Looking to get pointed in the right direction regarding how one goes about becoming a special operations pilot after wings? Is it something that is requested by the member before wings or are you actively recruited by Special Operations? Do those potential pilots go through the same course/ physical standards as Special Operations Operators/ Assaulters? Any information would be appreciated.
Special Operations Pilot
- Thread starter Roger123
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Roger123 said:
You do a line tour in a “normal” Squadron and you apply. The solicitation message comes out annually.
Posthumane
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You do not need to do a line tour in a normal squadron, as several people have gone straight from Phase 3 helo to 427. At the end of ph3 you put down where you would like to go, and the school staff along with the career manager decide what is the best fit based on the needs of the forces, your aptitude, and your preferences. If you put down that you want to go to the spec ops squadron and you get selected for that route, there is a screening process you have to go through. I can't speak to the details of the screening, but from what I understand it is not the same as for an assaulter.
Drallib said:
So they are technically special forces? What are the implications/ expectations? After a "standard" helo tour they go on the OTU Special Ops Helo course? Would they be categorized as Close Support Personnel or fall under the Assaulter umbrella?
BadgerTrapper
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Hey, All.
I'm just going to piggyback off this thread because it's active and focuses on Rotary wing.
When you apply to become a pilot, do you have any say in what airframe you're trained on or are you at the mercy of the CM?
Currently an enlisted NCM just exploring some options.
Cheers!
I'm just going to piggyback off this thread because it's active and focuses on Rotary wing.
When you apply to become a pilot, do you have any say in what airframe you're trained on or are you at the mercy of the CM?
Currently an enlisted NCM just exploring some options.
Cheers!
BadgerTrapper said:
Function of needs of the Forces, Ranking and Preferences.
Higher ranking increases the chances of getting a preferred platform but no guarantees. When you apply to become a pilot you cannot say you only want to fly x and y and not z.
Higher ranking in terms of your course ranking during flight school
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SOF pilots are close supporters/specialists, not Assaulter/Operators.
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Roger123 said:
So all Griffon Pilots still have qualifications they have to achieve at their official unit (408, 427, 430, etc.). There are pilots at these units who are able to assess them. Pilots who go to 427 though would have some different training on top of what would be “normal” training at their respective squadron. Any new Griffon Pilot going to 427 will get a wealth of experience and training.
On top of that, all personnel have to go through some sort of training to be a part of CANSOFCOM. I’m not sure exactly what this training entails, but it wouldn’t be anything close to what the assaulters would go through. It’s a couple weeks long I think (could be wrong) but then you would get the tan beret.
The basics:
1. 427 intakes both experienced multi tour pilots and those fresh out of portage. Both will undergo identical screening and selection processes.
2. The day you set foot into 427, you wear multicam. Those who are at 403 on tafo have already been posted to 427, hence the uniform.
3. Once you are compete tafo, you undergo additional training before you are "employable". It is months, not weeks. You receive your tan beret on completion of that training.
4. Once trained, you are considered an "operator", but not in the traditional sense if you're comparing to other units.
1. 427 intakes both experienced multi tour pilots and those fresh out of portage. Both will undergo identical screening and selection processes.
2. The day you set foot into 427, you wear multicam. Those who are at 403 on tafo have already been posted to 427, hence the uniform.
3. Once you are compete tafo, you undergo additional training before you are "employable". It is months, not weeks. You receive your tan beret on completion of that training.
4. Once trained, you are considered an "operator", but not in the traditional sense if you're comparing to other units.
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I bet that gem is a hit with the real Operators...
Last I saw Comd RCAF said no insert no beret when in dress uniform. It's almost like CANSOF picked its own dress of the day (multicam) so that other L1s couldn't tell CANSOF what its people are to wear.
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