USNA approves a small number of waivers for color vision deficiency each year, and those offers of appointment make it clear that only certain Restricted Line or Staff Corps commissioning paths will be available. USNA also waives some other conditions with no restrictions, meaning those midshipmen can go URL. They may also choose to offer appointments with restrictions as to RL and Staff Corps, but that is the by-the-handful exception, as it is USNA’s mission to produce URL officers.
I would read “highly unlikely” as “probably not, be sure you are working on alternative college paths, thought it best we tell you now.”
You will not know until you have an offer of appointment in hand or the “regret we cannot” communication.
I agree it’s worthwhile to discuss with Admissions. What I would want to know is if this DQ is a never-ever waived condition, or just this year, or USNA might occasionally waive it and offer RL. You want to know if the door is locked and hermetically sealed for the foreseeable future, if it can be opened on occasion, or if it’s cracked open a bit this year. That will help you plan accordingly.
NROTC will not be an option, as they have much less flexibility to approve anyone for RL/SC. They are expected to pump out URL.
So sorry to hear this has happened. When you’re at the age you are, it’s tough to get doors shut in your face for a physical reason, when your body is still young with low mileage.
I’ve posted several times over the years there are excellent high school and college programs sponsored by the big “ABC” agencies, that lead to either careers as agents or analysts who run the show behind the scenes. If you can’t be a door-kicker (agent medical standards are high), you can have the door-kickers’ backs in meaningful ways. I’ve posted plenty of links and details on these over the years for others in your situation, but here are links to show you your brains and desire to serve are highly valued:
CIA Student Opportunities
www.cia.gov
www.fbijobs.gov
