OCS 02Nov20 SNA/SNFO (Pilot/NFO) Board

[krs0313]

That depth perception test at MEPS was very hard. I think its a fallible test, because I have great vision.

Do you mind sharing your respurces that your doc gave you on practicing the depth perception test?

So I actually kept failing the depth perception test at MEPS and they advised me to see a civilian eye to figure out why I couldn't pass the test (although I had heard lots of people fail it even when they don't have any eye issues). I went to a vision specialist and did some exercises in their office for a few weeks, but most of it was at home using a software I had to buy (from them) on my laptop. So I basically wear funny glasses and play computer games lol. However, they did give me a lot of exercises that don't require this software, such as holding a pencil out in front of you and slowly bringing it closer to the bridge of your nose to make your eyes converge and also covering one eye at a time and doing thumb tracking exercises (literally just make circles around your field of vision with a thumb with an eye covered). The whole goal of these is just to strengthen your eye muscles.

I feel like I should also clarify (in case it wasn't obvious) that I am not a doctor or vision specialist of any kind. I simply have had lots of conversations with my eye doc and done lots of reading on the topic. I first failed the depth perception test 5 years ago, so I've put a lot of time and effort into passing this depth perception test (solely for the purpose of becoming a military aviator), so take my advice with a grain of salt. If you're concerned about depth perception, I'd recommend getting a comprehensive eye exam from your eye doc and making sure you're passing the depth perception test they give you with at least 40 sec arcs. Ask them to give you every depth perception test they have (there are many different kinds) to get you comfortable with the different exams.

 

[Ghost SWO]

Congratulations to all on who got the good news! Just got word from my recruiter, awaiting the official letter and further info. Much Aloha to all and stay blessed??Can’t wait to meet everyone at OCS?

What are your stats?

 

[Ghost SWO]

So I actually kept failing the depth perception test at MEPS and they advised me to see a civilian eye to figure out why I couldn't pass the test (although I had heard lots of people fail it even when they don't have any eye issues). I went to a vision specialist and did some exercises in their office for a few weeks, but most of it was at home using a software I had to buy (from them) on my laptop. So I basically wear funny glasses and play computer games lol. However, they did give me a lot of exercises that don't require this software, such as holding a pencil out in front of you and slowly bringing it closer to the bridge of your nose to make your eyes converge and also covering one eye at a time and doing thumb tracking exercises (literally just make circles around your field of vision with a thumb with an eye covered). The whole goal of these is just to strengthen your eye muscles.

I feel like I should also clarify (in case it wasn't obvious) that I am not a doctor or vision specialist of any kind. I simply have had lots of conversations with my eye doc and done lots of reading on the topic. I first failed the depth perception test 5 years ago, so I've put a lot of time and effort into passing this depth perception test (solely for the purpose of becoming a military aviator), so take my advice with a grain of salt. If you're concerned about depth perception, I'd recommend getting a comprehensive eye exam from your eye doc and making sure you're passing the depth perception test they give you with at least 40 sec arcs. Ask them to give you every depth perception test they have (there are many different kinds) to get you comfortable with the different exams.

Confirmed doctor, or at a minimum, a depth perception test wizard. Knows too much.

 

[krs0313]

isnt each aircraft have its own height limit?

I have not had these document verified by my OR or anything and they certainly may be completely out of date (especially if you're looking at the aircraft type they have listed), but I'm pretty short and have been concerned about anthropometric measurements and this is the best I could find.

This document describes the different measurements that are taken and how they are taken.

Table 1 on this document gives you the corresponding codes for your measurements. Then page 22 (where "22" is typed on the page - it's page 28/31 if you open this in your browser) lists the specific standards (codes) for each aircraft.

Certainly not going to guarantee you can or can't fly a specific aircraft, but may help give you an idea of what the actual requirements are. Also, it's pretty difficult to get an accurate measurement yourself/with friends or family helping you since they have their specific ways of doing it at NAMI, but again, may give you an idea of where you stand.

 

[Marcus_Aurelius]

NAMI is a flight physical.

Interesting. Since I started my application process while I was still in the Army, my recruiter had me get an aviation flight physical already and he sent it in.

Any idea whether this means I’ll be able to skip NAMI? Did you guys only do the MEPS physical so far??

 

[Marcus_Aurelius]

Interesting. Since I started my application process while I was still in the Army, my recruiter had me get an aviation flight physical already and he sent it in.

Any idea whether this means I’ll be able to skip NAMI? Did you guys only do the MEPS physical so far??

To clarify, I DIDN’T have to go to MEPS at all

 

[NobleJ]

So I actually kept failing the depth perception test at MEPS and they advised me to see a civilian eye to figure out why I couldn't pass the test (although I had heard lots of people fail it even when they don't have any eye issues). I went to a vision specialist and did some exercises in their office for a few weeks, but most of it was at home using a software I had to buy (from them) on my laptop. So I basically wear funny glasses and play computer games lol. However, they did give me a lot of exercises that don't require this software, such as holding a pencil out in front of you and slowly bringing it closer to the bridge of your nose to make your eyes converge and also covering one eye at a time and doing thumb tracking exercises (literally just make circles around your field of vision with a thumb with an eye covered). The whole goal of these is just to strengthen your eye muscles.

I feel like I should also clarify (in case it wasn't obvious) that I am not a doctor or vision specialist of any kind. I simply have had lots of conversations with my eye doc and done lots of reading on the topic. I first failed the depth perception test 5 years ago, so I've put a lot of time and effort into passing this depth perception test (solely for the purpose of becoming a military aviator), so take my advice with a grain of salt. If you're concerned about depth perception, I'd recommend getting a comprehensive eye exam from your eye doc and making sure you're passing the depth perception test they give you with at least 40 sec arcs. Ask them to give you every depth perception test they have (there are many different kinds) to get you comfortable with the different exams.

Thank you! And I completely understand. I will work on strengthening those muscles!

I've always passed depth perception tests in the past without any troubke with my optomitrists. I had lasik and passed then as well. Then at MEPS, their depth perception test was difficult. I missed one, but guessed on at lease two. I read your post that it has to be done again and was instantly nervous.

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

I have great coordination and agility. I just can't believe how hard that test was with never having had any trouble in the past.

 

[andoesph]

No we will have to do another one at NAMI. It usually will be a couple day process. At least it was when I went through as Aircrew.

 

[NobleJ]

I'm 31 right now, but we're not doing an age waiver request. Maybe if you're closer to 32? I'm about six months out right now. OR said he'll push me up to go before the 32nd birthday. Class dates can be changed...

Right, a request has to be sent in. And, yep. I turn 32 in June 2021.

 

[NobleJ]

Ha, sure. I took it off because I don't know when I'll be going. All I know is "Before May". The original September date will change.

Let me know how that request goes. Did your recruiter tell you what OCS date they are requesting for you?

 

[Ghost SWO]

Let me know how that request goes. Did your recruiter tell you what OCS date they are requesting for you?

Yeah will do, specifically no. He said, "we'll get you moved up to go before May". The official results letter gives the OR power to request an earlier date from the way it reads. OR never mentioned attempting an age waiver, just said they'll have me go early.

 

[NobleJ]

Yeah will do, specifically no. He said, "we'll get you moved up to go before May". The official results letter gives the OR power to request an earlier date from the way it reads. OR never mentioned attempting an age waiver, just said they'll have me go early.

I hear you.

 

[Snack Attack]

Totally random, but if anyone has any questions about NAMI, I'm happy to help. I actually went in October 2020 so I can (hopefully) answer any questions you may have

Hey! I have a question about the ENT exam.

What do they say about Deviated Septums? They didn't check me for that at MEPS but I know during the nose check they will find mine and it's pretty bent towards one side. I'm considering getting surgery , not sure... know anything about Deviated Septums?

 

[exNavyOffRec]

So I actually kept failing the depth perception test at MEPS and they advised me to see a civilian eye to figure out why I couldn't pass the test (although I had heard lots of people fail it even when they don't have any eye issues). I went to a vision specialist and did some exercises in their office for a few weeks, but most of it was at home using a software I had to buy (from them) on my laptop. So I basically wear funny glasses and play computer games lol. However, they did give me a lot of exercises that don't require this software, such as holding a pencil out in front of you and slowly bringing it closer to the bridge of your nose to make your eyes converge and also covering one eye at a time and doing thumb tracking exercises (literally just make circles around your field of vision with a thumb with an eye covered). The whole goal of these is just to strengthen your eye muscles.

I feel like I should also clarify (in case it wasn't obvious) that I am not a doctor or vision specialist of any kind. I simply have had lots of conversations with my eye doc and done lots of reading on the topic. I first failed the depth perception test 5 years ago, so I've put a lot of time and effort into passing this depth perception test (solely for the purpose of becoming a military aviator), so take my advice with a grain of salt. If you're concerned about depth perception, I'd recommend getting a comprehensive eye exam from your eye doc and making sure you're passing the depth perception test they give you with at least 40 sec arcs. Ask them to give you every depth perception test they have (there are many different kinds) to get you comfortable with the different exams.

It sounds as if you had an eye doc that was more than the usual "take the test and you pass guy", just be aware that for several years N3M stopped taking civilian eye depth perception retest before starting to take them again, mainly because of the large numbers of people where would fail at MEPS, pass at civilian, then fail during NAMI exam.

 

[Can do]

Interesting. Since I started my application process while I was still in the Army, my recruiter had me get an aviation flight physical already and he sent it in.

Any idea whether this means I’ll be able to skip NAMI? Did you guys only do the MEPS physical so far??

I'm Civ, but had to get a flight phys last year at Ft.Stewart. I might be wrong but your flight phys should be able to transfer over since it should already be a class 1A as long as it was approved by a military flight surgeon.....I don't have that so I can't tell you for sure.