Life as a Guard WOC

So, post FEDREC Board, which asked pretty much the same questions as the state board, I get my appointment orders as a WOC. Hooray!

Life as a WOC in the guard is different than what I thought it would be. I thought that there was going to be some ritual abuse for not knowing my 5, 8, & 9 of the trainer, but so far, nothing has come to light. I am treated like an adult, get called Sir (which takes some getting used to after 10 years as an enlisted troop), and get to fly as much as I want when the trips are available. It beats the hell out of babysitting troops and doing the same mindless things every drill like PMCS vehicles, getting driver's training done, doing shit details, and basically trying to be as low profile as possible without feeling guilty.

I am slowly learning what it means to be an officer and professional pilot in the military. I am seeing what hoops are necessary just to get to the aircraft and start the bastard up. Also, I have a much more profound respect for the maintenance folks, since they are what keeps us flying and not auto-rotating with our hair on fire.

There are some things that I would like to see changed for future WOC's in the guard though.

First, there really isn't a training program for us. We just shadow whomever is available and will tolerate us for the day. We are in limbo as far as usefulness is concerned, but offer up what ever help we think is necessary and needs to get done as a small token to show our gratitude for being dealt with.

It is a shock to me that most of the WOC's I am with have ZERO experience behind the controls of an aircraft. I know the Army will teach them what they need to know, but still...I digress. It is however, a good opportunity for me to teach and revisit what I already know so that they at least have a small idea of what flying is about, how we navigate, what markings and radio communications mean what, etc etc.

The thing that I like most about being where I am at is how helpful everyone is and how concerned they are with school dates, being prepared for WOCS and Flight School, and what to do when I get back. I have gotten a lot of "here is my number, if you need anything, call me or stop by." AWESOME. Most of these guys have been where I am at today and know what is going on and what I am prepping to go through. That means the world to me and reinforces the decision I made to come here. Better mission, better people.

One thing that I am having trouble dealing with is what to do while waiting for a school date. Thank god that I am only a nuisance to the guard for 2 days a month. If I had to be on WOC status for the year full time every day, I would go insane. I can deal with it as long as it is the one weekend a month. My job(s) during annual training should be interesting.