Overview
The Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT) is the aptitude test the U.S. Army uses as the first step towards Army aviation. This page is based on Fort Rucker's published guidance for cadets and officer candidates. The SIFT's own site (sift.health.mil) could not be read when this page was written, so the sub-test list, timings and question counts are not given here.
Who can apply
Fort Rucker's guidance is written for ROTC cadets and officer candidates who want to branch into aviation. It says a candidate must pass the SIFT and hold a qualified flight physical. The SIFT is taken at a testing cell, normally at an Army education centre. The OCS guide describes the process at Fort Benning and notes that candidates are tested individually or in groups, and that scheduling goes through a DA Form 4187 request.
Exam pattern
Fort Rucker describes the SIFT as a measure of several aptitudes.
Mathematical skills and aptitude.
Extracting meaning from written passages.
Familiarity with mechanical concepts and simple machines.
Mental rotation, to work out the orientation of an aircraft in three dimensions.
Quickly recognising patterns within objects and groups of images.
Knowledge of aviation terminology, aircraft components and their function, basic aerodynamic principles, and basic flight rules and regulations.
You do not need to be strong in maths to pass, according to Fort Rucker, which says the test can be prepared for like any other.
Marking and results
The passing score is 40. Fort Rucker states that a candidate with 40 or higher has completed the first step and may not retake the test. The flight physical cannot be denied to someone who passes, even with a score under 50.
The score sheet is one of the documents listed for an aviation branching packet in the OCS guide.
Important dates
Fort Rucker recommends passing the SIFT as soon as you are ready and no later than the summer after your junior year. It recommends starting the flight physical in the second semester of junior year.
After the exam
Passing the SIFT lets you schedule the flight physical. The Fort Rucker guidance describes this as the second step towards Army aviation service.
Preparation tips
Fort Rucker suggests using study guides, and a tutor if you need help in a particular area. Prepare for each of the areas listed above.
FAQs
How many times can I take the SIFT?
Fort Rucker says a score below 40 allows one more attempt after 45 days. Failing the second attempt disqualifies you from Army aviation service. The OCS guide says you may take it twice in total, and only a second time if you failed the first, and never just to raise your score.
What is a good score?
The minimum pass mark is 40. The OCS guide adds that about 55 is the average for accepted candidates, a figure that may change.