So after talking with my recuiter, it sounds like the rules that the Functional are looking at, and the rules regarding recruitment are somehow different. Due to this difference, I lucked out and was able to get a CCT slot despite failing DP at MEPS. It also appears that if the regs are changed now, my slot will be 'grandfathered' in.

The one concern is that I might get tested again on DP during my flight physical. Just so I know when to expect it: When during the pipeline do Combat Control Trainees get tested for their class III flight physicals?

Also; TheRoad64, you said you stared at stereograms to help you. What kind were you looking at? Are those the same thing as the 'Magic Eye'designs?

The guidance in the system now will soon be updated to reflect the DP requirement.

It is just a loop hole that will soon close. You are correct, there is no point in getting a GTEP slot when you don't meet the standard. On the other hand, if you have a GTEP slot and fail at BMT, it is more incentive for the USAF to send you to an Air Force Optometrist to see if you pass other depth perception tests.

How is PJ's get a by on depth perception from a flight physical?

AFPAM48-133 PHYSICIAL EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES, Table 10.1, item 33:

Failure on initial screening requires a full optometry or ophthalmology evaluation, to include: ductions, versions, cover
test and alternate cover test in primary and six cardinal positions of gaze, AO Vectograph Stereopsis Test at six meters, AO Suppression Test at six meters, Randot Stereopsis Test, and 4 Diopter Base out Prism Test at six meters. These tests are designed to identify motility disorders, particularly
microtropias and monofixation.

New failure of screening when previously passed requires optometry or ophthalmology evaluation to rule out correctable causes, such as refractive error, anisometropia, or macular disease. If member has previously failed VTA-ND and passed the near stereopsis test (DPA-V or Randot), no further work-up is required.

Reference: AFI13-112V1, 15 FEBRUARY 2008, JOINT TERMINAL ATTACK CONTROLLER (JTAC) TRAINING PROGRAM , Table 1. 1 - Personnel Authorized to Perform JTAC Duties:

Individuals who lack normal color vision or depth perception IAW AFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards.

Reference: AFI 48-123, 24 September 2009, Medical Examinations and Standards

6.46.7. Depth Perception. No standard except for career fields below:

6.46.7.1. Tactical Air Control Party (1C4X1), Air Liaison Officer (13LX). Failure of either the Vision Test Apparatus (VTA-DP), or its newer replacement, the OVT is considered disqualifying if the failure occurs with best corrected visual acuity regardless of level of uncorrected visual acuity.

6.46.7.2. Failure of the VTA or OVT stereopsis testing requires completion of a local preliminary ocular motility and macular examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, and review by both AETC and the ACS. The testing must be accomplished as listed in 6.44.11.1.1
...
Section 6I— Ground Based Aircraft Controller
6.46. Ground Based Aircraft Controller Medical Standards. The standards in Section 6I apply to all ground based aircraft controllers which includes air traffic controller, weapons controllers/directors, combat controllers and Aerospace Control and Warning Systems (1C5X1), Tactical Air Control Party (1C4X1), Air Liaison Officer (13LX) and UAS sensor operators (1UOX1). Conditions in Chapter 5, Continued Military Service (Retention Standards) also apply. For conditions listed in Chapter 5, ensure an MEB has been performed and final disposition made prior to submission of a waiver request. Combat Controllers must meet the FC III requirements in Section 6G and the parachute duty requirements in Section 6K (6.48.2.) Air Battle Managers, Air Weapons Controllers/Directors, and Airborne sensor operators required to perform frequent and regular aerial flights must also meet Flying Class III standards in Section 6G. Pararescuemen must also meet standards in Section 6K. The medical conditions listed in Chapter 5, Section 6G and Section 6K are cause to reject an examinee for initial controller duty or continued duty unless a waiver is granted. Acute medical problems, injuries, or their appropriate therapy are cause for withholding certification of initial training or temporarily restricting the individual from controller duties until the problem is resolved. These standards are not all inclusive, and other diseases, or defects, can be cause for rejection based upon the medical judgment of the examining flight surgeon. Acute conditions which impair safe and effective performance of duty are cause for temporary removal from controlling duties using AF Form 1042, Medical Recommendation for Flying or Special Operational Duty, IAW Section 6C. Note: These standards do not apply to: Small unmanned aircraft systems operators (SUAS-Os). (See Section 6K 6.48.11.).
...
6.48.4. Marine Diving Duty (Pararescue and Combat Control Duty).
...
6.48.4.1. The following conditions are disqualifying:
...
6.48.4.2. Defective Depth Perception.

Reference AFPAM 48-133, 1 June 2000, Physical Exam Techniques:

Identifies the following legends (and others) pertinent to this discussion as to what examination item has a mandatory required entry item to be completed.

10.1.3.3. C = Initial Flying Class I/IA, II, III/US Service Academies
10.1.3.4. D = Periodic Flying/Nonflying (Personnel reporting to UFT and ARC members only IAW AFI 48-123)
10.1.3.6. F = Initial Ground Based Controller Duty
10.1.3.7. G = Initial CCT/PJ (FCIII + Marine Diving Duty)

Table 10.1. Medical Examination Accomplishment and Recording Standard Form 88, Report of Medical Examination item 34 identifies C, D, F, G must have a depth perception test recorded.

Reference AFECD, 31 January 2010, TACTICAL AIR CONTROL PARTY (TACP)(Effective 28 Sep 09):

3.5.2. For entry, award and retention of AFSCs 1C411/31/51/71/91/00:

3.5.2.1 Compliance with the medical standards for Ground Based Controller Duty as defined in AFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards.
...
3.5.3.1. For personnel certified as a JTAC, regardless of skill level, permanent JTAC decertification IAW AFI 13-112, Volume 2, will result in removal from the 1C4XX AFSC.

Sorry for asking but you are saying depth perception is no longer a requirement for cct? If this is true I am ecstatic as I thought I was screwed being that I have about 75% of my depth perception and was real down looking for waivers or other oppurtunities.

...DP is no longer a requirement for CCT...you will of course be tested on it though.

6.44.8.2. Flying Class I, IA, II; and Flying Class III crewmembers required to perform scanner duties (see classification guide). If any of these are exceeded, then 6.44.11 applies. Note: For the purposes of this AFI, scanner duties are defined by the requirement to assist with safety clearance checks of their aircraft from outside obstacles, within 200 meters.
...
6.44.8.2.6. History of extraocular muscle surgery or strabismus therapies is disqualifying and requires complete evaluation of ocular motility by a competent eye care professional to look for residual heterophorias, heterotropias (including microtropias), and motor sensory problems. Paragraph 6.44.11 applies.

So I guess the question remains then; If CCT and TACP both go to the same JTAC course then why does TACP have to have DP and CCT doesnt?