Become an Aviation Officer 

Minimum eligibility requirements

  • U.S. Citizen by birth or naturalization
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Age requirements: 18 to 33 years of age (WOFT) at time of Federal Recognition Board *
  • Demonstrate English Language Competency
  • ASVAB General Technology (GT) score of at least 110 **
  • Possess a Secret Security Clearance prior to WO1 appointment
  • Pass all Army physical fitness test events (no alternates) and meet height/weight standards of AR 600-9
  • Possess outstanding leadership traits and moral character (No civil convictions*)
  • Achieve a qualifying score of 40 on the Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT) test

 

*Waivable

**Can take the in-service Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT) to raise current score

 

Medical Requirements

  1. Chapter 2, Physical Standards for Enlistment, Appointment, and Induction 
  2. Class 1A Flight Physical Examination. Must be approved by Fort Novosel's flight surgeons prior to the board.
    • Visual acuity standards
      • 20/50 distant vision correctable with spectacles to 20/20
      • 20/20 near vision
      • LASIK/PPK procedures are permitted. Consult the Aeromedical Policy Letter prior to undergoing the procedure.

How to apply

Application checklist

2025 RI Aviation Accession Board Packet Checklist

 

Selection board 

Selection Board Announcement

The FY 2025 Aviator Review and Selection Board for the Rhode Island Army National Guard (RIARNG) meets at 1000 hrs on 21 November 2024 at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The board evaluates applicants for entering RIARNG aviation units and training as an aviation officer. The board consists of senior RIARNG aviation leaders.

Applicants interested in training as an Army Aviation Officer (Commissioned or Warrant) submit application paperwork (see enclosed checklist) NLT 15 November 2024 per paragraph 9 of this memo. See enclosed checklist for flight training selection prerequisites. All items listed on checklist must be completed for board considerations.4.FDME Class I Requirements:

       a. Scheduling: Contact Battalion Medical Readiness NCO (SSG Medieros) at 401-275-4587 

       b. FMDE Class I is an extensive examination, requiring a minimum of two appointments to complete. Applicants must be in a duty status and able to complete each portion of the two-day event in a UTA period (4 hours). Applicants receive an initial determination from the Rhode Island Army National Guard Aeromedical Staff, this interim approval is acceptable for board appearance.

       c. The physical exam is not deemed qualified until stamped as such by the United States Army Aeromedical Command at Fort Novosel, AL.

Applicants submit a DA Form 4187, signed by their current commander, acknowledging intent to transfer to Army Aviation, and provide a statement as to whether the applicant has attended military flight training previously. Applicant must acknowledge the 10-service obligation upon successful completion of Initial Entry Rotary Wing training.

Applicants should apply for consideration regardless of waiver requirements or the inability to provide all checklist documents. The potential for age, medical, and moral waivers exists but is a consideration when the board develops its order of merit list.

Contact CPT Melissa Walason at 401-275-1235 or melissa.l.walason.mil@army.mil or MSG Arthur Pine at 401-275-1237 or Arthur.p.pine.mil@army.mil. Applicants may email packet directly to AASF operations in the event the above POCs are not available at ng.ri.riarng.mbx.aasf-operations@army.mil.

What to expect

Your new career as an Army Warrant Officer

Aviation warrant officers fly some of the most exciting, technologically advanced aircraft in the world. If becoming an Army helicopter pilot or
fixed-wing pilot is your dream, Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) is where you can earn your wings.

The road to becoming a U.S. Army pilot will not be easy. It is rigorous training that requires commitment well beyond initial qualification.

Training WOFT/Flight School

After you graduate from Warrant Officer Candidate School you will move through several phases of training before graduating as an Army 
Aviator. All training is completed at the home of Army aviation, Fort Novosel, Alabama. 

Timeline
  • Aviation Warrant Officer Basic Course - WOBC Part A (3 weeks)
  • Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape SERE-C Course (3 weeks)
  • Initial Entry Rotary Wing Flight Training – Common Core (22 weeks)
  • Advanced Airframe Training (16 weeks)
  • Aviation Warrant Officer Basic Course - WOBC Part B (3 weeks)

Service obligation

Upon completion of your IERW, you will serve a 10-year contractual obligation as an active ARNG. The service commitment will run concurrently, not in addition to, any other obligations.