Comparison of recruitment standards for cadet pilots between PLAAF and USAF / 军事医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To compare the standards for recruitment of cadet pilots between PLA Air Force and the US Air Force,so as to offer reference for revising PLAAF medical standards for recruiting cadet pilots.Methods Literature from medical bibliographic databases and foreign military official websites was retrieved, four published reports and network information were cited and PLAAF medical standards were compared with those in China.Results The American medical standards include Department of Defense Instruction, Air Force Medical Examination and Standards, Air Force Medical Standards Directory, and Air Force Waiver Guide,which are independent and aimed directly at different examinations so that medical requirements have been gradually broadened.Compared to our standards, the American medical selection is more dependent on clinic consultations, and more detailed in specifications of diseases, more focused on body functions than on body shape, and the psychological screening is more subtle.Conclusion The standards adopted by US Air Force are more evidence-based.We are to rectify our medical standards accordingly, which should be efficacious, safe and effective for improving the overall quality of our military pilots.