This is a question for someone that has experience in the way to recruiting system works. I know the eyesight requirement says that your vision must be no worse than 20/100 and correctable to 20/20 but my vision is 20/400 and correctable to 20/15. I realize what the regs are but is it still possible for me to get into Pararescue/CCT? I would try to get in even with the regulations but are the recruiters so by the book that they won't accept me even if I give my best effort to get in?

Minimum vision of 20/200 correctable to 20/20 in each eye. That is on this document, www.specialtactics.com/PULHES.doc

Maximum waiver standards-

20/100 both eyes corrected to 20/20, or 20/200 worse eye-20/70 better eye, corrected to 20/20 both eyes.

I seriously doubt you'd get any better of a waiver.

I had about the same vision as you and was told that there was absolutely no way to get a waiver, so I had PRK eye surgery. As far as being "by the book" - they have to draw the line somewhere. What would happen if you lost your glasses/contacts behind enemy lines?

Thanks for the responses. I was considering eye surgery but are there any side effects or complications you have had as a result of PRK surgery that get in the way of doing your job Yeti? I would really like to be a PJ but I know I can get into other SOFs with the eyes I have; I just don't want my eyes messed up so I can't get into any at all.

His problems or lack there-of have nothing to do with you...yours will be different if you decide to get PRK...if you want SOF...best bet is something else that accepts your eyes...but typically PRK is very successful.

My surgery went fine; no complications, no "touch ups", and about 20/20 vision now. However, like TE said, that is just me. Recruiters are specifically told not to suggest having PRK. There are risks with PRK, and since it has to do with your vision for the rest of your life you should put a lot of thought into your options. For me in my situation it was pararescue or nothing. There aren't really any side effects, at least so far. I think some people experience dry eyes, and my doctor said I would probably need reading glasses later in life. PM me if you want any more info.

Thanks for the help TE, Nickp, and Yeti. I have pretty dry eyes as it is but nothing too terrible, yet I feel pretty confident that PRK would give me problems. I will just look into Rangers, SF, or whatever SOF will take me.

I don't know if you wanted to be pararescue or CCT but rangers now have a designated Ranger Medic position.

https://www.infantry.army.mil/75thranger/content/recruiting/AIT_RMED_Application_06.pdf

I don't know the eye reqs, but I figured that would get you started...good luck bro.

What kind of eye surgery is recommended? (PRK, Lasik, other?) I have to wear eyeglasses,and I really want to be a PJ, but, I haven't been able to find what surgeries are accepted. The only thing I've found is no Radial Keratotomy.

Any help would be appreciated.

The latest policy document is posted in the website updates forum. Nothing is "recommended"...that is up to you and your eye docter.