Tradition
(Warrant Officer Candidate)
There were two tracks (courses) that WOCs could take. They were;
WORWAC
(Warrant Officer Rotary Wing Aviator Course)
WOFWAC
(Warrant Officer Fixed Wing Aviator Course)
Flight Class Photos from VHPA.ORG
Flight Class Photos for Warrant Officers - http://www.vhpadata.org/wocpics/classpics.htm
This web site shows part of the history of Aviation and Warrant Officers in the Army during the 50's, 60's and 70's (the Viet Nam era).
Today, Warrant Officers Candidates receive their training to become Warrant Officers, first; then move on to their specialty, such as Aviation, Supply, Transportation, Intelligence, etc.
Some history into Aviation and the Aviation Warrant
During the Viet Nam era, the United States Army had a need to train a large numbers of helicopter pilots. They had already made a decision that pilots should be officers. Training only officers as pilots would be expensive and because of the requirements placed on officers to meet "command time", "operations time" and educational requirements, the Army felt that this would not prove to be cost effective. Aviation Warrant Officers were needed.
The Army also refused to make aviation a branch, the last time they did the United States Air Force was born. A branch would allow them build a full structure similar to other branches. This did happen in the early 90's. The Army Command decided that aviation units would be attached to major commands like divisions etc.
The Army Command then decided to expand the Warrant Officer ranks, this would allow them to have officers in charge of the aircraft, lower salary would be paid out, training would be specific to aviation only with cross training to fit the needs of ground units. The ground commanders, which the aviation units were assigned, forced aviation units to adhere to strict ground rules for appearance and discipline. This helped to keep aviation units part of the army structure. It hurt because ground commanders failed to see the need for crew rest and healthily environment for pilots and crew, which caused many accidents that were blamed on pilot error. (These short comings were later corrected as Aviation in the U.S. Army grew)
To train Warrant Officers/Pilots, the Army set up the Warrant Officer Rotary Wing Aviator Course, also the Warrant Officer Fixed Wing Aviator Course. These pages will carry you through the peak of the training period when most pilots were made.
WARRANT OFFICER CANDIDATE COMPANIES
Today, in the 21st Century, all Warrant Officers receive their initial training at Fort Rucker Alabama, after which they go to their Specialty for their final training.
(These comments and opinions are personal and do not reflect those of any government agency or department.)
Fort Rucker or Fort Stewart Aviation flight training for WOCs
Fort Wolters Texas earned a place in aviation history to have train more pilots during the twentieth century than anywhere else in the world.
This Hall of Fame, built in Fort Wolters Texas, was a way that pilots could show their respect for the pioneers of aviation and those who came before and for those who follow, to remember.
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Let us not forget those who have given their all to keep us free. |
Respect - we had to earn it. We did, we came, we fought, we live.
Warrant Officer Candidate Hall of Fame
Was Located on "WOC HILL"
Dedicated on January 3, 1967 by Undersecretary of the
Army,
the Honorable David E. Migiffirt
This Hall of Fame no longer exists. Fort Rucker now has a Warrant Officer Hall of Fame to include all specialties of Warrant Officers.
As Warrant Officers, remember your heritage. Know that it has been a long hard battle to earn the respect from the officer and enlisted corp. Do not let them down.
"Never to forget our traditions"
OUR GOAL
to be an Army pilot "Above the Best"
Fort Rucker or Fort Stewart Aviation flight training for WOCs
