USMC to 160th SOAR.

[Odominable]

The interservice exchange (AH-1 to AH-6) is invariably a WTI / FAC(A)-I, the latter being half the point of the program. I know that’s a bit apples to oranges for you but a data point as to what they look for in the formal exchange program. Kind of lame that there isn’t a more assault specific exchange, maybe it’s too good of an idea.

I would just reach out to their recruiting office directly dude, I’m sure they can give you better info than anyone here. There is usually an exchange guy in the MAWTS Huey shop if you know anyone there who can introduce you. Give that a few weeks, I probably wouldn’t bug them in the middle of the class.

In any case, the more senior quals you have and the more hours and especially night hours the better.

Edit: I also wouldn’t count on a conditional release from the USMC prior to your MSR, if that’s what you mean

 

[Griz882]

-I understand that this thread is quite old but I wanted to see if there is anyone today who has any firsthand knowledge, with in the last few years, of the transfer from USMC to 160th SOAR. I know of two pilots at the moment one Cobra and one 53E pilot (who I have flown with from my old squadron) who have successfully made the switch.
-Information on augmenting with the 160th or requirements/qualifications that the 160th look for during the selection process are the questions I'm trying to find answers for. I appreciate any knowledge anyone can offer up though.
-For reference I'm a 53E pilot looking at about a year left in the fleet but I want to continue flying rather than climb the ranks, I could care less about dropping in rank or pay.

Today I think it would be a more diluted path. My old associates in Army SOF say the regiment does not take direct assessments (changing from one service to another). All this means is that one would need to shift over to the army as a flying warrant (or officer) and then apply for selection. A softer route might be to leave the Marines, shift over to an Army National Guard unit, then apply to SOAR, they look at both packages equally. Expect a process of about six months just to get to Green Platoon ( four months or so to get selected). Don’t piss off anyone in the Corps, you’ll need their references when you apply.

 

[Griz882]

@Trash the specific application is here…

Explore the Warrant Officer Program - 160thSOAR

Explore the Warrant Officer Program at 160thSOAR. Join our elite aviation team and make a difference. Contact us.

go160thsoar.com

You can figure out translation from Marine paperwork to Army paperwork. There is also a little information on the application test/interview which includes flying a few mission profiles.

 

[Trash]

The interservice exchange (AH-1 to AH-6) is invariably a WTI / FAC(A)-I, the latter being half the point of the program. I know that’s a bit apples to oranges for you but a data point as to what they look for in the formal exchange program. Kind of lame that there isn’t a more assault specific exchange, maybe it’s too good of an idea.

I would just reach out to their recruiting office directly dude, I’m sure they can give you better info than anyone here. There is usually an exchange guy in the MAWTS Huey shop if you know anyone there who can introduce you. Give that a few weeks, I probably wouldn’t bug them in the middle of the class.

In any case, the more senior quals you have and the more hours and especially night hours the better.

Edit: I also wouldn’t count on a conditional release from the USMC prior to your MSR, if that’s what you mean

Yah, I was hoping to land an augment position with them but I haven't seen one pop up in the MARADMINS in a while.
I'm currently completing against being on deployment and broke old aircraft at the moment for quals/hours but hopefully the recruiting office can give me at least a straight forward response of what they need. I was never kidding myself to think the Corps would release me before they get theirs. I just want to set myself up to be a competitive candidate.
I'll see if I can link up with that Huey MAWTS contact once they're done with The Class. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Trash]

Today I think it would be a more diluted path. My old associates in Army SOF say the regiment does not take direct assessments (changing from one service to another). All this means is that one would need to shift over to the army as a flying warrant (or officer) and then apply for selection. A softer route might be to leave the Marines, shift over to an Army National Guard unit, then apply to SOAR, they look at both packages equally. Expect a process of about six months just to get to Green Platoon ( four months or so to get selected). Don’t piss off anyone in the Corps, you’ll need their references when you apply.

The ANG seems like a very viable option but for sure more of a commitment to just enroll with the hope of making it. I appreciate you posting the application as well, I'll dig into it and see if I call and talk to someone directly. Yah, I'm hoping not to piss anyone off on way out, people definitely seem to have a lot of opinions when you bring up flying for a different service though haha. Thanks for the advice and direction.

 

[Swanee]

The ANG seems like a very viable option but for sure more of a commitment to just enroll with the hope of making it. I appreciate you posting the application as well, I'll dig into it and see if I call and talk to someone directly. Yah, I'm hoping not to piss anyone off on way out, people definitely seem to have a lot of opinions when you bring up flying for a different service though haha. Thanks for the advice and direction.

My advice is to tell everyone you're time is up and you're getting out and perhaps leave it at that. You can also tell them, "I'm looking at options to do some fun flying part time in my home state."

There are those people who would say, "but why would you ever want to leave this amazing gun club?" Don't tell them, "because I want to go join that other club."

If you're interested in the ARNG, start pledging units now. Make sure you get a NATOPS check and a flight physical on your way out of the USMC door. It's much easier to get someone through the Guard Bureau red tape these days if they're current and qualified.

 

[ChuckMK23]

You should also consider USAF Reserve/Guard AGR / GS-13 flying HH-60W. Pretty amazing deal from what I understand.