ANG/AF Reserve pilot medical questions

arkavgal

Well-Known Member
I am 26 and starting to consider trying to get a pilot slot with the ANG or AF Reserve. I hold a 4 year degree and vision is solid.

My question comes to a history of ADD and Tourettes Syndrome. I recently went through a round of testing to get my medical for the FAA. Despite having been told I have ADD a review of all of my medical records revealed no diagnosis or mention of it. The neuropsychologist's conclusion and report indicates that I don't have ADD. So I don't see that as being an issue.

My concern is the Tourette's. It was primarly a childhood illness. I haven't been on meds since 8th grade and have no effects from it today. It does not affect my flying and the FAA cleared me. I am wondering how I would go about getting a military waiver for this. Should I approach an officer recruiter first, get it cleared and then go for a pilot slot when I'm ready to apply? That would be 1-2 years from now as I'm working on finishing a 2nd degree in the medical field. If I get a waiver with the ANG, would it be effective for the Reserves or vice versa? I appreciate any advice regarding how to go about this. Thank you,

Ryan
 
It will be a royal pain involving a mountain of paperwork, but you can overcome just about any past medical history. Start collecting your documents now though. You'll need signed statements from the neuropsychologist and any other professionals who evaluated you and determined that you are free of symptoms.

A good recruiter should be able to help you though the process. The waiver guides will be a huge help for you as well. Be prepared to reference them, because you might run into people who will tell you something can't be done just because they don't feel like doing the extra work.

Good luck.
 
It will be a royal pain involving a mountain of paperwork, but you can overcome just about any past medical history. Start collecting your documents now though. You'll need signed statements from the neuropsychologist and any other professionals who evaluated you and determined that you are free of symptoms.

A good recruiter should be able to help you though the process. The waiver guides will be a huge help for you as well. Be prepared to reference them, because you might run into people who will tell you something can't be done just because they don't feel like doing the extra work.

Good luck.

Where can I find this waiver guide?
 
Thanks holyshirt. I thoroughly enjoyed reading through that. It was, by far, the most thorough look into the waiver program that I've seen to date. When I was DQ'd back in '05, I could find almost nothing to help me. I think I'm included in the "35" hyperopia DQ cases. Too bad I wasn't one of the random 16 that got a waiver :( My vision is 20/15 and though I'm not a doctor, it seems from the reading that they are concerned about how the hyperopia affects your vision while flying. Been flying day and night for 15 years and have had no issues. Would have no problem with wearing glasses if the AF really wished me to, but they wouldn't hear it...
 
Thanks holyshirt. I thoroughly enjoyed reading through that. It was, by far, the most thorough look into the waiver program that I've seen to date. When I was DQ'd back in '05, I could find almost nothing to help me. I think I'm included in the "35" hyperopia DQ cases. Too bad I wasn't one of the random 16 that got a waiver :( My vision is 20/15 and though I'm not a doctor, it seems from the reading that they are concerned about how the hyperopia affects your vision while flying. Been flying day and night for 15 years and have had no issues. Would have no problem with wearing glasses if the AF really wished me to, but they wouldn't hear it...
Welcome to the NPQ club. Mine was anthropometrics.
 
just my .02, a girl we had in ROTC failed her DODMERB and couldnt get it waivered for having ADD. Anyhow, good luck with everything, hope it works out!
 
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