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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Getting into Marine OCS with poor uncorrected vision, correct to 20/20

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Expert: - 6/28/2009


Question
My refractive error is outside of -8.00. However I am correctable to 20/20 and I am willing to get Lasik. Is there no posssibility for a vision waiver. I've talked to recruiters over the phone and they were just like, "we have officers that have really bad eyesight like you... i don't see it being a problem." I then looking at the disqualifications and it says "refractive error can't be outside of -8.00 diopters." Again, is there any hope for a waiver? What about Lasik?(yes i know the dq for lasik outside of the -8.00 also)

If USMC OCS is not an option is there any other branch that would accept me?

appreciate the help

Answer
the requirement for eyesight you speak of is applicaapple to all branches of the military.  Though it is correctable, without it, you would be in bad shape while trying to do your duty.  You can get lasik, wait a year, do all the follow up visits, then you may be ok.  History of lasik is now more accepted than it used to be.

Good luck.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

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