AROTC - Branching Aviation

jeff

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2009
Messages
5
Hey everyone,

I'm a junior going to LDAC this summer.

I believe my stats make me pretty competitive for branching aviation, but my eyesight is horrible.

I've heard that the Army allowsLASIK corrective surgery now-- but I'm not sure about how it applies to aviators.

I'm planning on talking to all my cadre after Thanksgiving break, but are there any aviators or Cadre here that can bring me up to date on the Army's current policy regarding corrective eye surgery?

Thanks!
 
Talk to your cadre, not us. We can only speculate on your situation. Just don't get any work done til you talk with your cadre. You don't want anything to DQ you because you jumped the gun on a procedure. Good luck to you
 
Hey everyone,

I'm a junior going to LDAC this summer.

I believe my stats make me pretty competitive for branching aviation, but my eyesight is horrible.

I've heard that the Army allowsLASIK corrective surgery now-- but I'm not sure about how it applies to aviators.

I'm planning on talking to all my cadre after Thanksgiving break, but are there any aviators or Cadre here that can bring me up to date on the Army's current policy regarding corrective eye surgery?

Thanks!

As Bull said nobody here can advise you, not knowing just how bad vision is or the level of corrective surgery.

There is a current Army Aviator that post's on these boards, Scoutpilot, you might want to ask him.

You will need to take you flight physical along with the AFAST (Though I believe they are changing to a new test) while at LDAC.

Good luck with everything, realize one thing, it's a little early to determine your stats for branching, LDAC is yet to come.
 
You can take the AFAST before LDAC if your unit gives it. My battalion gives the test about once every 6 months.
 
You should be studying for the AFAST and taking it soon if you want to take advantage of it. The Army is switching to a new test called the SIFT in January 2013.


Getting Aviation through ROTC is a rigorous process.

You must:

1) Take the AFAST (or SIFT beginning 1/1/2013) and pass with at least the minimum score.

2) Get it put into CCIMS by your cadre. This will flag you for getting a flight physical at LDAC. If your (passing) test score is not entered into CCIMS prior to April, you won't get put on the list for a physical. If you don't get a physical, you won't get considered for Aviation.

3) Go to LDAC and pass the flight physical.


So really, you have several things to worry about. Talk with your cadre about the eyesight issue. If it is possible to get the PRK/LASIK and get your vision corrected, you still need to prepare for and pass the test. You can still take the AFAST in December if you hurry; if you don't, you're going to take a brand-new test that nobody really knows much about, and you won't have study guides available. Take into account that you are only allowed to take the test twice, and if you don't pass, you have to wait at least 6 months before you can test again. That means you have 1 shot before LDAC to pass, so make it count.

Also - for AFAST/SIFT testing, some ROTC battalions will be able to test. If you can't, you can get your PMS to sign a 4187 and go to your nearest Army post and the education center there will administer the test. Up here it's done twice monthly, although I'm sure the size of the post will determine the frequency at which the test is administered.


If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
 
1) Take the AFAST (or SIFT beginning 1/1/2013) and pass with at least the minimum score.

Minimum score for the AFAST is 90. Through ROTC as long as you get a 90 or above your fine, anything above 90 will not help in branching Aviation. My son took the test in Sept. of his senior year on 1 week notice and no studying, he got a 112. Study the basics and use common sense and you'll do fine. The advantage ROTC cadets have over those applying to WOFT is that they only need a 90. WOFT applicants need the best score they can get to be part of their packet.

khergan hit on all the regulations, there is a back channel, but it takes a lot of luck and work so make sure you get everything done ahead of time.
 
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