What to expect when I get to Brooks...

[MarineGrunt]

I passed my Initial Flying Class 1 physical, but barely. I failed the depth first time around, asked to do it again, then passed. My eyesight ended up as 20/20, but I almost failed that too. My eyes seemed to have real trouble focusing.

My question is, what should I expect at Brooks? Am I going to be doing all this over again? What is involved in the process down there?

Thanks for any help.

 

[skyward80]

Probably a stupid question on my part, but were you tired when you took the eye exam? That always throws my focus off. Also, anything that might "steal" oxygen away from the eyes (smoking, alcohol, etc.) can affect your vision. I know that's probably old news to you, but it might be something to think about.

As far as MFS goes, I believe it's another FC1 to make sure nothing changed between the first FC1 and the second one. I know they have a website, but I forget the URL. Just try "Medical Flight Screening Brooks" at yahoo or something. They do a pretty good job of explaining what to expect.


Skyward80

 

[Fury220]

The MFS @ Brooks is NOT an FC1

I was there back in early June for my Military Flight Screening. Contrary to popular belief, it's not anything near as complicated as the Flying Class 1.

You'll arrive around 0730 or so (whatever the official time to arrive is), get briefed, and start with the anthropometrics. This consistss of your *official* standing and sitting height. No pressure here, since there's absolutely nothing you can do to pass/fail other than be tall enough.

After that is the psychological testing. No pressure here, because none of it really matters -- they're just looking to know your personality for their own informational purposes (they wanna know what makes a flyboy/girl tick, so to speak).

After what seems like forever with those computer personality tests, you'll get a break for lunch.

The afternoon is what most people worry about -- mostly because it consists of the echocardiagram and eye testing. The heart test is a no-brainer: the tech will just use the ultrasound machine to check you out.

Eye testing is pretty basic when compared to the stuff you did in the FC1. Of course, there are color tests, depth perception tests, and the famous red-lens test. Don't fret - it's not as extensive as the FC1 vision portion.

I guess the big kicker of it all is that the techs really don't tell you anything until the end of the day. Therefore, you spend most of the day wondering how you did. If they find an anomoly, they'll probably retest you and havve a flight doc brief you about what's going on. You'll leave that night knowing your future for sure (unless they ask you back for extra testing the next day).

If you want more info, check out www.studentpilot.net. That site has a military flying forum that has a wealth of Brooks info. Just do a search. Other than that, just get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water (hydration helps your eyes), and bring a good book/magazine (you'll be waiting a round quite a bit). Oh, take deep breaths, too...RELAX.

 

[negativebalance]

Brooks

He's right on. My friend just got back last week and its still the same.

 

[MarineGrunt]

Is there a way you can request to go to Brooks right away? My wife was offered a very high paying job here, and we're very anxious to know if I will pass the physical or not. If I do pass, then we move to my guard unit which is 2,000 miles away. If I don't pass, she can take this job. The only problem is we need to know sooner rather than later...

I am penciled in to go to Brooks Apr 8. Does my package need to come back from the Guard Bureau first? How can I get to Brooks ASAP???

Thnx

 

[Ragansundowner]

Marinegrunt-

I'm fairly certain that Brooks is attended only after a candidate completes their respective school for commission (OTS for AD/reserve, AMS for guard). It's done right before SUPT begins, so I doubt they would move the Brooks date up if you haven't completed either OTS or AMS.

-R.S.

 

[greaser]

I disagree with Ragansundowner

Everyone that I've seen get guard pilot slots go to Brooks before AMS, including me. I'm going about 2 1/2 months before school. Whether or not you can request it earlier is something I don't know.

 

[MarineGrunt]

Re: I disagree with Regansundowner

Everyone that I've seen get guard pilot slots go to Brooks before AMS, including me. I'm going about 2 1/2 months before school. Whether or not you can request it earlier is something I don't know.

Agreed. My Brooks date (tenative) is Apr 8 and tenative AMS date is Apr 22 or so...

 

[Ragansundowner]

I stand corrected, thanks for the updated information.

-R.S.

 

[MarineGrunt]

Just talked to the ops guys and got the scoop. You need to have a UPT date in order to go to Brooks. You only need your officer ascention approved in order to go to AMS (if youre lucky).