The first time distant visual acuity of less than 20/20 is noted a manifest refraction (not cycloplegic) shall be performed recording the correction required for the aviator to see 20/20 in each eye (all letters correct on the 20/20 line). Service Group 3, 20/400 or better each eye uncorrected, corrected to 20/20 or better each eye. Service Group 2, 20/200 or better each eye uncorrected, corrected to 20/20 or better each eye. Service Group 1, 20/100 or better each eye uncorrected, corrected to 20/20 or better each eye.In the Navy, you must be 20/40 correctable to 20/20. In the Air Force, you must be correctable to 20/20 and refractive error any meridian cannot exceed +2.00 to -3.00 with no more than 3.00 astigmatism. I don’t have perfect vision can I still be a fighter pilot? If you choose to go through a service academy or ROTC, your slot will be based on the needs of the military and you may not know prior to commitment. The same is true for Air National Guard or Reserve. You will have your pilot slot prior to commissioning. If you are selected via a rated OTS board (AF) or Navy OCS Board, yes. Will I have a pilot slot before I have a commitment to the military? If you already have a degree, you will go to Officer Training School (OTS) or Officer Candidate School (OCS) for the Navy. If you can obtain your degree while commissioning by either applying to a service academy or joining ROTC at your college. Have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.In all branches except the Army (which allows for Warrant Officer pilots), you must be an officer first. What are the general requirements to become a military pilot? If you follow this mindset, you’ll often find that the answer is actually YES and you’ll accomplish your goals. Keep pushing until the final authority (NAMI or Wright Patt) gives you an answer. Don’t quit just because you might have a medical condition that requires a waiver. This is especially important when it comes to waivers. Not someone who has no authority (like a recruiter in a strip mall who says you can’t be a fighter pilot, but hey, why not enlist as a crew chief instead!) or knowledge. Let the person who can make the decision be the one that tells you it’s not possible. Don’t stop until someone IN A POSITION OF ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY tells you no. When we say “Make Them Tell You No,” we mean keep pushing. So many people have quit before they even started because they heard or someone (who has no idea) told them it’s not possible. We are often our own worst enemies when it comes to applying ourselves and going out to get what we want. Make them tell you no is a mindset that basically says you won’t self-eliminate or give up. ― William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure Don’t self-eliminate.Īnd make us lose the good we oft might win, Regardless of what you find here, do not let a negative answer deter you. Do not rely on others to spoon-feed you the information. Part of being an officer in the military is the ability to take the initiative. We have done our best to make sure the information is as accurate as possible, but at the end of the day, the responsibility lies with YOU to ensure you have the most up-to-date and correct information. This was compiled by current/former military pilots based on current and past information. This includes questions about the application process, medical standards, and general questions about becoming a military pilot.

We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions from the Make Them Tell You No Facebook Group to hopefully reduce redundant questions that have already been answered. How do I get a waiver for a medical condition or an exception to policy?. 12ĭo I need to be a US citizen to become a pilot/officer in the Navy/Air Force?. How do I find out what Guard/Reserve Units are hiring?. What do Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve Units look for in an interview?. 10ĭo I need a Private Pilot Certificate or flight hours?. How do I prepare for the AFOQT/ASTB/TBAS?. My recruiter is trying to talk me into applying for something other than pilot. What can I do to be a more competitive applicant?. How do I pick the aircraft I want to fly?. Is Air Force Active Duty or Guard/Reserve better?. What College degree should I get? Does it have to be STEM?. What test scores are considered acceptable?. 3Īm I too old to start the application process?. I don’t have perfect vision can I still be a fighter pilot?. Will I have a pilot slot before I have a commitment to the military?. What are the general requirements to become a military pilot?. BECOMING A MILITARY PILOT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Navy fighter pilot