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Eagle2017

New Member
Air Warriors,

I have been reading this forum for the past two or so years for information along my journey to pursue a commission and flight contract. Today I ran into what could be a show stopper and am looking for answers/advice (apologies for the novel of a description, trying to be thorough with the details).

I took the ASTB in July 17 (56, 7/8/8) and went to MEPS back in October. There I failed the PIP test and then passed the FALANT without missing any. After MEPS my recruiter called and told me I was done because I failed the test. After reading some threads here I called him back and stated that I thought I was in the clear after passing the FALANT (used to be the case but not anymore, if I am correct). Told me I was good to go, and sent my package in December for the February board. I then received a call saying it was denied because of my color vision.

Since then, my recruiter has been working to reschedule a vision test for me. He was able to do so, but then called it off a few days before because he was informed that it would not clear me. I was then told that we were working to get a re-test from a military physician. Today, I received a call that there will be no re-test and it is the end of the road for SNA. He also told me that he would still put in an application for NFO, but if I am not mistaken the color vision requirements are the same.

Here's the thing: I went to a civilian optometrist who used to work with AF pilots, immediately after failing at MEPS. I passed the PIP perfectly (twice), another color vision test, depth, and everything she had, and was told I shouldn't worry when I get a re-test because I have "pilot eyes." I am confident that I do not have color deficiency; why I failed the test the first time around is beyond me.

My recruiter has really been awesome for the 7 months I have worked with him. This forum saved me last time I fact checked here. I was also told that if I can get NFO with the color issue (which I'm assuming I can't) to just get to flight school and transfer to SNA because it's easy to do, which I know is not accurate and this prompts me to get a second look on this situation as a whole.

1. Is there really no way to get any type of reschedule, whether it be MEPS or a military doc, at all? Does failing the PIP once disqualify you for good?
2. What would it take to get a re-schedule if I can? A SNFO buddy of mine suggested to network my way into contacting a military doc and passing on my own and then have my recruiter send it in.
3. Any other advice or options that could get me past this?

Just another SNA/SNFO hopeful chasing the dream. I greatly appreciate any info, advice, and responses.
 

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
MEPS won't grant eye exam retakes. Because you're considered "qualified" to join the military, they have no obligation to accommodate for special programs including pilot. If you can get yourself to a military clinic or hospital to retake the color vision test, you can resubmit the documentation to N3M for review. Your recruiter has zero obligation to make that happen for you.

As for options, that's about it. N3M won't accept color vision tests from anyone other than MEPS or a military clinic/hospital.
 

Eagle2017

New Member
@RUFiO181 ,

I understand that my recruiter has no obligation to make that happen for me, and he has already gone well out of his way to even get me here.
Is setting up a vision test at a military clinic or hospital something that I can do personally, or do I need to do this through my recruiting office?

Thanks for your time
 

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
@RUFiO181 ,

I understand that my recruiter has no obligation to make that happen for me, and he has already gone well out of his way to even get me here.
Is setting up a vision test at a military clinic or hospital something that I can do personally, or do I need to do this through my recruiting office?

Thanks for your time

Unless you're in the military or a military dependent (dad is military, etc.), then you're SOL. If your recruiter has a hookup, he possibly can but once again he has zero obligation.
 

Eagle2017

New Member
Unless you're in the military or a military dependent (dad is military, etc.), then you're SOL. If your recruiter has a hookup, he possibly can but once again he has zero obligation.

My recruiter did have a hookup that he told me he was trying to set up an appointment with, but informed me today that if I went and passed it wouldn't matter. To clarify, if I were able to get this set up and pass this time around, my results could be sent to N3M for a fighting chance?

Thank you again
 

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
My recruiter did have a hookup that he told me he was trying to set up an appointment with, but informed me today that if I went and passed it wouldn't matter. To clarify, if I were able to get this set up and pass this time around, my results could be sent to N3M for a fighting chance?

Thank you again

I would have him reach out to N3M for clarity. He might be right, and I do know some eye conditions can’t be waivered.
 

Eagle2017

New Member
I would have him reach out to N3M for clarity. He might be right, and I do know some eye conditions can’t be waivered.

10-4.

I will see if he can get any clarity from N3M directly and go from there. If I learn anything that hasn't been said yet I will make sure to update this thread in case anyone ends up in the same boat.
 

HookCrew

New Member
10-4.

I will see if he can get any clarity from N3M directly and go from there. If I learn anything that hasn't been said yet I will make sure to update this thread in case anyone ends up in the same boat.
How did this end up for you? I believe a passing score of 55+ on the CCT will get you in the SNA, but it doesn't look like some MEPS stations administer. Hope you got in the program you wished for!
 
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