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Advice for SNA switching to SNFO
- Thread starter CardsFan44
- Start date
Just want to thank you all for your responses in this thread.
Yesterday my recruiter called me and told me the good news, that I had been selected for NFO. It wasn't good news to me, because it was my second choice after SNA. Like many of you in this thread, I've wanted to fly all my life. I even had eye surgery and stumbled through the nightmares of the waiver process. But now I'm concerned my eyes are starting to slip ever so slightly below 20/20, and I don't know how long I can wait on future boards for the chance.
At first it seemed like a punishment, but I've realized how stupid and shortsighted I've been. This is a really fucking cool opportunity. I'm realizing that my dream of flying isn't necessarily because I want to be the pilot, but because I just love aviation in general. It doesn't seem like NFO is "the second best thing", it's an entirely different occupation with it's own challenges and responsibilities. Besides, if I still feel the same way in the future I can always apply for a transfer.
I went from doubting my future to being incredibly excited after reading this thread. I know most of you posting are already in or have served, but for someone that hasn't even made it to OCS yet this is very encouraging. Thanks for this!
Yesterday my recruiter called me and told me the good news, that I had been selected for NFO. It wasn't good news to me, because it was my second choice after SNA. Like many of you in this thread, I've wanted to fly all my life. I even had eye surgery and stumbled through the nightmares of the waiver process. But now I'm concerned my eyes are starting to slip ever so slightly below 20/20, and I don't know how long I can wait on future boards for the chance.
At first it seemed like a punishment, but I've realized how stupid and shortsighted I've been. This is a really fucking cool opportunity. I'm realizing that my dream of flying isn't necessarily because I want to be the pilot, but because I just love aviation in general. It doesn't seem like NFO is "the second best thing", it's an entirely different occupation with it's own challenges and responsibilities. Besides, if I still feel the same way in the future I can always apply for a transfer.
I went from doubting my future to being incredibly excited after reading this thread. I know most of you posting are already in or have served, but for someone that hasn't even made it to OCS yet this is very encouraging. Thanks for this!
Congrats and good luck.
surfnturf88
New Member
Im currently making the transition from SNA to SNFO after attriting out of helo advance, and was wondering if anybody on here has the made the transition either in primary or advance and could give some insight into that process. I figure from all the training I recieved as an SNA it should help in NFO training, but at the same time I've had some IPs tell me that NFO training is harder. Im guessing because you have to be running the entire show/ mission since your not at the controls.
Consider it a compliment. It means CNATRA sees good airmanship and officer qualities in you and feels you're worth keeping in aviation. They're under no pressure to try to polish turds. My biggest piece of advice is to go into receive-only mode and learn what they teach you; don't try to rely on what you've learned to date.
surfnturf88
New Member
Haven't been picked up yet, just started the process. It probably wont be till like Feb or March next year Im guessing before I hear anything. There are several other guys that are trying to go NFO as well, so Im guessing it's going be competitive cause they probably wont take all of us.
Joey H
Member
I was just wondering if you could tell me how long after OCS did you have until API? What is the usual time? I am applying as NFO for my first choice since I failed the depth perception test, NPQ me for NA.
Two things: he hasn't posted since mid-2012, so you may be waiting quite a while for him to reply; and assuming he's not still in Pensacola, he went through API several years ago, so his info may be outdated. Permit me to steer you to this thread for this particular question:
http://www.airwarriors.com/community/index.php?threads/oharp-to-ifs.42327/
Wait time for API will be the same regardless of designator.
Also, since you mentioned depth perception, I'd recommend you consult an optometrist for a second opinion if you haven't already. A lot of people have trouble with the AFVT machine used for depth perception testing at MEPS, myself included. I went to the local optometrist and had him conduct the Randot test, which is basically a book you look at while wearing 3D glasses to see which dots are raised. Just saying, if depth perception is the only limiting factor, and they had you use the machine that you press your face against, it's worth looking into. Best of luck.
Joey H
Member
I appreciate that information! One more quick question for you, how much does it cost to get the doctor to look at it, and if I have already submitted my package, if I pass the civilian depth perception test; do you think I would be able to put SNA on my application in time for the supposedly february board??
For the cost, I don't recall offhand, I'll look into it and get back to you tomorrow. After you get it tested, have the optometrist write out the test results in letter format, something like "depth perception tested, 9/9 on the randot (or up to 40 arc-seconds or however they measure depth perception), no defects noted." Have him/her sign it, maybe put it on their letterhead so it looks legit.
Beyond that, it's up to your recruiter. If they submitted your package already, it might be too late. But if not, and if depth perception was the only reason for the NPQ, then that letter should be sufficient to list SNA as a designator. It's the only thing my recruiter asked for when I went through the same process. For more info on this, have a look at the "Doc's Corner" part of the forum, just be aware that some of the posts may be on the older side.
RMP
Looks good to me
I can't speak to your timing, but I had the same issue before I was accepted for SNA. I failed the MEPS DP test and hearing test. I ended up getting a private randot test done for about 75$ and a separate hearing test, both of which I passed, then resubmitted to N3M. I was then PQ for DP but NPQ for hearing. Got another private hearing test done, submitted, then got NPQ for DP and PQ for hearing (wtf?). FINALLY, I had a full private eye exam performed (except for the dilation part) then was finally PQ for DP. If you want SNA be persistent! Sometimes I wonder if they were just testing my resolve. If it's too late you could possibly re-designate in OCS or API
Charles Edward
Member
Why would the pre-op refractive error matter if one could achieve 20/20 after surgery?
exNavyOffRec
Well-Known Member
When it comes to medical on just about anything it is not just how is it now, but how bad was it. This includes eyes, knees, shoulders, etc....... This may have something to do with potential problems down the line, but people that get paid lots of money figure that one out.
Charles Edward
Member
Maybe, or perhaps just another method to weed people out.
exNavyOffRec
Well-Known Member
N3M is all about it has to have a basis behind it, for instance a person that has suffered a partial detached retina will be at a higher risk than a person that has never had one (had a specific conversation with the CAPT at N3M about this), even PRK and LASIK while great do have potential issues, and it very well may be that the current vision plays into it.
If a person has had a condition it seem fine now and N3M buys off on it, then should that condition re-appear then the gov't is on the hook for paying disability.