One of the jobs in the Army available to new soldiers who enlist is in the Army Air Corps. This is a job specialty with a lot of responsibility, directly affecting the mission capability of the Air Corps. In short, an Army Air Corps Soldier is responsible for keeping the helicopters are battle ready and able to fly at a moments notice. These helicopters are used for liaison, surveillance, identification of enemy targets, and attacking the enemy in various ways. Helicopters such as the Apache, are used to defend and support the overall mission effort. These helicopters are often used from Forward Operating Bases and are serviced by Forward Refueling Points and Forward Arming Stations.
To be considered for the Army Air Corps job, you have to be between seventeen and thirty three years old. There are no pre requisites except a desire to work hard, and having minimum grades. You should have graduated from High school, and be willing to sign up for a four year active duty service period. You should have fairly good grades, and possessive initiative. Being a person that is able to accept responsibility, and fairly self-reliant helps a great deal. A basic level of physical fitness is desired. Some of the sub specialties that are available are:
Communications. As a Communications Specialist you will be responsible to help provide and service electronics and communications gear. Your job will be one of high importance as you will be an important link in the communications chain.
Aviation Support. If you choose Aviation Support Specialist, you will have a chance to train for missions involving Tactical Landing sites, maintaining and storing a number of different types of munitions and supplies. You will also help prepare loads of different kinds for air delivery.
Groundcrew. All Air Corps Soldiers are trained in basic groundcrew tasks. Tasks such as refueling helicopters, dealing with under slung loads, refueling and arming Army helicopters, and other helicopter duties. Other skills that you will be trained for are driving and serving the Large Goods Vehicles, how to drive the Land Rovers, and other refueling and supply vehicles.
Training. All Soldiers who train to be Air Corps undergo the fourteen-week course at Army Training. After gaining valuable skills you will have possible opportunities to gain other qualifications and certifications. Possible certifications in hazardous materials and other training are possible.
After being promoted to Lance Corporal, and upon being recommended, it is sometimes possible for training as a pilot. There are a lot of different hoops to jump through, but it is one road to gaining training to fly some of the most sophisticated aircraft in the world.
