrator of air and ground maneuver, and a key enabler for mission success.
Initial Training & Development:
Upon successful completion of Warrant Officer Candidate School, aviation warrant officers attend Aviation Warrant Officer Basic Course and Initial Entry Flight Training where they begin their formal flight training. These courses establish a foundation in aircraft operation, tactical employment, and leadership principles. Continuous professional development and assignment-specific training are integral to a Warrant Officer’s career progression, with opportunities to specialize as an Aviation Safety Officer, Aviation Mission Survivability Officer, Maintenance Test Pilot, Instructor Pilot and Standardization Officers.
Career Progression & Responsibilities:
The Army Aviation Warrant Officer career path is one of continuous growth, transforming technically proficient pilots into strategic leaders essential to Army operations. Beginning as a WO1 focused on team-level proficiency, warrant officers progressively assume increasing responsibility from leading and training at the platoon, company, and battalion levels, to the culminating roles of a CW5, providing Army-wide guidance. This demanding yet rewarding path requires a relentless commitment to the Warrior Ethos and lifelong learning, forging adaptable and decisive leaders capable of integrating air-ground maneuver and enabling mission success in any environment.
*** For prior service and non-military applicants, please click here: Civilian WOFT ***
Minimum prerequisites:
MOS: Any MOS may apply.
Active Federal Service (AFS): Applicants may not have more than 8 years of AFS on the date of their DA Form 61 signature.
Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years old at the time of board selection.
SIFT: Achieve a score of 40 or higher on the Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT). One retest is permitted after a 45-day waiting period. (Not-Waivable)
Physical: To qualify for 153A, applicants must successfully complete a Class 1 Flying Duty Medical Examination (FDME) as approved by the U.S. Army Aeromedical Activity (USAAMA) at Fort Rucker, Alabama. This initial FDME is valid for 18 months. Applicants may access and receive updates regarding their flight physical records through USAAMA.: https://aero.health.mil (Not-Waivable)
Letter of Recommendation Requirements:
Minimum: Three digitally signed LORs
Required Sources: First and Second-level UCMJ authority; Senior Warrant Officer (CW3-CW5 Active-Duty Aviator)
Supplemental: Three supplemental LORs are permitted, for a maximum of six
Validity: LORs are valid for 12 months from the date of signature, or 90 days upon PCS
Aviator Interview and Endorsement: If the applicant’s unit commander or higher-ranking officer is a field grade aviator, the aviator interview may be integrated into the commander’s endorsement. In such cases, the endorsement must include the following statement: “I have interviewed [Applicant’s Name] and find [he/she] possesses the necessary personal characteristics, motivation, physical stamina, and qualifications to be appointed a U.S. Army Reserve warrant officer and appears acceptable for selection into the WOFT (Civilian) program as a warrant officer candidate.” This statement should be included in a memorandum format.
NOTE: When requesting an interview with a Senior Aviation Warrant Officer, ensure you have the following items completed prior to your interview:
• Ensure you meet all administrative and 153A minimum prerequisites
• Ensure your application is complete (minus the SWO LOR) with all files attached
• Ensure that any waiver requests you may require are included in the packet
• prepared to conduct an in-depth phone or in-person interview
Inter-Service Applicants: When an Army aviator is unavailable, a field grade aviator from the applicant’s respective branch of service may conduct the interview. However, Army aviators are prioritized to conduct interviews whenever possible. Inter-Service applicants should contact the In-Service Regional Warrant Officer Recruiter for assistance in coordinating an interview with a senior warrant officer from the Aviation Branch.
NOTE: Exception to policy will be considered for applicants with exceptional qualifications and only on a case-by-case basis.
NOTE: Upon receiving their Aeronautical Rating Designation (aka Aviator Wings), each aviator will begin their 10-year active-duty service obligation.
NOTE: Failure to complete flight school in an advanced airframe (UH-60, CH-47, AH-64, or Fixed Wing) will result in a reclassification into your previously enlisted MOS or at the needs of the Army.
NOTE: Acceptance to Warrant Officer Flight Training will require attendance and successful completion of Survival Escape Resistance and Evasion (SERE-C) course. The waiver authority for this requirement is the Commanding General, Aviation Center of Excellence, Fort Rucker, AL 36362-5000.
Officer to Warrant Officer
Aviation Branch Commissioned Officers: Qualified Aviators must apply through their Human Resources Command (HRC) Assignment Officer to the Aviation Branch Proponent for consideration.
Inter-Service Commissioned Aviators: Commissioned Officers from other U.S. Military branches who are qualified aviators and wish to apply for Military Occupational Specialty 153A Rotor Wing Aviator will be considered by USAREC on each scheduled board. Application procedures should be initiated through the In-Service Regional Warrant Officer Recruiter.
Ineligibility: Commissioned Officers identified for involuntary separation (Officer Separation Board, or twice passed over for promotion) are ineligible to apply for MOS 153A.
Non-Aviation Branch Army Commissioned Officers:
Non-Aviation branch Commissioned Officers who desire to apply for 153A, Rotary Wing Aviator, will be boarded during the November and May Warrant Officer Selection Boards.
Applicants must meet the requirements IAW AR 611-110 and complete all documents required IAW the Warrant Officer Application Checklist. All requested waivers will be included with the application packet at the time of submission.
Active Federal Commissioned Service (AFCS): Commissioned Officers require an AFCS ETP after completing 48 months of AFCS.
Warrant Officer Rank and Appointment: IAW AD 2021-31, the automatic promotion to CW2 based on Federal Commissioned Service is no longer applicable. Selected officers will receive an appointment to WO1 with an Active Date of Rank reset upon completion of flight school and will be eligible for promotion to CW2 two years after graduating flight school.
| 153A Warrant Officer Aviator – Prerequisites Summary |
| Attributes |
Minimum |
Most Preferred |
| Yrs of Service |
0 to < 8 Yrs Max |
< 7 Yrs |
| Age |
18-32 (Waiverable) |
22-28 |
| GT Score |
110 |
120+ |
| SIFT Score |
40 |
55+ |
| Leadership |
N/A |
Documented on NCOER or Civilian Equivalent |
| Evaluations |
N/A |
NCOER MQ Evaluations |
| Civilian Education |
High School Diploma or GED Certificate |
Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree (≥ 60 Semester Hours) |
| Civilian GPA |
N/A |
≥ 3.5 |
| Military Education |
MOS Qualified |
ALC |
| Physical Fitness |
60% |
|
| FAA Certifications |
N/A |
Private Pilot or Higher |
| Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee warrant officer selection. Fully Qualified-Selected warrant officer applicants will exceed the minimums and align with the "Most Preferred" column historically. |