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

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Expert: - 10/10/2006


Question
Hi, I would like to join Pararescue but my eyesight isn't so great, I don't know what it is but it's perfect with glasses and or contacts. My question is can I become part of the Pararescue team if my eyesight is good enough with glasses or contacts? Thank You

Answer
Greetings James -

Although my area of expertise is enlisted aircrew operations, I am no expert on the intricacies of the medical waiver process.  Pararescue is a creature all unto itself, and has some of the most stringent physical demands of any Air Force career.  I would suggest you contact a recruiter who can look into the medical regulations and quote you chapter and verse on what the requirements and limitations are.  I would hesitate to give you any information that might be incorrect or incomplete.

You can also visit the Air Force website at ...
http://www.airforce.com/careers/job.php?catg_id=2&sub_catg_id=3&af_job_id=122

That takes you directly to the Pararescue link on the Air Force's website.  They have a link on the right side of the page where you can CHAT WITH AN ADVISOR.  It will specify the times available, but you could chat in real-time with an advisor that has access to the references to get you a good answer.

Good luck on your quest.  I hope you get to realize your dreams.

Sincerely,
James Bell

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

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James Bell

Expertise

I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.

Experience

Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager

Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.

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