Army recruiter facts check - warrant officer and bonus questions?

[guitarist6590]

I'm 17 and a junior in high school, and I'm planning on going into the military after I graduate. I have been talking with an Army recruiter over the past week about my options, so I want a fact check to make sure I'm not getting bad information.

Firstly, I want to be a flight warrant officer, so I am trying to find out the best way to get there. From what the recruiter said, it's nearly impossible to become a warrant officer straight out of high school and there are no bonuses.

Secondly, my recruiter told me that the best route is to enlist as soon as possible (April or May), because then I will be able to receive a $1000 per month bonus for every month of my senior year.

Thirdly, he told me that I should enlist, wait 6-8 months and gain some experience, then apply for the warrant officer program. He also said I wouldn't lose any bonuses if I was accepted and left my MOS early.

Basically, I'm just looking for some advice on whether this information is accurate. Thanks!
I should have probably mentioned that I have a 4.0 GPA, scored a 95 on the ASVAB, and will have my private pilots license by the end of this year. I could go to an academy or college if I wanted to, but I don't, which is why I'm looking into the warrant officer program.

[witwwats]

Aviation Warrants are a special group.

You CAN enlist for Flight School, but must qualify mentally and physically.

DO NOT ENLIST until you have a clear picture of how you will attend Flight School.

If he has to bribe you with $1000.00 per month, you're not doing what you think you are.

He's probably "incorrect" (I'm being polite)

[Rebecca]

I don't believe that you can enlist in the active Army before you graduate high school; however, you can enlist in the National Guard or the Reserves. Which all in all is not a bad idea. You could go to basic during your Junior and Senior year and earn some rank during your senior year before you go to AIT; That's what I did. Also, by being Guard or Reserve, if you do not like the army, you only have to deal with it one weekend a month and two weeks a year. It is a lot easier to switch from Guard or Reserve to Active duty, then from Active to Guard or Reserve.

Experiance on the enlisted side can really help you in the long run. Besides enlisted soldiers carry more respect for the officers that had once been enlisted than those who did only ROTC. You'll get to know the people you are serving under and you will have more of a camaraderie with them.

I would suggest that you talk to other recruiters before you make a concrete decision. Even if you intend to go active, National Guard recruiters tend to be more honest (at least the ones I've dealt with). Besides by asking different recruiters, who do not know each other, you can find out if this $1,000 bonus is real or not. I've never heard of this kind of bonus. If you do go ahead with this recruiter's idea, make sure that it is in your contract. Actually read the line that says it, and don't just take the word of the individual having you sign your contract.

Hopes this helps, I might of rambled a bit much.

[possibilitive]

You can enlist in a MOS and once you get to your firlst duty station you can apply for flight school. pick an aviation friendly MOS. aviation is a small group and are hurting for pilots. i think there is a bonus for enlisting not sure how much. you can also go to the warrant officer web site( goggle it) look for MOS and go from there. you should also call another recruiter and ask the same questions. GOOD LUCK......SGT QUE

[ntolerant]

Aside from the "join right away" bit, he is giving you realistic advice on becoming a warrant officer. On average I would say it takes about 6 years of enlistment before you can go into the warrant officer program to become a pilot. You will also have to send in about seven applications for acceptance to flight training. They will "lose" it several times, it helps weed out those who don't want it bad enough so no more money is wasted. It is very expensive to train a pilot. Enlist and become extremely proficient at your MOS. I can guarantee it will be on your second enlistment if you make the cut.