I'm a 20 year old college student who's always wanted to be a Marine; however, more focused, I've always wanted to fly (specificaly, fly helicopters). I've heard many different 'opinions' on the options for corrective vision surgery...but I'm ready for some cold hard facts. Can anyone out there let me in on the truth about the Marine Corps accepting Lasik eye surgery as an acceptable procedure for inclusion into the aviator programs??
This message has been edited. Last edited by: jtlee_1,
I was going to post this in the wannabe section, but I have a similar question. What is the required eyesight for anyone wanting to be a pilot? 20/20? I have glasses, but they're a pretty weak prescription.
Your best source of "current information" will be from the Officer Selection Officer (OSO) or shall I say the Officer recruiter. They will always have the straight scoop on all the requisites for all MOS's (jobs)......from physicals to academics.
The thing you have to figure out is what vision is currently acceptable for passing a full flight physical; working in the airline industry now and seeing how many airline pilots are being hired, I'm guessing the vision requirements are still quite liberal and even if you do need laseer eye surgery, it still may very well be acceptable.
I heard stories about 5 years ago even the USAF was taking up to 20/70 uncorrected vision (must have been heavies or helos) and others such as the Marines where the majority of their pilots fly helos/tilt-rotors where glasses are just fine, would take up to 20/40 or 20/50.
Of course my buddy found a USAFR F-16 squadron to sponsor him around 2000 and when he went to take the flight physical he had like 20/30 in just ONE eye and they DQ'd for it with no furhter debate. All that will matter to you as like what was aforementioned is what their taking now, so do the leg work and find out.
Once you do figure that out check out the Platoon Leaders Class; once you get 60 semester hours towards a 120 hour bachelors degree you can go to MEPS and process for what is basically boot camp for officers. You had better be in shape and able to perform a 2nd class PFT, something like at least 10 pull ups and a 3 mile run preferrably under 20 minutes before you go should work, but if you complete the course you'll have a commission as a 2LT waiting for you when you graduate college.
PLC is also the only guarantee in all the branches (active duty) that I know of where you can lock in a trip to flight school upon graduation from college.
If you're really gung ho you'll consider enlisting in your local Marine reserve unit in the mean time and check out enlisted boot camp, first! The knowledge and experience gained will serve you well throughout your later career as a commissioned pilot or wherever you go in life.
