Just Started WOFT Packet, Had A Few Questions

[Duca]

Hello, I’ve just begun to put together my packet for Army WOFT. I’ve been talking with my recruiter, who has been helpful, but I don’t feel is very familiar with the WOFT program and had a few questions I thought I’d field with those who have more familiarity.

 

First, as of a vision test from a year ago, my vision is 20/50 in one eye and 20/70 in the other, both correctable to 20/20. I believe I’ve read that 20/50 is the upper limit and 20/70 is waivable, however I am not against getting LASIK or PRK if that would make me a better candidate. I haven’t taken any form of physical yet and have been told by my recruiter that there is a 6 month delay in the process after corrective surgery. My question to those knowledgeable would be: is it better to wait until I have taken a physical (would that be the flight physical or is there an earlier, general one?) and had my vision checked by the Army before considering corrective surgery or should I move forward with correction now and use the 6 month period to work on other areas of my packet? Also, if I were to move forward with corrective surgery done as a civilian, how do I handle it such that it is done in a way that is acceptable to the Army and my flight physical—in terms of paperwork?

 

Another question I have is that in speaking with my recruiter he suggested I take the PiCAT instead of the actual ASVAB. I’ve researched on this forum, and elsewhere, about the PiCAT and am surprised at how you are able to take it at home instead of in a room with a proctor. I scored very well on the practice test, and I might be thinking too much into it, but I’m concerned that taking the PiCAT instead of the actual ASVAB might affect my selection chances since it almost seems like a "less stressful” test in the sense that you’re taking the test in the comfort of your own home instead of in a room at a MEPS. I understand that you must take a proctored verification test as well but being able to proceed at your own pace in your own home on the PiCAT seems like a far cry from the actual ASVAB.

 

Thank you!

 

[Kur]

I'd say get LASIK/PRK done now because it's unlikely you'd pass vision. They will eventually do a refraction and there is an exact cutoff. Had to get LASIK too, then wait 6 months. It is what it is. Take that time to get some good quality LORs and train for the PT test.

 

Re: Picat.

My recommendation is do the regular ASVAB. I did the Picat and it rolled me into the ASVAB because I answered some questions differently just to end up with the same score again. Except I sat there for way longer than anticipated, hungry, cold, and tired bc I thought I was just going there to answer a few questions. Spare yourself that experience. Just my 2c.