Probable outcomes

[WinterMute]

So, I failed the depth perception test at MEPS. Looking around, this seems to be a fairly common occurrence, and so long as the cyclo eye exa turns out, is not really all that important. (I am almost certain I have normal depth perception) The ring test is not very good in the first place, easy to administer incorrectly etc. Anywho, that is not really my concern. What is, is that I got a PLC-Juniors aviation contract without it being mentioned by the OSO at all. When I called and asked about it, they seemed kinda...Shifty. As in "Well, it won't effect your training so don't worry about it now..." I know they were just trying not to scare me off, but it is worrisome.

So here's the question. Assuming that I make it through OCS all the way and commission. If I am turned away at flight flight school for some reason, what is likely to happen? I ask, because although I do dearly respect Infantry and Armor guys slogging it out in the mud, I don't really think of myself as someone who is qualified{Edit: The Best Man} to lead 30-40 guys into the dark of night to get my hands wet. (Pardon the boatload of cliches) I know theoretically the USMC can do whatever the hell they want from the day day I head to OCS on, I would like to know what has happened to other people.

 

[Raptor2216]

I failed the depth perception test at MEPS when I was going through the process as well. As a result, I had to pay a visit to the local walmart optometrist and have them write me a little note saying I passed their test, which I did. I would suggest you do the same and pass on the results to NOMI. The last people you should ever put your faith in is NOMI because they will screw you if you give them the opportunity. Cover all your bases and don't leave anything to chance. Like I said, you aren't the first guy to fail that ring test and i'm living proof that it is not the end.

For the remainder of your concerns, all I have to say is that there are many jobs for O's in the Corps. You can be everything from a PAO to an aviation supply officer or even a grunt, if you ever change your mind about it. However, for now I would recommend that you get your physical requirements completed before you head off to OCS. Also, stick with the PLC program and it will pay dividends when you commission as far as pay is concerned. It's the best kept secret in the Corps!

 

[Nafod]

If you dont want to lead Marines, maybe the Marine Corps isnt the right place for you...

 

[WinterMute]

In response to Nafod:

Perhaps my first post was misleading. Its not that I don't want to lead Marines, but rather if I'm not doing aviation I'm not sure I want to spend 12-15 months in an Infantry platoon in Iraq. Not saying I am unable, unwilling, to do the deed should it prove necessary. I have talked to some others who probably wouldn't be doing OCS if they weren't on Aviation contracts also.

Anyway, question still stands, what generally happens if for some reason I get dropped from flight school? Also, would their ever be a reason for the OSO to be misleading about job opportunities? I know the phrase "If you think you might not make it, you won't make it." But I'm talking about things beyond my control.

 

[Harrier Dude]

In response to Nafod:

Perhaps my first post was misleading. Its not that I don't want to lead Marines, but rather if I'm not doing aviation I'm not sure I want to spend 12-15 months in an Infantry platoon in Iraq. Not saying I am unable, unwilling, to do the deed should it prove necessary. I have talked to some others who probably wouldn't be doing OCS if they weren't on Aviation contracts also.

Anyway, question still stands, what generally happens if for some reason I get dropped from flight school? Also, would their ever be a reason for the OSO to be misleading about job opportunities? I know the phrase "If you think you might not make it, you won't make it." But I'm talking about things beyond my control.

It would be better for you to find out vision problems at TBS than wait for p-cola. Then you can get any MOS that you want. Needs of the Corps not withstanding, of course.

After you get to p-cola, you can choose from several MOS's, but generally adjutant, comm, logistics, supply, etc. Shoe-clerk stuff.

 

[WinterMute]

All right. Thanks for the info. As far as I am aware I have perfect vision besides the inability to see those "Magic-Eye" things, but I will visit the local Bard optical or whatnot to make certain. Just wanted to see what happens in the worst case. (I somehow make it past OCS and TBS to be bushwacked by something stupid at P-cola) As I still have 2 years of college left, I have alot of time to get it all sorted out, so I am not terribly worried.

 

[Nafod]

It would be better for you to find out vision problems at TBS than wait for p-cola. Then you can get any MOS that you want. Needs of the Corps not withstanding, of course.

After you get to p-cola, you can choose from several MOS's, but generally adjutant, comm, logistics, supply, etc. Shoe-clerk stuff.

+1 They will generally not give you combat arms. Intel isn't uncommon though.

WinterMute, thanks for clearing up what you meant. For some reason MEPS has remarkable skill at screwing up the depth perception test. When I was in college, myself and all of my friends that went in the military had the same thing happen to them. Its no biggie but you defiantly want it sorted out before OCS. The same is true of any other problem like that. They will drop you in a flash if they think something is wrong (so just make sure there isnt, haha).