15A Aviation Officer

OVERVIEW
Aviation Officers coordinate/lead operations using Army National Guard helicopters: UH-72 Lakota, UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache. These operations can haul troops and carry supplies, as well as provide quick-strike and long-range target engagement.

JOB DUTIES

• Coordinate employment of Aviation Soldiers and aircraft at all levels
• Command and control aviation platoons
• Provide aviation coordination
• Instruct aviation skills at service schools and combat training centers

TRAINING
Job training for an Aviation Officer requires completing aviation school, where you study rotary-winged aircraft and basic flying skills.

Some of the skills you'll learn are:

• Basic flight physics and flight systems
• Emergency procedures
• Flight map drawing and reading

You will then begin Basic Combat Training in combat flight skills that are used by Army National Guard pilots, and eventually specialize in one of the following helicopters:

• UH-72 Lakota
• UH-60 Black Hawk
• AH-64 Apache
• CH-47 Chinook

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Self-discipline, confidence and intelligence
• Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
• Ability to make quick decisions
• Capable of bearing numerous responsibilities

 
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in fields such as business management. Being an officer in the Army National Guard is closely related to holding a managerial position in a corporation.