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Vision requirements for the military

Hello everyone, does anyone know if you need good vision to join the military out of high school? I've got glasses, but I've always kind of fancied a military career. Thanks in advance!

a year ago

You do not need perfect vision to enlist in the U.S. military. However, each branch of the military has its own vision standards, and within those branches, the requirements can vary based on the specific job or role. Generally, though, corrected vision (using glasses or contacts) is acceptable, as long as it corrects your vision to a certain standard (usually 20/40 or 20/20 in most cases).

Now, if you're aspiring to more specialized roles like a pilot or special ops, the standards are typically more stringent and may require a higher degree of uncorrected vision. For instance, potential Air Force pilots must have 20/70 or better distant vision uncorrected.

More importantly, the military does not just look at your visual acuity; they take into account other factors like color vision, depth perception, and eye health, among other things. For instance, those with severe color blindness may not be eligible for certain roles.

So while wearing glasses does not exclude you from a military career, it's important to dive into the specific vision standards for the branch and role you are interested in.

Note that if you're seriously considering a military career, you should consider speaking with a recruiter or a military eye doctor who can give you more detailed and personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.

a year ago

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