HCS Questions

[BRM21o]

I know this was just asked in a previous post but I couldn't find a clear answer:

How do you transfer over to an HCS squadron? Are the pilots active duty or reservists? And just out of curiousity, do HCS pilots ever exchange with 160th SOAR or USAF Special Ops squadrons?

 

[HH-60H]

I believe HCS is a FTS/Reserve unit. Meaning it is primarily reserve, but it has an active duty component.

 

[Stearmann4]

There aren't any exchanges going on with Navy helo guys (only one USMC Cobra exchange), but I saw a Navy and USCG LT assessing a month ago. I have no idea if they made it or not, but we've been taking inter-service transfers on a case-by-case basis.

 

[Gatordev]

Is that as general Army pilots, or more "specialized" pilot slots?

 

[Stearmann4]

Gator,

That's for the regular Army, you are assessing for direct assignment to the 160th SOAR. This just came about the last 6 months or so. There's been a couple of USMC skid guys with another HS pilot enroute so I hear. If you know anyone who's interested I'll send them in the correct direction.

 

[ChuckMK23]

I know this was just asked in a previous post but I couldn't find a clear answer:

How do you transfer over to an HCS squadron? Are the pilots active duty or reservists? And just out of curiousity, do HCS pilots ever exchange with 160th SOAR or USAF Special Ops squadrons?

I think Marines have a semi-perm billet for exchange pilot with 20th SOS (MH-53J) at Hurlburt. It's a 36 month tour though.

I have heard that the Army 160th does a fair amount of interservice recruiting. Not widely publicized. They look for the right people and and train them up as opposed to just looking for gobs of goggle time. They have thewir own way of flying and they look for personalities that fit - team players, good personality, ability to learn, etc.

 

[Stearmann4]

Chuck,

You hit the nail exactly. We don't advertise the inter-service recruiting. There's not much need with so many Army pilots to draw from. Total times and NVG hours aren't the sole deciding factor. We place a high value on personality, ability to adapt to stress and changes in a combat environment, and most importantly, a no-fail mentality.