vision

[BloodStripe]

I responded to that already so not sure why you would quote that.

I can enlist but I’m simply just asking if uncorrected vision is a condition that is unwaiverable even if you are enlisted. I understand that not being initially qualified for 18x doesn’t mean you can never try out for SF. My recruiter has not given me a concrete answer to this other then it is easier to get waivers once enlisted. I’m just worried that vision is something they don’t budge on.

Just looking for advice with someone who has direct experience with this.

You actually had not commented previously about asking your recruiter post enlistment if you would be eligible. #readingcomprehension101

 

[PaulM]

You actually had not commented previously about asking your recruiter post enlistment if you would be eligible. #readingcomprehension101

Good stuff!

 

[PaulM]

I've spoken with my recruiter and he does not have an answer to this question. He is only familiar with getting waivers for vision that can be corrected with laser surgery but that is not the case for me.

So my question is...once enlisted, is it possible to obtain a vision waiver even though my vision can't be corrected with glasses or any kind of surgery?

My eyes currently stand at 20/20 right eye and 20/40 left eye. I'm hoping since the left eye isn't too horrible that it would help my chances.

 

[AWP]

Have you tried the online recruiters at goarmy.com?

 

[PaulM]

Yeah I can't get a solid answer from anyone. I'm going to take my chances and hope for the best as I can't live with the regret of not trying.

 

[Teufel]

Yeah I can't get a solid answer from anyone. I'm going to take my chances and hope for the best as I can't live with the regret of not trying.

That’s a good attitude to have. It’s a unique situation. The odds are certainly against you. I would still try if I was you. You won’t regret joining the military and you never know what will happen. I was medevaced out of Iraq in 2006 and my injuries disqualified me from dive status. It took me a long time but I ran it up the chain until the deputy commandant of operations himself granted me a waiver on the behalf of the commandant of the Marine Corps. Anything is possible. Best of luck to you.

 

[Ooh-Rah]

I'm going to take my chances and hope for the best as I can't live with the regret of not trying.

To quote @AWP -
You pay your money and you take your chances.

 

[Topkick]

If you can't go 18 series, you can contribute to the team in some way. Every MOS is important. Well, except MPs.

Seriously, as @Teufel posted, you won't regret serving in some capacity, but you may regret not ever serving. Good luck!

 

[AWP]

Yeah I can't get a solid answer from anyone. I'm going to take my chances and hope for the best as I can't live with the regret of not trying.

If you absolutely, positively want to be in a SOF unit whether you make it to Q Course or not, look at a Support MOS where you can tribute to the fight: Most 25 series (communications) and Intel (I think they will release soldiers for the Q Course) are what I'd recommend. Others exist like Rigger, Supply, etc. and not to knock those MOS' because every one is important, those above have better odds at a post-military career.

I don't know the standards to enlist with an Option 40, but that's another option as well.

Good luck, now go pay your money and let us know how it goes.

 

[PaulM]

If you absolutely, positively want to be in a SOF unit whether you make it to Q Course or not, look at a Support MOS where you can tribute to the fight: Most 25 series (communications) and Intel (I think they will release soldiers for the Q Course) are what I'd recommend. Others exist like Rigger, Supply, etc. and not to knock those MOS' because every one is important, those above have better odds at a post-military career.

I don't know the standards to enlist with an Option 40, but that's another option as well.

Good luck, now go pay your money and let us know how it goes.

That's interesting you mentioned that route with intel and communications. My degree is in geographical information systems (computer based mapping) so I have some hands on experience with various technologies. My ultimate goal was to be an 18E so this seems like a logical choice. At the end of the day I'm looking for the fastest way to get into SF besides 18x which I can't do unfortunately.

What makes you recommend 25 series specifically for getting a shot at SF?

Thanks for your time.

 

[AWP]

That's interesting you mentioned that route with intel and communications. My degree is in geographical information systems (computer based mapping) so I have some hands on experience with various technologies. My ultimate goal was to be an 18E so this seems like a logical choice. At the end of the day I'm looking for the fastest way to get into SF besides 18x which I can't do unfortunately.

What makes you recommend 25 series specifically for getting a shot at SF?

Thanks for your time.

Not for a shot at SF, but for SOF. Both Signal and Intel are in EVERY SOF unit, so even if you can't become a shooter you can work in a SOF unit. Frankly, conventional Signal is broken in my opinion and it is a totally different world in SOF. Those two career fields allow you to play the odds for a support role in every SOF unit. SF, 75th, 160th, SMU's, etc.

The above is assuming you can't go to SFAS because of medical reasons, but still allows you to contribute.