Military Helicopter Stats

[JaredYoung]

Does anyone happen to know the number of helicopters each branch of the military has and what kinds of helicopters those are? Who leads the branches in the most helos? Thanks

[NickLappos]

US Army has about 5,000 helicopters (yes, 5,000 is not a typo), Marines about 500, Air Force about 200, Navy about 600. Data like this is hard to substantiate.

[fifiweewee]

For US rough figures

navy - 670

army - 4500

air force - 210

marine corps - 730

customs and coast guard not included

[HeloEagle]

Well, Customs is not a branch of the U.S. Military, but the U.S. Coast Guard is, and the Coast Guard has 146 helicopters. (96 HH-65 Dolphins, 42 HH-60 Jayhawks, and 8 MH-68 Sting Rays)

[JaredYoung]

Then would it be safe to say that if one wanted to become a helicopter pilot they would have the best odds of this by going in the army? That is providing that you pass the physical and the other things that are required.

Also how does one get into the aviation prgoram, preferably helicopters in the miliatary? Do they ask you or do you have to request to fly?

[Col]

Go to your recruiting office - they'll promise you the world to sign up there and then!!

[NickLappos]

JaredYoung,

Do you have any college education? Right now, you must be a college graduate to fly in any service except the US Army, which still has the Warrant Officer program.

[JaredYoung]

I'm currently in college now. In my sophmore year. If I can keep my grades up I plan on sticking it out! Do I have to join ROTC?

[NickLappos]

JaredYoung,
There is no IF jared, except your will to do well. Look in the mirror for the guy who can help you get good grades!

If you want to fly, the best route is to join the ROTC at school, excel in what you do, and get your commission when you graduate. You can qualify for flight school while in college, and get a guaranteed aviation slot. My oldest stepson just did that, he is at Rucker right now.

This is true of all the services, you could fly jets for the USAF or Navy, too.