So glad I found this channel. Much respect brother. I’m 31, husband and dad as well. Just began the process with my local recruiter. Thank you for being a trailblazer and giving back wisdom.

@merrittorius

4 ай бұрын

Comments like this always blow me away. Appreciate you saying it. Glad you're going after it. I just had my first couple flights this last week. Every ounce of effort is worth it. Good luck and stay in touch.

Found your channel at the right time. A lot of parallels with my situation and just in general appreciate the info you're putting out.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad there's value in it. I'm passionate about this and highly motivated so it's good to find others as interested.

I graduated at 39. Good work.

@merrittorius

11 ай бұрын

Appreciate the encouragement and sharing of that. Means more than you know. I'll be 38 Lord willing.

Passed the SIFT with a 66 and waiting on a medical waiver for eczema from MEPS. Probably with have more for the WOFT packet. Glad to hear you sharing your waiver experience. Going for it!

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

We're going for it my friend. Wish you the best of luck. Keep moving forward.

Please keep on sharing about your journey. Thank you!

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Wilco. Ty for the encouragement

Hope all is going well. Also, I love your backyard. It’s huge!

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

🤣 I'm a fan as well. Relaxing at times.

Glad to hear the journey moves forward. Have my state board in a few weeks so hoping for the best

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Go get it brother. You will do well. 🤝 SF

Praying for you brother! Keep up the positive mindset. Stay focused, you will be an aviator.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Ty Jake.

@Yamoshi0

Жыл бұрын

@@merrittorius got question how be able become fighter pilot at age 36 at air force just wanted asked.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

@Son-Yamoshi-San もやし you will need to develop a very favorable relationship with the top / right people in the air force who would advocate for you to come in. Their cut off is 28 if I'm not mistaken for active duty. Call around and ask.

@Yamoshi0

Жыл бұрын

@@merrittorius appreciate for advice thank you definite give it shot

Great videos by the way. Very informative.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Kyle. Appreciate ya

I'm 32 and will be working an age waiver as I'll turn 33 while working my packet prior to the board.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, I'm excited for you. As long as it's taken for me it is an exciting time and a fun challenge. Keep it touch!

Thanks for sharing your story, I'm 27 and planning on joining to be a pilot as well. Recently I've been doubting myself because of my age, it kinda feels like I'm behind the ball. But this makes me feel better and settles my mind. Thank you!

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

In reality they should want you more because of your age. You're in the prime of your life with a ton of life experience comparatively. Go get it! 🤝

@MrAdventure96

Жыл бұрын

I'm 27 too, my packet is at proponent, and I'm praying it all goes well. But I have a backup up plan just in case, you never know

I was 19 when I went through. A little less than a year later, I finished. But it kicked my tail. The students that washed out during my time were older people. The younger members of the flight class seemed to absorb the subjects easier than older ones. Good luck

Love your videos bro! Keep it up! I started watching you when i first started wanted to go and my packet goes in November 14th next month. If all goes well, it would be an honor to serve as a pilot with you

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

I'm hoping it works out for you here over the coming months. Stay motivated through it and over prepare for the board when you get to it.

@demonchompy

Жыл бұрын

@@merrittorius Update, my packet will be for the board in late January. I am here on active duty and WOCS is backed up till late next year. When you finally get your age waiver, if i get selected, we might be in the same class. Keep your head up bro, it will come thru!

Loving your content! Just got my flight physical stamped approved I’m planning on submitting my WO package for the board in January. Currently active in the usmc.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

LOVE IT DOG!🤝 I had the exact same timeline in 21/22 for packet to board to selection in January. Over prepare and go crush it.

@whitewolf951000

Жыл бұрын

How long did it take for your flight physical to get back? Mine Is still pending

@evantalbott8602

Жыл бұрын

@@whitewolf951000 about 2 months or so. I didn’t have any waivers or medical issues.

@whitewolf951000

Жыл бұрын

@@evantalbott8602 thank you! I got selected for the board already but I can’t get FEDREC until my flight physical get stamped. I sent it back in September but still haven’t heard anything yet. Hopefully I will get it soon. But good luck on your board !

This is very motivating.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Dessie. All about some good wholesome motivation and positive momentum. 🤝

Thanks for sharing brother

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Glad there was value.

I am currently working through getting 3 medical waivers just to get my foot in the door. The most important thing I can tell people is make them tell you no, if your recruiter tells you you can't do it go to a different station. If the army tells you no, appeal it. If that appeal doesn't work write to people who can help you. If you want something fight for it because nobody else will.

@merrittorius

3 ай бұрын

You have to advocate for yourself through this process. It's a different level for each case but very important. Glad you're getting there on it.

Jarhead everything you sharing I went through in 1983 from the Marine Corps. Yea I needed an 110 ASVAB, Class #1 Flight Physical, Submit WOC-D Packet. I lucked up and was able to get everything done in one week at Fort Rucker. Then my packet went to DA-Hoffman Bldg. And was approved within 3 months. I had a high ranking Army Officer helping this Marine Corporal! All Boards and interviews were completed! Keep in mind I was doing a inter-service transfer from the Corps. All this hard work went down the drain because of my Corps! The same packet has to be approved by the Marine Corps? It was denied by the Corps for need of service! MF’s! I ultimately left the Corps and went to college and got my degree. Now Retired LE. Good Luck brother enjoy Rucker!

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

That's crazy that the Corps shut you down.....like they just couldn't find another E-4 huh? 🙄 I appreciate the well wishes and thanks for sharing your experience motivator. You must have been something special to have them insist on keeping you!! 🦅🌎⚓️🤝

@orangeremediation5335

Жыл бұрын

@@merrittorius yes sir! I was a 0321/8541 billeted Marine. I was told “Why in the world world any Marine wanna go in the Army!” Keep in mind this was in 1983? Man it was crazy! I was slotted for WOC-D and ready to go! But the Ole Corps was like “Nope’l” what would it look like to the world if a Marine left the Corps to go into the Army? True-Shit brother! I forgot to mention I scoured really high on the FAST Test. And had Army Generals and Colonels courting me. They were given me flights and flight time in UH-1H simulators and flew me on a C-21 to Rucker to complete my packet in less than a week. The Corps Hated this Courtship! But that’s ok! I turned out Ok with a college degree and a great career! Take it serious and Live it daily to become the best Army Aviator! Good Luck!

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

@@orangeremediation5335 Wilco! Again, Appreciate the interaction and sharing. Love it.

Thanks for sharing. I have my board interview October 16🤞🏾🤞🏾 I have no idea how to prepare for that but hey we will go in there and do our best. 🤣 I hope you get an answer soon and maybe we will be down there together.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

I threw up a "board" video. I'm sure everyone's experience is very different. I hope we do get to meet soon!🤝

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

I hope it went OK Marc!!

Goat

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Nah you. Soak it up my friend. Hope to watch you one of these days. Do they have the schedule of games posted?

Started as a USMC Aviation Ordnance SGT before Army Flight School in 1985. Had a great Army recruiter who helped me. Things were much faster during the Reagan Era Military buildup. The Army let a lot people in Flight School, but cut a lot by Medical & WOC 6 week preflight or Inability to solo. The National Guard Bureau Was very strict on age limitations, Because of cost of flight school. NG Units Do their own hiring & can make things happen over Active Army for their Boy’s. Aviation WO’s are Generally younger than Commissioned Students in all Branches of military. Since WO’s do not Require a degree & the Army Generally likes to Get people younger for more years of Ability to pass. flight Physicals & ROI. The boards are very fixated PT Scores & body Fat, Emphasize your strong interest in an athletics on packages i.e. like to run, I Was a swimmer in AAU & High School. Lacrosse players are generally fast and thin, Consider joining a lacrosse club. We never played soccer flight school since it was called a Aviator eliminator due to Injuries. Showing up fat or failing PT test Will kick you out of Fort Rucker faster than anything & seen it happen. Retired as CW3 from USAR.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Love that you were Ordnance as well! Iyaoyas and SF. Congrats on a full career and thank you for it. Appreciate the input on here. It's very helpful to folks getting started and looking to know their audience. I played hockey at IU. Underestimated how much they like to see athletes but it makes sense.

I’m a little confused because I submitted a packet and my recruiter said after the November board “congrats, I told you that you would get selected” in an email with a moral conduct waiver (speeding ticket) approved from proponent. My name didn’t come out on the November list and he said that my packet wasn’t submitted in time and that it would go to the January board. Now I’m wondering if the approval from proponent was a sign off like you concluded. Great video, hopefully we’ll see each other in school

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

It sounds like your recruiter may have misspoke and said "selected" when they should've said "waiver approved" or something. To be honest with you I'd follow up and ask why there was confusion as to which board your packet was going in for and is everything on the right track for January? You probably already have but...my guy would've been on top of letting me know if my packet didn't make it in, in time. Just saying. Hope you get through. Let us know how it goes!

Hey Mike, Came across your video on KZread about age waiver process you when thru for WO packet. I was wondering if you could possibly help. Background: I just recently received a Not Selected from predetermination board. Only reasoning I have gotten so far when I inquired about results was my age. Said I did good on board, my scores were well above(I know cause I know half the people that when & their scores etc). What bugging the most is being told I’m old and I wouldn’t be able to learn/grasp new concepts even with demonstrating that I could cause i recently since last yr I have added 25U, cdl class a, SLC & MFT. I know my capabilities and think deserve the chance to prove that.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Keep plugging away. They liked my college degree and Marine experience and LORs and other variables. Try to explain your return on investment will be higher than the average applicant. Keep trying. Make them say no and leave no doubt when it's all said and done. Stay motivated bro. Check back in with any specifics you may need. 🤙

Working right now on a packet 33 years old and just hoping!

@merrittorius

7 ай бұрын

I'm down here at flight school now and can tell you there are multiple folks over the 32 age who got the waiver. Are you Guard?

I'm 33 and currently working on getting into WOFT. I'm coming from the civilian side and have no previous flight experience. I still need to do my flight physical and should hear back with a date for it soon. Unfortunately for me I live in Florida and the closest place that will let me do the flight physical is Fort Riley in Kansas. I took the ASVAB and the SIFT already and even went through processing at MEPS. If all goes well I should hopefully be able to go to the boards in January or March of 2024.

@merrittorius

8 ай бұрын

How on earth is Kansas the closest spot? You're driving right by Novosel? I'm not sure I trust that info and would ask around.

@hewcarroll

8 ай бұрын

@@merrittorius Novosel and Hunter Army Air Base are not currently taking anyone from out of state. Fort Riley is the first and closest place that was willing to do it

@merrittorius

8 ай бұрын

@@hewcarroll that is wild. Oh well, we do what we have to.

@hewcarroll

8 ай бұрын

@@merrittorius exactly

Hey man, appreciate the videos and updates on the process. I’m 29, working with a. Recruiter for the street to seat program. Only thing is I will need a waiver for a dui I received 4 years ago and another that was dismissed 5 years ago. Do you have any comments on me pursuing this or if I should just choose a different route? Thank you

@merrittorius

5 ай бұрын

I can say that I had to do a moral waiver for mine that occurred in 06. Get good LORs, high ranking, and pursue it. It's worth it.

@jordandemicco2531

5 ай бұрын

⁠@@merrittoriusthank you for the response. I have been getting mostly negative feedback from guys on Reddit who say I don’t have a chance. I scored an 84 on my asvab with a 123 GT score. I need to schedule my sift test for next month. For my LORs, I have a brother in law who is a navy seal, and second cousin who was a 2 star general, would be great if I could keep in touch with you as a mentor and someone to learn from if you’re okay with that

@merrittorius

5 ай бұрын

@@jordandemicco2531 don't listen to anyone except for the individuals on the board telling you yes or no. I was told no several times before breaking through.

Im 35 years old prior service army with 5 and a half years of service. Ive been out since the end of 2014. Im currently working a recruiter getting my packet together. Im finishing my fixed wing ppl this month and also have all my requirements done for my helicopter ppl. I graduate with my bachelors in aeronautics from Riddle in 2 months. The main problem i am having is mu letters of recommendation. Im in central California with no army air bases and I didn't keep in touch with any of my prior leadership. Any recommendations?

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

I'd just start trying to reach out and get POCs over email or wherever possible. Say you'd like to do remote interviews if possible. I don't have anything more creative than that. Once you find 1 you'll probably be able to get a couple from their network. Just keep working it though.

I'm turning 32 in August. Can i do this without prior service? Sorry if it was mentioned in the video.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

You can!

I’m 34 years old civilian. Should I enlist first to become an Army aviator or I should try to get an age waiver to go directly into warrant officer aviator pipeline. Recruiters been telling me to enlist first then try but I will be much more older by the time I finish basic training.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

It depends what you want. The Army could be food without flying too. It's up to you though.

@FAZILJOY

Жыл бұрын

@@merrittorius Absolutely sir, I want to serve in the military (ARMY) regardless I become an aviator or not. I’m trying my best to become an aviator, because I’m very passionate about aviation. If that doesn’t work out I will try to be in other technical field because that’s where I have most experience working in as a civilian. At this point I guess it will all depend on how I do on ASVAB and SIFT. If I do good in both test only thing might become a problem is getting an age waiver at this point.

@FAZILJOY

Жыл бұрын

I have done it, I just graduated from basic training in July and now I’m at my AIT. My mos is 15yankee (Avionic electrician) I am trying to join 16th soar work with them next 2-3 years and I will try my best to become a warrant officer Aviator from there. Thank you again making these inspiring videos, it helped me a lot.

I am 31 Turning 32 in April. Is it possible to get to board before then? I am reaching out to the warrant officer recruiters currently.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Pending any hiccups with medical, pt, or failing the SIFT it is possible for the gaurd.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Get to work. Follow up a lot respectfully and call around if needed but once you find your WO strength officer that's the POC to get going. From their it's on them but every one of them I've dealt with has been good.

Hey brother, really appreciated hearing your story thoughts and perspective you shooting for what you really want is inspiring. Im 33 and a prior service marine, started putting together a package a few years ago but had to get lasik and then lose weight, I did all that got a good score on the sift the next hurdle is a new medical exam then the board which i’m pretty nervous about. Is it an american idol style panel and what kind of questions do they ask? I want to be prepared

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8J9S5V3/ Hope that link works. I have more info in other videos on here on my channel as well. SF dawg 🤝

Are you still waiting now? That’s really annoying that you have to wait so long for a waiver based on age. The branches should stop focusing on that and be more concerned about the qualifications. If for whatever reason, it doesn’t pass, I think you might consider looking at airforce or coast guard because in that case you wouldn’t need a waiver to fly.

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Age waiver is signed off. I'm good to go.

I thought your video was pretty good I’m a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer CW4 I was a UH-60 SIP and IFE and Master Army Aviator

@merrittorius

Жыл бұрын

Terry! Good Morning. I appreciate you making contact on here. I thank you for your service, your career, your dedication and expertise. If you've got any words of wisdom for us aspiring Army aviators please respond. Have a great day!

I Have to take an American citizenship before enrolling the military aviation

@merrittorius

10 ай бұрын

GOOD LUCK! 🇺🇲🤝