What do helicopter pilots do different in each branch?

My goal in life to be a helicopter pilot but im not sure which branch is best for it. Im planing on being a pilot for the coast guard once i am done with the other branch so can someone please help! I also want to know the different jobs they do in each branch...Thanks!|||First: You MUST have a BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university to be a pilot in the US Coast Guard. Only the Army has helo pilots without a BA/BS degree.



Second: Each of the four military services have helicopters in their inventory. If your goal is to become a CG helo pilot then you should consider the Navy or Marine Corps. Why you ask? Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps aviators are trained at Pensacola and go through the same basic flight training for helos. All three operate over the water and are trained to land/takeoff from ships.



The Army and Air Force, with the exception of SpecOps, do not land and takeoff from ships as a normal routine.



Third: Guessing that you already know how difficult it is to qualify for flight school as a new CG entry. If your college grades are very high and you are in NROTC, your chances of going direct into the CG and flight school (assuming you pass the fllight physical and aviation aptitude test battery), are good. Recommend you talk to a CG officer recruiter.



Note: I based the above on person experience. When I was in flight training, we had CG, Navy, and Marine flight students. After I arrived at my squadron, I knew helo pilots who were passed over for augmentation (reserve to regular Marine Corps). Many of these guys applied for a Service transfer from the Marine Corps to the CG and maintained the rank but not their time in grade. I also knew one Navy helo pilot who did same.



Additionally, I came across a Navy Captain, helo driver, who started in the CG and did a Service transfer to the Navy.



First, get your degree or participate in the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) while in college and ask for aviation contract. You would go to OCS at Quantico during two 6 week summers. If you make it, you will be offered a commission and if qualified via the flight physical and pass the aviation aptitude test battery, will be assigned to flight training after completing the Marine Corps Basic School (where we train officers to be officers of Marines).



Lieutenant Colonel, US Marine Corps-Retired (Marine Aviator who has been there and done that)



PS: Forgot to answer your basic question:



Marine Corps and Army pilots flight anti-armor, troop transport/insertion, and logistics missions. The Marine Corps operates from ships and shore airfields, many are expeditionary. The Army, with the exception of SpecOps, operates from airfields which also may be expeditionary. The regular aviation Army does have aircrews who have been trained to land on Navy ships. These guys were primarily SpecOps guys who went back to regular Army aviation after their SpeOps tours.



Navy - they primarily do, anti-submarine warfare, VertReps (at-sea, helo replenishment between ships) and SAR (Search and Rescue). To some extent, very similar to CG pilots and in similar sea conditions.



Air Force - Mostly SAR, though some AF pilots are trained in SpecOps - these guys can be found at Hurlburt Field, FL. Virtually no shipboard takeoff/landings though a few will get the opportunity if they train for SpecOps. Not a good Service to start if you want to end up in CG.