The criteria for an Army helicopter pilot to obtain a civilian license are outlined in the Federal aviation regulations (FAR). Section 73 of part 61 covers the particulars for military pilots or former military pilots to apply his military flight status and training to obtaining a civilian license.
Army helicopter pilots seeking a civilian pilot's license must submit a completed FAA Form 8710-1 Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application to a FSDO office. The Army pilot must bring official documentation authenticating his position as an Army helicopter pilot. Upon review of the application and supporting documents, the pilot will be issued a commercial instrument helicopter pilot's license. The issuance of the license is usually done immediately.
An army helicopter pilot can apply all flight time done for military purposes to her civilian pilot logbook to meet her criteria of required flight time. This aspect of having a civilian pilot's license is a great advantage to Army helicopter pilots who are considering a civilian career after their military service.