Anyone with National Guard experience/knowledge?

[nogaroheli]

I love to fly and am very good at it. I was working on my helicopter ratings 5 years ago when a job opportunity came around that I chose to follow instead of pursuing a career flying. Now, at the age of 31, I'm at a point where I can choose another path in my life and am considering the National Guard (possibly even the Army as a warrant officer).

My reasons for considering them are:
-They (and the Army) have helicopters. I want to fly helicopters.
-I like the idea of being able to serve in some capacity.
-I don't have the disposable income to finish all of my ratings on my own anymore, and would rather fly military stuff than civilian stuff.

I've heard all sorts of horror stories about people being told they'll be the king of the Army and then once they join they end up peeling potatoes, that makes me nervous. Am I looking at this for the right reasons? Does this sound like a wise choice?

Thanks for all your help and advice!

-Mods, if this isn't the spot for this please move it, thanks!

[KevDen2005]

not sure since you can already fly but i do know as of two years ago you had to be attending army flight school by the age of 29.

you could also consider a law enforcement agency, especially federal. they have a lot of flying to do and a good number of their pilots were pilots prior to joining

[Troublco]

Nervousness with regards to Army recruiter promises is a healthy thing. Air Guard units with helicopters are comparatively rare. Usually Rescue outfits. The closest Air Guard unit I know of that has/will have helos is Albuquerque, and they don't have them yet; they're getting ready to lose their F-16's. Army Guard has lots of helo units, including one here at Buckley. Might not hurt to talk to the Army recruiter, just be careful.

[MadRabbit]

I had a Commercial AMEL CFI/CFII before even joining the guard but turned 30 during a stop loss deployment. Took the AFAST, but they wouldn't consider an age waiver, so no flight school for me. You may be in a different situation, but I'd be very careful before signing anything. I'd want a guaranteed slot in your shoes, and doubt that's something you'd be able to manage coming off the street. Not saying anything bad about any of it, but the recruiter's goals are much different from yours.