Becoming a Pilot in the 160th Special Operations Regiment: A Comprehensive Guide

Becoming a Pilot in the 160th Special Operations Regiment: A Comprehensive Guide

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), commonly known as the Night Stalkers, is a highly specialized unit within the U.S. Army known for its unique missions and rigorous selection process. While all rated aviators in the U.S. Military are Warrant or Commissioned Officers, the journey to becoming a pilot in this elite unit involves a significant amount of commitment and training. This comprehensive guide walks you through the steps required to pursue this rewarding career.

Understanding the Requirements

It is important to clarify that enlisted personnel are not pilots in the U.S. Military. If you aspire to be a pilot in the 160th SOAR, you must first become an officer or warrant officer. The process to become a pilot in the 160th SOAR involves several key steps, starting with joining the U.S. Army and progressing through extensive training and testing.

Step 1: Join the U.S. Army

1.1 Military Enlistment

To begin the journey to becoming a pilot in the 160th SOAR, you must first join the U.S. Army. This can be achieved through a military recruiter who will assist in the process of completing the necessary paperwork and guiding you through the application.

1.2 Meet Eligibility Requirements

Before enlisting, ensure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria, which include:

Age Physical fitness Security clearance

Step 2: Basic Military Training

2.1 Complete Basic Combat Training (BCT)

Upon joining the Army, you will undergo Basic Combat Training (BCT), where you will receive fundamental military training and focus on physical fitness. This is an essential step in preparing for the rigors of aviation training.

Step 3: Advanced Individual Training (AIT)

3.1 Attend AIT

After BCT, you will attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where you will learn skills specific to your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). For aspiring pilots, this could involve learning about aviation maintenance or other relevant fields that will prepare you for your future career.

Step 4: Flight School

To become a pilot in the 160th SOAR, you must apply for and be selected for the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program. This program is designed for enlisted soldiers who wish to become helicopter pilots. The selection process involves:

Passing the Army's flight aptitude test Physical exams Interviews

Once accepted, you will undergo training at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, where you will receive both classroom instruction and practical flight training.

Step 5: Gain Experience and Build Skills

After completing flight school, you will need to gain experience and accumulate flight hours. This is crucial for building your skills and qualifications for the 160th SOAR.

Step 6: Special Operations Training

6.1 Apply to 160th SOAR

Once you have sufficient flight experience, you can apply to join the 160th SOAR. This typically requires: Recommendations Meeting specific performance criteria

6.2 Complete the Selection Process

The selection process for the 160th SOAR is rigorous, involving:

Rigorous physical and psychological testing Interviews Evaluations by current members of the regiment

Step 7: Specialized Training

7.1 Attend the Special Operations Aviation Training Course (SOATC)

If selected, you will undergo specialized training that prepares you for the unique missions and challenges faced by the Night Stalkers. This training includes:

Advanced tactical flying techniques Specialized mission planning and execution Survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training

Step 8: Operational Assignment

After completing the necessary training, you will be assigned to a unit within the 160th SOAR. Here you will begin your operational career as a pilot, ready to contribute to the unique missions of this elite unit.

Additional Considerations

Physical Fitness: Maintaining high physical fitness standards is crucial throughout the process. Security Clearance: You will need to obtain a security clearance, which involves a thorough background check. Commitment: Be prepared for a demanding and often challenging career as operations can be high-stakes and require extensive training and dedication.

The path to becoming a pilot in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) is demanding but offers a rewarding career in special operations aviation. With the right preparation, commitment, and training, you can achieve your dream of serving as part of this elite unit.