Cross-commisioning out of USMA

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LodgeChief2011

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2011
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Can you cross commission out of USMA into the Air Force?? If so how would you go about doing that?? I got accepted to West Point this year, and havent heard anyting back from USAFA... Becoming a pilot has been my dream since I was a kid.

Also, does the Army have any fixed wing aircraft?
 
From what I hear, extremely difficult to cross-commission into any branch from a different one. You would have to prove something extraordinary as to why you deserve to cross-branch and if there is even anyone to swap with from the other side. I would think it weird if you decided to go to WP with the intent of flying...yes the Army has fixed wing but you should consider the navy too...they've got pilots too!
 
The Army would have to agree to release you and the AF would have to agree to take you. It is not easy, and def. not the path I would consider if that is the goal.
 
Possible? Yes. Likely? NO. The process is long and difficult. Plus, you have to have a very good reason why you want to switch. Flying would probably not be very good because you can fly in the Army and you can fly fixed wing in the Army. In the class of 2010 (the year ahead of me) I want to say there were 5 cross commisions. However, my guess is that is going to be lower as the Army and all branches shrink. I knew three of the five. Most were prior service in the branch they changed to or had a significant connection to that other branch. Is it impossible, no, but know your chances are low so you have to be willing to serve in the Army.
 
It all depends. Don't come here expecting to cross-commission.

While the war is ongoing, there is a restriction on only allow 1% (max) of each class to cross-commission. Realistically, in the past few years it's been about 5-7 per year.

Also, the criteria the selection board will ultimately look at are why you want to go to another service and how hard you tried to show it. IE if you applied to USAFA, if, once a cadet, you did things like seek semester abroad at the other academy, etc etc.

They also look at factors such as whether or not you have a spouse/fiance in the other service, whether or not your parents were in that service, whether or not you were prior service in that service, etc etc.
 
Thank you for all the answers!! My family has a strong history in the Air Force, thats why I was interested in a cross commission... even if it doesnt work out, I will be happy to serve this great country in the US Army!
 
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