Expert: Rod Powers - 12/16/2007

Question
Mr.Poweres,
I've just DEPed into the Marines. I've submitted applications to my colleges and am awaiting acceptances. i joined the marines, intending to be a reservist, in the PLC while attending college to earn my degree and commission in the Marine Corps. I am an aspiring aviator. More specificaly a WSO(or wizzo as they are called). WSO or in charge of all weapons systemsm wether that be a radar sys, air-to-ground munitions(as well a air-to-air), communications, and navigation on aircraft such as the F-18E/F and D(backseat guys..i know..lol). Now my question:
I have seen that there are no requirements on vision for NFO(WSO) as long as refraction is decent and there is no color blindness...but the OVERALL requirement for flight school acceptance is 20/20....Which appplies to me? I really dont know what that means. Will I still be able to be a WSO?
My second question sir:
I am really eager now to try to voulenteer to deploy to Iraq, I really want to do what Marines ARE MEANT to do...what they are KNOWN for...MAD DOGS....Orah!..But do you think this wise if my DREAM is to fly? Or am I just crazy..lol.
and I know you must be tired of me, just one more:
I took my SAT test that are required for admission into a CSU school. I scored a 1490. Im not sure if that nunber will get me into my school of choice...what are your thoughts? I did have A and B's and about 3 C's and one D throught my highschool career. Do you think I will get accepted.
Thank you for your time sir.
-Daniel
Semper Fi

Answer
Hi Daniel,

Okay, "back-seaters" in Navy and Marine Corps figher aircraft are not referred to as "WSO'sA" (or "wizzo's"). That's a term used for back-seaters in Air Force fighter aircraft ("WSO" means Weapon Systems Operator). In the Navy and Marine Corps, those in the back seat of fighter aircraft are referred to as NFOs (Naval Flight Officers), even in the Marine Corps, or (unofficially) as "GIBs" (Guys in Back).

Aviation vision requirements can be read on my site at: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/genjoin/a/pilotvision.htm

I'm afraid I'm not an expert on SAT requirements to get into specific schools.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com