Aeromed

The first true portion of flight school is Aeromed. In the past, this was the most failed course in the entire training sequence of flight school; however, the program has been modified and, with the changes, all of the flight students in my section passed without too much difficulty. The course is only a few days long so, if possible, get the materials a couple days before you begin the course so you can become familiar with it. The way Aeromed is currently taught is interesting. The classes aren’t so much teaching as they are an extended quiz session. Over the course of the day, each student will be called on to answer a question concerning the material assigned the previous night. As a result, the course is essentially self taught with the instructors there to ensure the students have covered all the assigned material and to fill in any knowledge gaps. Two study aids that proved helpful were Quizlet and Study Blue. Quizlet has a number of readymade sets of flashcards for Aeromed. Even if you are not give the course materials prior to your class, learning the answers to these flashcards will give you an excellent head start. I had a slight preference for Study Blue. It does not have pre-made flash cards but, rather, allows the student to make the exact cards they want. It also offers an app that allows the cards to be used on a smart phone.They both have their pros and cons; try them and see which works better for you. The course goes by quick so study hard and do well.

SERE

One of the areas of flight school most shrouded in intrigue and mystery is SERE school. If you are hoping I will tell you what is going to happen to you during this phase of training, you are wrong. However, I would like to pass along some tips that I was given or wish I had been given that would have made it easier. First, you are going to get a packing list a couple weeks or so before your report date. If it is on the packing list, bring it! I usually put a lot of stuff in ziplock bags to keep it dry and didn’t because I thought SERE would confiscate my bags. I was wrong and wished I had at least brought some to see if I could keep them. If there is something you are not sure about, bring it anyway; the worst they can do is tell you no. That being said, do NOT bring ANY food! Yes, you may really enjoy that candy bar while you are out in the field; however, if you are found with so much as a wrapper in your pocket it’s a guaranteed recycle at best. You’ve come too far now to throw it away for something stupid. There are some dull periods during SERE and the current packing list allows you to bring some reading materials. I would highly recommend you bring an approved book or two. SERE has a website on the AKO with the current packing list and other helpful information. A link to the website can be found from the Fort Rucker Newcomers page. You will need your CAC card to access the SERE site. As you are going through the school, remember it’s mostly mental. Keep your motivation up and your head in the game and you will do fine. Remember the end goal; you are going to be an Army Aviator. SERE is just a stepping stone along the way.