How was the experience being a helicopter pilot? Was it worth it? I remember reading you were prior enlisted in the Air Force and then commissioned for the Army. I only ask because as of now I'm 27 and currently a rescue loadmaster in the USAF Reserves. I'm at a crossroads of either continuing with my career or jumping ship to either become a pilot for the HC130J or go down the street to the helicopter squadron. I'm about two years out from my BA too.

If I continue with my current path promotion is actually pretty legit. E8 is likely wide open for me within a reasonable amount of time. So I'd predict before I turn 35 I'd be an E8 because pretty much my whole squadron is retiring in 3 years which opens up a ton of SNCO slots. Not promised, just my prediction based on what I'm hearing from within the squadron. But refueling helicopters in the back and witnessing it makes me think being a helicopter pilot would be awesome. I was a loadmaster on slick C130Js before going rescue so I never interacted with helicopters before until now. I don't care about the pay my biggest fear in life is being on my deathbed wishing I did something when I had the opportunity. I definitely love my job currently, but I'm also always looking for the next high in life as well.