Do you really need glasses to fly in the military? or the Gaurd? Thanks

 

No. They don't actively seek pilot candidates who need glasses. If you have perfect vision, they'll still let you join - no problem.

Seriously, I don't think you phrased your question quite the way you meant. If I can guess, you were asking if you can be a military pilot if you need glasses.... yes?

The USAF/Guard required a min of 20/70 correctable to 20/20 with eyeglasses. Last I heard you could not have lasik but that may be changing. I don't know about the Navy/Marines. Hopefully that helps a little.

 

First things first. From initial entry/selection to pilot training, there is no real difference in being a guard guy, reservist or active duty selectee(Qualification, testing, evaluation, etc). Everyone has the same physical requirements and attends the same pilot training, etc. The difference will start after pilot training once you return to your unit. There is a lot of info on baseops.net but generally you'll need to be 20/70 or better uncorrected, 20/20 corrected with lenses(talking distant vision), so yeah, you'll need to get glasses if you're not 20/20. No worries, uncle sam will give you some sweet govt issue ones upon entry to the service I believe. Once you have your wings, your eyes can deteriorate a lot as long as they're correctable to 20/20(20/400 I believe). Check regularly though, these standards change, but I believe that's what they are right now. I'm speaking in a broad generaliztion but many many things are disqualifying initally for an Air Force aviatior, but once commissioned and winged, things change. Not to say you can't lose your medical, you can, but lots of things are waiverable, etc. From my experience, getting your foot in the door initially seems to be the key. Check my numbers though, I'm googling the info and from what I remember it sounds right, but I don't wear glasses, so...Also, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps standards may be different, so check on the particular service if you're looking around.

 

thanks guys. I didnt really phrase that question very good. I know it has been asked before and I am looking into this a little more. Thanks

 

When I was a ROTC cadet, pilot candidates could not wear glasses. Once you got your wings, no problem (just like allergies).

The Academy guys could wear glasses. 20/70 correctable, I believe.

The Guard could get waivers if they wanted them; same in the Reserves.

That leaves OTS: I think they were like ROTC; couldn't wear them until after you were winged.

I believe, but am not positive, it still depends upon your source of commissioning.

And I think you meant Guard, not 'Gaurd.'

 

FWIW, I was issued 'cheaters' in flight school(USN) during my NAMI physical. My eyes were right around 20/40ish. This was in 1998. I personally think the medical standards for vision and use of glasses are 'relaxed' and 'tightened' as the needs of the Service dictate. I subsequently had PRK while on active duty. Seeing 20/15 in both eyes now.

 

For the Marines you need 20/40 correctable to 20/20, and the Coast Guard you need 20/50 correctable to 20/20.

 

Red, wouldn't NAMI requirements be the same for USN/USMC/USCG since all the flight training(requirements for SNA) is under CNATRA/USN?

http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmed...0Standards.pdf

 

You would think but this is what I got off of a Marine and Coast Guard website. A good friend of mine flys for the Coast Guard and confirmed that they only require 20/50. As far as the Marines I am going off what they have posted.

Marine Corps Officer Selection Office Dallas

OCC AVIATION ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
-No more than 27.5 years when commissioned a Second Lieutenant
-Pass the Navy/Marine Corps Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB)
-Be found medically qualified for flight training
-Minimum vision requirements are 20/40 -- correctable to 20/20

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD: FAQS

What are qualifications for Coast Guard pilots?
A qualification for flight school includes passing a Class 1 Flight Physical. Two big issues, aside from being in good physical health, are dental and vision requirements. The dental exam will check for cavities and other problems with teeth and gums that may be affected by changes in air pressure while engaged in flight. Basically, you will be required to have no dental problems and no cavities. Vision requirements are also very stringent. Eyesight should be 20/20. If not, it must be correctable to 20/20, no exceptions. Uncorrected visual acuity must be better than 20/50 in either eye. There are other limitations imposed, based on the type and strength of the lens prescription. In addition, normal color perception, depth perception, and field of vision are also required.