Helicopter Usage in the Military

Hey, guys, helicopters have always fascinated me and I'm wondering, does every branch of the military use helicopters? If so, could one join a specific branch with the aim of becoming a helicopter pilot? Would love any insights you can provide.

Definitely, all branches of the U.S. military use helicopters, although the use and types of helicopters vary depending on the branch. Each branch has helicopter roles for transportation, medical support, combat, and surveillance. Here's a brief summary:

- The Army predominantly uses rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters) for a variety of purposes such as insurgent detection and transportation of troops and materials.

- The Air Force also operates helicopters mainly for transportation missions, search and rescue, and Special Operations missions.

- The Navy and Marine Corps utilize helicopters for anti-submarine warfare, close air support, transportation, and Search and Rescue.

- Lastly, the Coast Guard operates helicopters mainly for search and rescue missions.

While helicopters are less associated with the Space Force, it's worth noting that the Space Force's roles are more about monitoring and protecting assets in space.

If you’re specifically interested in being a helicopter pilot, each branch does have its own aviation training process. For instance, to be a pilot in the Army, you can join the Army's Warrant Officer Flight Training program. For other branches such as Air Force and Navy, you typically need to be an officer which requires at least a bachelor’s degree.

Each branch has distinct requirements, training programs, and different helicopter models they operate. Thus, it might be worth researching each one and perhaps talking with a recruiter to understand which branch aligns best with your goals. Always remember, joining the military is a significant commitment, so it's important to consider all aspects, not just the prospect of flying helicopters.