NROTC & Color Deficiency

Scooter11

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I was DQ'ed for "color vision that does not meet specific service's standards" when I took the DoDMERB eye exam for USNA (holding out for a waiver). I have yet to take a medical exam for NROTC (I hear that happens after you have been offered the scholarship; does DoD administer it again?), but how will this condition affect me here? My application is complete (waiting on interview), but could this keep me from obtaining a spot?
 
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I was DQ'ed for "color vision that does not meet specific service's standards" when I took the DoDMERB eye exam for USNA (holding out for a waiver). I have yet to take a medical exam for NROTC (I hear that happens after you have been offered the scholarship; does DoD administer it again?), but how will this condition affect me here? My application is complete (waiting on interview), but could this keep me from obtaining a spot?

You are correct that the DoDMERB process doesn't start for NROTC until a scholarship is awarded. At that time they will notice you have already been through DoDMERB for USNA and will use that physical. You will also be DQed for the same condition. NROTC may or may not request a waiver. NROTC may issue a waiver when USNA will not, or vice versa. Good luck! Hope a waiver comes through for you. :thumb:
 
You are correct that the DoDMERB process doesn't start for NROTC until a scholarship is awarded. At that time they will notice you have already been through DoDMERB for USNA and will use that physical. You will also be DQed for the same condition. NROTC may or may not request a waiver. NROTC may issue a waiver when USNA will not, or vice versa. Good luck! Hope a waiver comes through for you. :thumb:

Thank you so much for the clarification kinnem! I guess I have a bit of waiting to do...
 
+1 to Kinnem.
Please be working on, getting comfortable with, Plan B or C! My DS's experience is that while rules exist that permit some waivers and alternate, more forgiving, tests, it is not going to happen unless you have some super star qualities they must have. If one is not pretty high on the admission list, one may not ever have a waiver request considered.
I wish you well, and do not want to be a bucket of cold water, but since color deficiency is not correctable or curable and even though it has no effect on your day to day activities, it may be a significant obstacle.
 
Oh I am well aware! You aren't the first to be "a bucket of cold water." At the end if the day, I value the truth in what knowledgeable people like you tell me about my chances, but I have a dream and I will pursue it no matter how seemingly insurmountable the obstacles I face.
 
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... Now, if you can get your head around the color green, Army is far less concerned with color vision. DS did not even need a waiver for color vision from AROTC. For them his DODMERB was a 'pass.'
 
Medically qualified for West Point... I just don't have a nomination because it was my 2nd choice :frown:
 
Medically qualified for West Point... I just don't have a nomination because it was my 2nd choice :frown:

Well, there is AROTC perhaps as a college programmer at plan B school. There is also the chance to re-apply to USMA next year. You sound like someone who is determined to take one of those paths if Navy doesn't come through this year. Best of luck to you. :thumb:
 
Well, there is AROTC perhaps as a college programmer at plan B school. There is also the chance to re-apply to USMA next year. You sound like someone who is determined to take one of those paths if Navy doesn't come through this year. Best of luck to you. :thumb:

I would certainly consider those options... thanks again for the good wishes! :smile:
 
;It could not hurt to call the academy person in your congress member's office to report on your situation. It is possible, I suppose, that they may have some wiggle room to swap nominations. I would not put much hope in it, but it is worth a call.
 
^^^ Being from NJ like you, I am sure you would agree with me when I say that I highly doubt a district as competative as mine (NJ-05) is capable of doing that after they have sent their slates in. Moreover, that would force me to totally give up the little chance I have left of obtaining an appointment to USNA.

I suppose I am simply stuborn but, in the end, if it doesn't work out then I believe a certain someone up there just has a different plan for me...

I really do appreciate your advice though!
 
... Now, if you can get your head around the color green, Army is far less concerned with color vision. DS did not even need a waiver for color vision from AROTC. For them his DODMERB was a 'pass.'


My DS had the same experience. He is awaiting a waiver for USNA but was cleared for AROTC.
 
He's still pending waiver submission review for USNA but a qualified status for AROTC. There are different status's for each branch that have inquired to DODMerB.
 
He's still pending waiver submission review for USNA but a qualified status for AROTC. There are different status's for each branch that have inquired to DODMerB.

Yes I know, I'm in the exact same boat as your son.
 
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