Aviation Officer

Aviation Officer (MOS 15A, 15B, 15C) Description / Major Duties:

The Army's Aviation Branch is critical in so many of the Army's operations. From providing quick-strike and long-range target engagement during combat operations to hauling troops and supplies, Army helicopter units are key in getting the job done in many situations.

An Officer within the Aviation Branch is first an expert aviator, but is also responsible for the coordination of Aviation operations from maintenance to control tower operations to tactical field missions.

All Aviation Officers lead Soldiers and Aviation units and work with the following Army helicopters; OH-58 Kiowa, UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, and AH-64 Apache.

The responsibilities of an Aviation Lieutenant may include:

  • Coordinate employment of Aviation Soldiers and aircraft at all levels, from platoon to battalion and higher, in U.S. and multi-national operations
  • Provide Aviation coordination
  • Instruct Aviation skills at service schools and combat training centers

Training

Training in Aviation School begins with basic flying skills, where you will spend many hours in the classroom studying and learning rotary-winged aircraft inside and out. You will learn basic flight physics, flight systems, emergency procedures, flight map reading, flight map drawing and more.

After your basic flight skills, your classroom becomes the helicopter where you will learn your basic combat flight skills, which covers combat maneuvers used by Army pilots. After you pass both of these sets of courses, you will be an expert in all of the Army's rotary-winged aircraft, but also specialize in piloting one of the following helicopters:

OH-58 Kiowa
UH-60 Black Hawk
AH-64 Apache
CH-47 Chinook

Helpful Skills

Being a leader in the Army requires certain qualities. A leader exhibits self-discipline, initiative, confidence and intelligence. They are physically fit and can perform under physical and mental pressures. Leaders make decisions quickly, always focusing on completing the mission successfully, and show respect for their subordinates and other military officers. Leaders lead from the front and adjust to environments that are always changing. They are judged by their ability to make decisions on their own and bear ultimate moral responsibility for those decisions.

Advanced Responsibilities

Aviation Officers can continue in the Operations career field, serving in the Aviation Branch at ever increasing levels of leadership and responsibility.

Responsibilities of an Aviation Captain may include:

  • Commanding and controlling Aviation platoons.
  • Coordinate employment of Aviation Soldiers at all levels of command, from company to division level and beyond, in U.S. and multi-national operations.
  • Develop doctrine, organizations and equipment for unique Aviation missions.
  • Instruct Aviation skills at service schools and combat training centers.
  • Serve as an Aviation advisor to other units, including Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve organizations.

Related Civilian Jobs

Aircraft Pilot, Aviation industry Manager or Administrator. Additionally, the leadership skills you acquire as an Army Officer will help you in many types of civilian careers. An Officer in the Army is most closely related to a vital manager in a corporation.

Article Last Modified: February 20, 2011

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