2x UH-72A Lakotas flight training in Helena, MT, May 2021

Name, Branch, Rank

My name is Caleb Hamilton, I am a Captain in the North Dakota Army National Guard and my branch is Aviation.

Hometown

My hometown is Sheridan, Wyoming

Tell us about your job...

I am a full time LUH72A Lakota Aviation Officer with North Dakota Army National Guard in Fargo, ND providing aviation coordination and support to Law Enforcement operations across North Central United States.

How many years of service?

I have just over 6 years of service. I joined the North Dakota Army National Guard in 2015 after graduating from NDSU. I have 2 years of service as an Enlisted Soldier with the Engineers as a 12W Carpenter; 4 years of Aviation service as a Commissioned Officer.

What inspired you to join the Military?

Family tradition of Military service was my initial inspiration for joining the Military and I wanted to be an Aviation Officer in either the Air Force or Army. Most of my family members who have served were enlisted and I wanted to be the first person to be an Officer. When I was younger, I always loved helping my Dad with his Army uniform and going with him to the Armory to see all of the cool Army equipment. So I decided to pursue the Military when I was in college and enlisted after graduating college.

What is the most rewarding part of your job/time in the military?

The most rewarding part of my job is working with helicopters on a weekly basis and flying missions in support of law enforcement and responding to state emergencies.

Are you involved in the North Dakota aviation community outside of the military?

Yes, I am involved in ND Aviation community outside of the Military. I recently joined the Fargo Jet Center flying club and am working on my airplane private pilot license with a goal to build further flight experience outside of the Military.

What advice do you have for anyone interested in military aviation?

Military Aviation is very rewarding and exciting! However, it requires more of a time commitment than other jobs in the Military due to maintaining flight proficiency on an almost weekly basis. Recruiters are the gate keepers to all Military jobs; they have resources and the availability to provide information to individuals interested in ND Aviation. The North Dakota National Guard website is also a fantastic resource for someone to begin their research.

Hamilton next to a UH-72A Lakota, Fargo, ND. December 2021

Hamilton by to a UH-60M Blackhawk, Ft. Rucker, AL. October 2018

(www.ndguard.nd.gov).