The Army has many different careers, and one of the ones that are available to those who enlist is service with Army Aviation. It is possible to serve as an aircrew member on Army Helicopters, or to work as a support enlisted person helping to keep Army Helicopters in full operational shape. Helicopters in the Army are used for the identification of enemy targets, surveillance, and liaison and support of ground forces, and to engage and destroy enemy targets. These helicopters are used to support and defend the overall mission effort. Helicopters such as the Apache are used from Forward Operating Bases, and they are provided service by Forward Arming Stations, and Forward Refueling points.
There are some different roles in Army Aviation. To be eligible to enlist in Army Aviation, you have to be between 17 and 33 years old. You must have a high school diploma, and be willing to sign for at least a four-year period. Army Aviation looks for those with initiative, who have shown a willingness to work hard and an ability to take and accept responsibility. There are several areas that you may be chosen to serve in.
Chief Warrant Officers: Many if not most of the pilots that fly Army helicopters are Warrant or Chief Warrant Officers. This is a technical specialty rank; you will be trained and become expert on the aircraft or system that you are responsible for. Chief Warrant Officers are senior to all enlisted personnel, but are ranked just below full Commissioned Officers. You must be at the top of your game to be considered for Warrant Officer and to attend Warrant Officer Academy.
Ground crew: All Army Aviation members are trained in the basics of ground crew tasks, even pilots. Refueling, dealing with loads that are slung, arming and rearming are some of the basic tasks performed by the Army Aviation Ground crewmembers.
Aviation Support: If you are selected to train as an Aviation Support Crewmember you will have opportunities to work on maintaining and storage of a number of different types of ammunition and aircraft supplies. You will work to prepare loads for transport, and serve as support personnel involved in tactical landing sites. You will work as part of a coordinated Aviation team.