Need some advice, please.

[Trafalgar]

I'm a recent college graduate of UCSD who took the ASTB on 1 October and received my scores today. My OSO says the 7/7/6/56 is a good score to apply with, and says that I should apply to OCS ASAP, because "they may cut back starting in February".

I know I want to apply ASAP, but, my vision does not qualify me for SNA. I am in the process of having PRK done, and I know the wait will be three months because I'm less than -6.00 diopters. Do you think it would be risky to wait that extra three months, and risk being denied a wavier, or to apply right away for an NFO slot wearing glasses? I would be absolutely happy with an NFO slot, but there would be the "what-if" factor, I guess. Flying in a Navy plane or helo, even if it's not the pilot seat, is one of the coolest things I can possibly imagine.

Thank you for your help, especially for the ASTB and other gouge I've used. Oh, and sorry if I choose the wrong forum.

 

[BACONATOR]

if you want to be an NFO, apply for NFO. If you want SNA, apply SNA. I really don't see what your problem is. Your scores are good, you're getting PRK done, so why couldn't you just apply for SNA?

 

[Trafalgar]

Well, my OSO is saying "do it now or face your doom", i.e. not being selected for anything if I wait. I imagine there probably is some hyperbole in that statement. The pessimist in me believes him and says "I'm screwed if I wait, apply now", but the other half in me says "wait for the PRK" waiver.

Maybe I'm just talking out loud to work things out.

 

[BACONATOR]

First of all, applications are accepted year-round. There aren't "windows" to get it in by. The numbers may change and slots may get filled so typically the earlier in the fiscal year you apply, the better your odds, but it certainly isn't your DOOM if you apply after feb. Your recruiter is being a bit dramatic.

Secondly, you don't need to wait for the PRK waiver to apply SNA. You just need to be 20/40 or better (and post op for 3 months) before you go to MEPS and try to get the waiver. In fact, you don't start the waiver process UNTIL you go to meps, get NPQ and put in the paperwork for the waiver (correct me if I'm wrong PRK-ers). So get the PRK, apply now, and by the time you get accepted, you'll be a month or so into your post-op wait. When you're at 3 months, go to MEPS, get physically qualified, and then final select.

Make sense?

 

[Trafalgar]

Thank you. The PRK process makes more sense now. I was under the impression that you get the PRK, wait three months, apply to OCS and get the waiver at the same time.

Doing it now while applying makes a whole bunch more sense, and looks like I'll be going the PRK route. Thanks.

 

[ChunksJR]

Doing it now while applying makes a whole bunch more sense, and looks like I'll be going the PRK route. Thanks.

No problem. Glad to have helped.

 

[ames]

Not to throw a wrench into the works, but now that we have to go to MEPS and have our physical done and take the PFA before we even are able to submit our package does your advice still apply? I'm not applying for SNA or NFO but I'd love to get LASIK done. I just don't want to have to put off my package reaching the boards much longer. Is it possible to go to MEPS for the physical, submit the package, and get the eyes done while waiting for a prorec, then getting the waiver?

 

[Goob83]

Not to throw a wrench into the works, but now that we have to go to MEPS and have our physical done and take the PFA before we even are able to submit our package does your advice still apply? I'm not applying for SNA or NFO but I'd love to get LASIK done. I just don't want to have to put off my package reaching the boards much longer. Is it possible to go to MEPS for the physical, submit the package, and get the eyes done while waiting for a prorec, then getting the waiver?

CAUTION DO NOT GET LASIK read about it on here

 

[Mr. Blonde]

Goob, I thought the Navy recently started accepting LASIK as part of a test program?

 

[Goob83]

Goob, I thought the Navy recently started accepting LASIK as part of a test program?

case by case PRK is the preferred choice but no guarantees for selection in either case.

what programs are you thinking about applying for you may not need to do anything to your eyes if they are correctable to 20/20

 

[ames]

I thought I had read that LASIK was permitted for those going into communities that are not flight?

 

[Goob83]

I thought I had read that LASIK was permitted for those going into communities that are not flight?

LASIK with an I is acceptable for some programs. LASEK with an E is not accepted. I don't know the difference

 

[Goob83]

LASIK not waiverable for aviation, SPECWAR or SPECOPS. PRK and LASIK not waiverable for any community if pre-surgery refraction exceeds specifications Phorias: No obvious Heterotropia or Symptomatic Heterophoria. Refraction: < ±6.00 sphere; < -3.00 cylinder. and again I have no idea what this means but if you don't meet these standards before the operation you wasted money.

 

[Mr. Blonde]

case by case PRK is the preferred choice but no guarantees for selection in either case.

what programs are you thinking about applying for you may not need to do anything to your eyes if they are correctable to 20/20

No problems here Goob, I'm 20/20. I'm going for SNA.

I just thought that it used to be PRK and LASEK were ok for flight, and that they recently started accepting LASIK. Could be wrong, that was just stuck in my head for some reason.

 

[Goob83]

No problems here Goob, I'm 20/20. I'm going for SNA.

I just thought that it used to be PRK and LASEK were ok for flight, and that they recently started accepting LASIK. Could be wrong, that was just stuck in my head for some reason.

good luck on your selection