Color Deficiency

AngusM97

New Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2014
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5
Hello, I apologize for the repetitiveness that this post may bring, but I am hoping for a straight answer.

I am currently in the DoDMERB process, and I went to my optometrist appointment about a month ago. Going into it, I already knew I was color deficient, so getting a 4/14 on the PIP test was no surprise. When I asked to have the Vivid Red-Green test done, they said they did not offer it. So I just completed the rest of the test. About a week later, I was disqualified from Air Force Academy and West point due to color vision, meaning it was assumed I could not distinguish vivid red and vivid green. Luckily, upon contacting DoDMERB, the disqualification was removed and changed to remedial, specifically stating "Obtain a REPEAT vivid Red/Green color vision examination."
I called the optometrist where I had the original exam done, scheduled an appointment (during the call I was told that the Vivid test is indeed offered), and just today I went to the appointment. The doctor informed me the test was definitely not offered there, but instead said I could be deemed vividly red-green colorblind from the results of the PIP test. So i guess my question is, What is the vivid red-green test? And who offers it, as all the optometrists I have contacted have no idea what I am talking about? And is it true that getting 4/14 PIP test plates mean I cannot distinguish vivid green/red, as according to the Air Force and Army standards?

All help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Are you trying to go to USAFA? What do you want to do in the AF? A color deficiency of any kind in the AF is severely career limiting for anything operations related (no pilot, navigator, air battle manager, drones, missiles, communications, ground controller, special operations, space, airfield management)

https://www.reddit.com/r/AirForce/comments/1u2n84/heres_a_list_of_jobs_that_dodont_require_depth/

Also see my signature block below for some more Air Force medical standards (not DoDMERB)
 
Are you trying to go to USAFA? What do you want to do in the AF? A color deficiency of any kind in the AF is severely career limiting for anything operations related (no pilot, navigator, air battle manager, drones, missiles, communications, ground controller, special operations, space, airfield management)


Also see my signature block below for some more Air Force medical standards (not DoDMERB)

USAFA is my number one choice, followed by WestPoint, then their respective ROTC programs. I plan to major in aerospace engineering, but obviously that is not set in stone. I realize that color vision will limit career choices, but before I make a choice I want to be able to have a choice, which in this case can only happen if DoDMERB is dealt with. Also, thanks for that website link, it is very helpful!
 
Fair enough. Be aware (and I only assume this when you say aerospace engineer) that you would not allowed to be a test engineer in the air. Even a test engineer in a B-52 who is staring at a bulkhead with no windows or aircraft instrumentation can have 0 color deficiency.

I just want to strongly emphasize to you that the AF massively DQs anyone with color vision deficiencies from doing most jobs that aren't sitting at a desk. Even then, they will DQ from several of those jobs too.
 
Color dq

For what it is worth, USAFA approved my DS despite failing PIP. Navy has waiver pending. Limiting, yes, but you can serve, so stay positive!
 
For what it is worth, USAFA approved my DS despite failing PIP. Navy has waiver pending. Limiting, yes, but you can serve, so stay positive!

I am just trying to emphasize that the AF severely limits career options with color vision deficiencies, more than the other branches.
 
You will be on a restricted line officer slot in the Navy if you are color deficient. You'll not be a ship driver nor be able to fly.
 
My DS is color deficient, fortunately the year before it was an automatic DQ and only received a remedial. He took the FALANT test (Farnswoth Lantern Test) for red-green deficiencies at a fairly local Naval Station and passed with flying colors and deemed qualified by DODMERB. This test was administered again on I-Day as well. He is currently a 1/C at USNA and received early selection into subs. The only thing he was restricted from is aviation, but that was due to a prior back issue...
 
I am glad to hear that there is hope for my DS. he is color deficient and just waiting to see if he gets a waiver. No one has suggested that he take the FALANT test.
 
My DS is color deficient, fortunately the year before it was an automatic DQ and only received a remedial. He took the FALANT test (Farnswoth Lantern Test) for red-green deficiencies at a fairly local Naval Station and passed with flying colors and deemed qualified by DODMERB. This test was administered again on I-Day as well. He is currently a 1/C at USNA and received early selection into subs. The only thing he was restricted from is aviation, but that was due to a prior back issue...
That is reassuring to read! Thanks for posting this!
 
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