I'm planning on applying for to Phase I for CRO in a couple years, and i need PRK surgery to meet the vision standards. On the PRK pages, it says you need to be at least 21, which would be fall of my junior year. If Phase I packages are due December/January of my junior year, does the 12-month recovery period neccessary for PRK surgery preclude me from being accepted to Phase II? I always could apply again later that fall, but i want to have the chance to apply as early as possible.

I have the same problem. I am planning on applying for STO in the fall of my junior year, and I would also get PRK around that time. Would I still be able to attend phase II the following spring? Also, is there any way to speed up the waiver process? Thanks for your help.

Here is what I found out of the HQ AETC ROTC Medical Continuity Binder:

Note: All Cadets will be placed on MRS (Medical Recheck Status) for 1 year following the PRK surgery. While on the PRK/LASIK MRS, Cadets may participate in all AFROTC requirements after 3 months have passed with clearance from their treating physician.

So, if you're cleared by the physician, after explaining what Phase II consists of, you should be good to go...I'll try to confirm this, and I'll also get the document uploaded.

I am a senior cadet who just got picked up for Phase II and had PRK done a year and a half ago. The only problem I see for you guys is getting your FC III Physical cleared, because I needed a year of follow-ups before they would check me off. I was also under 21 (20 to be exact) when I had the procedure done... I did it right after Field Training before my junior year. All they told me was that my eyes needed to be stable for at least a year. So, back to the point, you might have to wait until your senior year to apply. But you still should be able to apply for the Jul Phase I before your senior year and if things don't go as expected you could apply again for the Jan Phase I and go Mar Phase II like I am doing. It puts a little added stress on because I am commissioning in 2 months and I am still not sure of my AFSC, but it can be done. Hope this helps.

alright, thanks for clearing that up guys.

Yes, thank you very much for your help. TE, could we pass the FC III physical while on MRS? Also, is the Phase I deadline 1 December or 1 January, because I have seen both dates on the web site.

According to the handbook, no cadet will be sent for a Flying Class physical while on MRS.

The Phase I package due dates are 1 Jan and 1 Aug for CRO.
The Phase I package due dates are 1 Dec and 1 Jul for STO.

The STO Package says, "Waivers must be approved and then submitted to the STO Selection Project Officer before Phase II if you are selected at Phase I." So does this mean we can be selected at Phase I without yet having a waiver for PRK? Thanks.