Is it possible to work for a helicopter air ambulance company and move into management without any military command time?

Military command time has zero bearing on leadership qualities in civilian aviation. If anything it's a quality to be unlearned. 

BINGO

Leadership. The ability to lead people. Inspire people. Motivate people.

Leading people is a much different proposition than simply "managing" people or "commanding" troops. Working for a real leader is a very different experience than simply reporting to a boss or following orders.

It's is a rare quality anywhere and has nothing to do with issuing military orders. If you stumble upon an individual who is a true leader, you need to do what you can to hire and retain them, no matter their previous professional background. Train and develop them if needed, but whatever you do, don't make the mistake of discriminating against them based on some narrow minded anti-military bias. Service in the military does not imply that someone is a gifted leader, but the military does attract it's share of natural leaders and this industry could certainly use their help.

I wouldn't nor did I say disqualify, but military leadership doesn't automatically translate to civilian aviation leadership qualities. Of the two best leaders I have had in civilian aviation, one came from a military leadership background, and the other civilian. They were both mentors and almost father figures where I didn't need another father. The absolute worst leader I've had in civilian aviation is the Marine running the show now. Although he may be exaggerating about his leadership duties as he doesn't have a good track record for being truthful. 

While I completely agree that Military command time or Military in general has no bearing on a persons ability to lead. It does seem that most heli companies seem to drule over military guys.

yes (guys with retired pay canbeconnd in to accepting lower pay).

Corporate?  Different story.

Military = IQ test to get in, placed in a job based on IQ...well, up until a few weeks ago.

civilan = no IQ test

figure it out....

Military promotion = staying in long enough and not screwing up bad enough.

I guess that's why it translates so well to the helicopter world. Who cares what you've been doing for 2,500 hours, you've been doing it long enough, here's a helicopter.

Yep, we've had medics do that at Yell & Blk, and the results have been less than stellar. Know about medical stuff, squat about aviation.

At AMC there didn't seem to be any push for military guys to take the RAM or RAD roles.  There's nothing special about either position regarding years of time required with the company but I'd expect you'd need 2-3 years at the company before applying for one of those positions when they open.

Only ever saw one RAM who also flew a normal part-time hitch once in a while.  It's possible and makes them better leaders but unrealistic unless they don't have a family.

Their duties are concerning pilot positions being filled, monthly/annual/base training checked off (lots of records inspections), base leads being identified and checked on to ensure they're compliant with company rules and milestones, aircraft location/selection, authorizing extended flights, judging what to do to cover unique base/pilot/helicopter situations, pushing new company rules, and TONS of  Part135 compliance (so make sure you know the regs backwards and forwards; they're not hard).  You'll also be required to visit each base in your region at least once a year so you'll travel a lot. 

Lots of late/early phone calls and it's 24/7.  Not sure what their pay was to know if it's worth it.  Usually went to guys who are tired of flying or couldn't pass a flight physical anymore (or had higher aspirations in the company).  By virtue of that they probably keep the pay low for a management position.  Area Managers are where the money's at based on duties required  in comparison (only have to worry about 3-5 bases), but those positions are typically covered by former medcrew as you're also in charge of medcrew scheduling and dealing with hospital, customer service/complaints, etc. regarding them so they prefer to have a former medical person doing Area Manager duties. 

There's ZERO requirement for military experience; just that you know and have followed company rules well, that you're interested in getting involved in company issues/drama/politics (and ensure you've done a good bit of workover/overtime shifts to show you're a company man otherwise you probably won't be considered).  

If you're talking about being a base lead pilot that's about the same when it comes to selection.  The management requirements of a base lead pilot aren't the same as you're not technically a "manager" in charge of anyone as it's more of an informal leadership position; hence they only pay a measly $2500 extra per year (and I'd tell you it's NOT worth that for the extra duties you really have to do).  

Also, these positions don't open every 18-24 months like leadership positions do in the military so if you know one's about to open then make your decision and intentions known ASAP as you may not see another one open for many years.  

AMC in the southwest is a good ol boy show for sure. They basically just bring in all thier old buddies ftom 160th, to the point where they were bypassing union seniority and sneaking people into open positions. I get that those guys were supposed to be the cream of the crop in the Army but that doesnt mean they can effectively manage in a civilian company. I will say the former 160th program manager at Guardian was a way better boss to work for than the civilian trained guy before him. Personally I think that was just the kind of guy he was though, dont think it would have mattered where he came from.

Are you kidding me!? That 160th guy at Guardian was the biggest tool chest I've ever met. Worst boss I have ever had.

1. Didnt micromanage

2. Never gave me a hard time about days off, let you bail and go home if there was no chance of flying. (Bad weather, no crew, whatever)

3. Always had a reasonable response when I asked him for something and never seemed to try to B.S. me.

Good boss in my book. 

but the club can be annoying.

Ya'll don't know what command time is...yer talking about warrants and such...

Battalion Command is a diff'rnt animal...but ya'll don't have clue, unless u wuz mil. 

Go back to watching Gomer Pyle.

make a bet?