How do become a pilot for the US military? Do you have to go to a special military college? And do you have to have 20/20 vision? Thanks alot.adam

Hi Adam,To become an army pilot you need to see a recruiter and tell him you want to be an aviation Warrant Officer. He will then send you to get a Class 1 flight physical, help you fill out the acceptance packet, and send you to take the AFAST test which will assess your aptitude for flying. If you qualify, you will then be sent throught Basic Training and then off to Warrant Officer training. Eddie

I highly recommend getting a college degree first and then also your PPL. This PPL is very important because it shows that you have an aptitude for flying and that you're not going to wash out of the program. When I was applying out of college the services were really trying to give me a "slot" because I already had my PPL, but sadly, I found out I had a heart condition as I was being given my physical. So good luck to you. Let us know how it works out!!!

Thanks alot guys for the excellent info, i really appreciate it. But do u have to have 20/20 vison? or can u wear glasses?adam

Let me see. US Military, right? First off, yes you have to go to college. All pilots in the Air Force are officers, so first you have to get a college degree. Then, you apply for and compete for a pilot slot. Very, very competitive. The vision requirements are pretty strict, but 20/20 is not mandatory. You do need 20/20 corrected vision though. I think for Navigators it's 20/50 correctable, but don't quote me.The one thing I will say, it's a very competitive business. And it starts at the beginning, from the time you apply for pilot training. You are constantly being graded, watched and critiqued on every small thing you do. It was a very, very tough year, but I'm glad I did it.

For the Army you need 20/20 vision, but you do not need college for the Warrant Officer program. I did here that they may be waiving the 20/20 requirement for the first time in history. You might want to inquire on that.Eddie

Hi Adam,When I went though the program the eye sight question was yes you needed 20/20, but I am not sure if that is still mandatory. What is for the USAF is a college education. If you can't get into the USAF Academy then enroll in AF ROTC is most major colleges, which is the way I became an USAF officer. Once you graduate you will have had a chance via AF ROTC to take the apptitude test and physicals so you will know prior to graduation if you are going to cut it as a pilot.Once in pilot training, it is a no+nonsense program, a year of pure hell, but lots of challenges. If you work hard and study you won't have a problem. In most cases, it is folks that "sluff off" that don't make it through the ground exams or flight checks. I would have not agreed when I went through, but that was one of the best years of my life. Made lots of friends, grew up, and had a wonderful time flying everyday.Good LuckBob

Here are the physical requirements to become Naval/MarineAviator:STUDENT NAVAL AVIATORNote: For aeromedical purposes, applicant standards are applied to all aviation personnel until they complete their physical at NAVAEROPMEDINST prior to commencing training. Sitting Height (SH) 32-41 in.Functional Reach (FR) 28 in. or moreButtock Knee Length (BKL) 21.9-28 in.Buttock Leg Length (BLL) 36-50 in.HEIGHTNavy: 62" to 78" (M); 58" to 78" (F) for Commissioning in URL.USMC: Minimum 66" (M) and 58" (F) for Commissioning.DENTALMust be Type I or II exam.Applicants for aviation service must meet general enlistment and commissioning standards. (see MANMED 15-65). Must have no defect which would react adversely to changes in barometric pressure. Orthodontic appliances are not acceptable unless they are non-removable ( fixed in place.)CHEST X-RAYNot over 3 years old (not over 2 years for commissioning)EKGRecorded not more than 12 months from date of physical.DVA20/40 (minus zero) on Goodlite chart, each eye, corrected to 20/20 minus (zero) or better each eye. If uncorrected vision is less than 20/20 each eye the correction must be worn while flyingREFRACTION(Cycloplegic) Myopia no more than -1.50 any meridian. Hyperopia no more than +3.00 any meridian. Astigmatism no greater than -1.00 cylinder. Both cycloplegic and manifest refraction must be recorded. The same refractive error standards apply to both examinations. Avoid overcorrection--record refraction to 20/20 each eye. Refraction to best acuity may exceed standards. (see MANMED 15-65, p. 15-48) SLIT LAMP EXAMRequired. Look for evidence of orthokeratology, radial keratotomy or any corneal scarring or opacities. Corneal topography will be performed at NAMI to screen for Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).COLOR VISION TESTINGThe Pseudo-isochromatic Plate (PIP) is now considered the primary testing method for aviation programs. The test should be administered carefully, using a Macbeth lamp for correct lighting color. Plates should be rearranged periodically. Twelve of fourteen (12/14) constitutes a pass; if members fails PIP, FALANT may be administered, with 9/9 considered passing. If one error is made on the first run, 16/18 correct responses is passing. Alternative color test include ISHIHARA color plates 12/14 to pass on a 16 plate test.DEPTH PERCEPTION TESTINGAFVT , Verhoeff, Titmus, and RANDOT are the only authorized test for Naval Aviation. Test scores are recorded as follows: AFVT A - F, must pass B thru D, Verhoeff must pass 8 correct of 8 attempts [ 8 /8 ]or 16 correct of 16 attempts [ 16/16 ]. RANDOT and Titmus to 40 seconds arc. Examinee may wear correction during test..READING ALOUD TESTRequired if speech impediment exists or if any history of speech therapy, or maxillofacial surgery.AERONAUTICAL ADAPTABILITYEvaluate the applicant