Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer

I think the days of getting in to the military using alternative testing are over.

After 25 years of using the standard plates or books, the Air Force switched to a computer-based system. I could argue that it is less accurate than the books, because who knows if each computer monitor screen is perfectly calibrated for color?

Be that as it may, they switched about 7 years ago.

Holy *****: it ain't easy. And it isn't just me, it's everyone saying that.

I think the only place you will see the traditional books, or the alternative lantern test, is civil-only.

Waivers? My brother had an Air Force pilot slot in 1980; he didn't pass red-green. They tried to get him a waiver; no-go.

I doubt it would be more lenient today.

Funny side-note: I flew OV-10 Broncos as a Lt with a crusty Major (Callsign "Chicken") who had flown in Vietnam. He was the most decorated FAC (Forward Air Controller) of the war.

Why?

He was color-blind, and fudged his way in. He could see AAA gun emplacements no one else could see, because the camouflage netting "...stood out like a sore thumb..."

Normal-vision guys saw trees. He said "That doesn't look right, must be guys that need to be blown up."

He was responsible for more AAA gun-kills than anyone else. Undoubtably saved a lot of lives.

When I was waiting in the lobby for my United interview, I saw Chicken walk by, as a Captain!
That's one guy I'm glad was on our team (he's retired now).