DODMERB determines if you are medically qualified for the program. Physicals normally take 6-8 weeks to process. Scholarship winners are advised that no scholarship will be activated until the individual is medically qualified for a commission. The process is lengthy and may involve several months of processing and correspondence.

If you are found to be medically disqualified, a waiver request will be automatically forwarded from DODMERB to AETC/SG for consideration. If your waiver request is denied and you believe there are extenuating circumstances that justify further consideration, follow the DODMERB instructions (with notification letter) regarding rebuttals.

If you have a medical question, DODMERB is your only official source of information. Write DODMERB, Colorado Springs, CO, 80840-2200, or call (719) 333-3562.

Pilot/Nav Qualifications

Interested in flying? We’ve listed below some general qualifications. Once in Air Force ROTC, cadets must obtain a Class 1 Flight Physical.

> Pilot:

• Vision:
• Normal color vision
• Distant vision, uncorrected to 20/70, but corrected to 20/20
• Near vision, uncorrected to 20/20
• Meet refraction, accommodation and astigmatism requirements
• Corrective eye surgery could be a disqualifier
• Have no history of hay fever, ashma or allergies after age 12
• Meet Air Force weight and physical conditioning requirements
• Have standing height of 64 to 77 inches and sitting height of 34 to 40 inches

> Navigator:

• Vision:
• Normal color vision
• Distant vision, 20/200 but corrected to 20/20
• Near vision, 20/40 but corrected to 20/20
• Meet refraction, accommodation and astigmatism requirements
• Corrective eye surgery could be a disqualifier
• Have no history of hay fever, asthma or allergies after age 12
• Meet Air Force weight and physical conditioning requirements
• Have standing height of 64 to 77 inches and sitting height of 34 to 40 inches

“Before I joined AFROTC, I thought that I wouldn’t last long in the program because I was out of shape. But the people here at the detachment motivated me to get in shape. The only person who ever doubted that I would pass the PFT was me.”
    – Karen Cole, Chemistry and English major, Cornell University

The PFT is composed of three events in the following order:

1. Push-ups
2. Crunches
3. 1.5-mile run

All events must be completed. There is a short rest period between each event. There is a minimum score of 75 points. Below is a table of maximum scores in each area.

> How to pass the PFT. (You should consult with a physician before starting any exercise program.)

• Take the entire test early in order to get a baseline for improvement.
• Develop a plan to improve your physical fitness.
  • The plan should include exercises to improve each event score.
  • Emphasize the events you struggle with to improve overall score.
  • Make the plan a part of your lifestyle.
  • If possible, find a friend (or friends) to work out with on a regular basis.
  • Stay positive and stay with it.
• Set short-term and long-term goals for yourself.
  • Set six-week goals, semester goals and Field-Training Board goals for improving individual event scores and the overall score.
  • Ask your instructor for the average scores for those programs for which you want to be selected.

> Work the PFT exercises and running into your overall lifestyle. Use small amounts of time to improve overall fitness.

• Break periods of study by performing individual exercises. (Read a chapter or finish an assignment and do some push-ups.)
• Clear the mind after a long study session by going for a run.
• You don’t need to be at a gym or fitness center to improve on your PFT. Be creative.
• Work on sit-ups and push-ups in your room.

Just remember that you don’t need to be an athlete to pass the PFT. You just need to get in and stay in “PFT” shape.