Is there still a big need for pilots?
Last I heard (as in the last 6 months), the Army was screaming for pilots.
How many people don't make it into the program?
I didn't
- There are physical requirements - I failed a very small portion of the vision screening and there was no waiver. If you are in good health and your vision is correctible to 20/20 in both eyes, you're not color blind, and have good depth perception, you're physically qualified.
You have to pass the AFAST test (Army Flight Aptitude Selection Test). I didn't think it was that hard.
You have to submit a packet - you'll need letters of reference and some other things and you'll have to go before a review board. The board will ulitmately determine whether you make it. If you're squared away and don't come across as a moron and there's nothing bad in your past record, you'll probably make it. Information on the packet can be found at the Warrant Officer Recruiting Command website:
http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/
How long is the flight training?
Training varies depending on what you wind up flying, but figure in the vicinity of a year and a half.
What are some bases for Apaches?
Don't know.
Any tips for the ASVAB and AFAST?
Neither of these are really designed as "study for" tests - they're aptitude tests. But you can go to Borders and buy study guides for both if you're at all nervous about it. For the AFAST, you need to have a basic understanding of flight systems and familiarity with basic flight instruments. If you've flown at all in light aircraft you should be fine. If not, get the study guide. But again, it's an aptitude test - it's not really testing what you already know, but what your common-sense aptitude for flight is.
If I go through the process and don't make it do I have to go into the army or can I still be a civilian and try again later?
If you're applying as a civilian and don't get picked up, there is no requirement that you enlist. If you make it, you'll go to basic just like an enlisted guy, then to WOCS, then to flight school. Whether or not you can try again later if you don't make it would depend on why you didn't make it.
Anything I should know about and get prepared for?
If you're not in shape, get in shape. Think about who can give you letters of reference - you'll need several. Coaches, teachers, bosses, pastors are the best bet for a civilian. If you were applying from within, it would be CO's, etc. I didn't make it to the selection board, but if you can find someone who's been through that process, there are a few things you can do to make a better impression. Hopefully somebody who's been through it will chime in here.
Any helpful advice?
I'll leave this one empty
Any idea on how many apaches are deployed into Iraq/Afghanistan?
nope - but I imagine all of them are in the rotation.
Again, good luck. Hopefully Av8tor or one of the other rotorheads on the board can jump in - we don't see them here very often though...