Warrant Officer Prerequisites and Duty Description
153A - Rotary Wing Aviator
Pilot and command all army aircraft in tactical and non-tactical conditions. Aviation warrant officers must be agile, adaptive, and creative, as they operate aircraft in all meteorological conditions, both day and night, and are responsible for coordinating, conducting, and directing all types of single service and joint combat, combat support and sustainment operations. Function as direct combat participants with organic armament systems, and sustain combat proficiency for their designated aircraft as outlined in the appropriate aircrew-training manual. Aviation warrant officers fill a unique role within Army Aviation as the technical and tactical experts of the branch providing long-term continuity of service within both conventional and special operations Aviation units.
***Applicants must meet all Administrative Requirements to become a Warrant Officer.***
***For non-military applicants, please click here: Civilian WOFT***
Minimum prerequisites:
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Any MOS may apply.
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Be older than 18, but have not reached their 33rd birthday at the time of the board selection. (Active Component (AC), USAR, and ARNG)
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Score 40 or higher on the Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT).
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Successfully pass a Class 1 (warrant officer candidate) Flying Duty Medical Examination (FDME) approved by the US Army Aero Medical Activity (USAAMA), Fort Novosel, AL. The initial FDME is only valid for 18 months. Applicants can request access to their records and receive updates pertaining to their flight physicals at: https://aero.health.mil
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Aviation Branch Army Commissioned Officers: Qualified Aviator must apply through their HRC Assignment Officer to the Aviation Branch Proponent for consideration. Commissioned Officers from another U.S. Military service who are qualified aviators that desire to apply for 153A (rotor wing aviator) will board at USAREC on each scheduled board. Complete the application process through the In-Service Regional Warrant Officer Recruiter. Commissioned Officers that have been identified for involuntary separation (OSB, twice non-select for promotion) are ineligible to apply for MOS 153A.
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All In-Service applicants must have a digitally signed letter of recommendation from an Army Aviator (CW3 to CW5) currently serving (Not Retired). In-Service Applicants may supplement (not replace) the Army Aviator (CW3-CW5) LOR with hand signed LOR's from Retired Army Aviators as desired. Active or Retired Army Aviator LOR’s for WOFT (Civilian) applicants is encouraged but not required. If the unit commander or above is a field grade aviator, the aviator interview may be part of the commander's endorsement. In this case, the commander's endorsement must contain the same statement required for the aviator interview. Use a memorandum format and start with the statement I have interviewed (your name) and find (he/she) has the needed 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. A field grade aviator from their branch of service may interview applicants from other military services if an Army aviator is not readily available. Army aviators will conduct the interviews whenever possible.
NOTE: Waivers will be considered for applicants with exceptional qualifications and only on a case-by-case basis.
Non-Aviation Branch Army Commissioned Officers:
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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.
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Applicants must meet the requirements IAW AR 611-110 and complete all documents required IAW the Warrant Officer Application Checklist. Requested waivers will be included with the application packet at the time of submission.
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Commissioned Officers require an Active Federal Commissioned Service (AFCS) ETP after 48 months of AFCS.
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Non-Aviation Officers assessing for 153A Warrant Officer Aviator selection: IAW AD 2021-31, the automatic promotion to CW2 based on Federal Commissioned Service no longer applies. Selected officers will receive an appointment to WO1 with an Active Date of Rank Reset at completion of flight school, and promotion to CW2 two-years after completing flight school.
Applicants applying for 153A Reserve Component
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All Applicants applying for a 153A position in the Reserve Component (ONLY) must obtain a memorandum signed by The Army Reserve Aviation Unit Commander accepting them into the unit and an active Reserve Senior Aviation Warrant Officer endorsing acceptance into the aviation unit.
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Acceptance to Warrant Officer Flight Training (153A) will require attendance and successful completion of:
NOTE: The waiver authority for this requirement is the Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation Center, Fort Novosel, AL 36362-5000.
Address all warrant officer application questions and inquiries to a Regional Warrant Officer Recruiter. Please visit the "How Do I Apply" page for required forms and examples.
CW5 John Griger
COMM: 334-255-9556
DSN: 558-9556
CW4 Eric Roen
COMM: 334-255-1420
DSN: 558-1420
CW3 Ed Colby
COMM: 334-255-1414
DSN: 558-1414
Mr. David M. Miller
Aviation Proponent Program Analyst
COMM: 334-255-1454
DSN: 558-1454
Mr. Karl H. Metz
Aviation Proponent Program Analyst
COMM: 334-255-1430
Last Updated: 01 November 2023