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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Vision Requirments For Ratary Aviators in the Marine Corps

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Expert: - 6/29/2007


Question
For over six years sir, i've been considering a career in military aviation. In the last two years I've come to the decision that Cobras, AH-1Z SuperCobras(king cobras) were the way to go for me. Ive researched many sources and even gone to recruiters but none have clearly answered what the vision requirments are for Helicopter pilots. They have told me the reqirments for Fixed-wing aircraft but i am not interested in that. Right now my vision is 19-49 uncorrected but 20-20 with glasses( are pilots allowed to where glasses while in flight?). I always wondered if they were able to where glasses in flight but was skeptical because of possible g-loads that would be a problem. I really have to know wether i am eligable because i joining soon and i would like to make the right decision and not waste time chasing impossible dreams. Thank You Sir ,
-Martinez

Answer
Daniel:

  I believe going into the program you must have 20/20 uncorrected vision, even for helo pilots.   I would run a search using the terms "vision requirement/s helicopter pilot" and see what turns up, but as far as I know, vision must be uncorrected 20/20.

Best regards,

Jason

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

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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