NROTC Color Deficiency Waiver

[usnamidshipmenhopeful]

I got a NROTC scholarship, but I don't meet the standards for color deficiency. This happened to me for USNA this year and I got the waiver. I also signed with the department of navy about going restricted line only upon commission.

Is the waiver process the same?

 

[theroyz71]

What is the standard? Is any deficiency allowed or do you have to have 100% color vision? My son went for his NROTC eye exam this morning and the doctor told him he has a mile color deficiency. He told him that he didn't think it would disqualify him but he might not be able to be a pilot. I'm concerned that it very well could disqualify him.

 

[kp2001]

What is the standard? Is any deficiency allowed or do you have to have 100% color vision? My son went for his NROTC eye exam this morning and the doctor told him he has a mile color deficiency. He told him that he didn't think it would disqualify him but he might not be able to be a pilot. I'm concerned that it very well could disqualify him.

For the Navy you are either color deficient or not. There is no degree associated. For Army they do have a variable in that if you can see vivid red and vivid green you are good to go.

If he didn't get 12/14 of the Ishihara plates correct (or whatever is passing in the newer computerized versions) then he will require a waiver for the Navy.

 

[theroyz71]

Do you think it would be possible to get a waiver for NROTC if he missed 4 out of 14 (got 10 correct)? His test was not computerized.

 

[theroyz71]

For the Navy you are either color deficient or not. There is no degree associated. For Army they do have a variable in that if you can see vivid red and vivid green you are good to go.

If he didn't get 12/14 of the Ishihara plates correct (or whatever is passing in the newer computerized versions) then he will require a waiver for the Navy.

Do you think it would be possible to get a waiver for NROTC if he missed 4 out of 14 (got 10 correct)? His test was not computerized.

 

[kp2001]

Do you think it would be possible to get a waiver for NROTC if he missed 4 out of 14 (got 10 correct)? His test was not computerized.

10/14 is a fail for the Navy, but is somewhat of a "weird" failure in my experience in that most people usually fail more of the plates. The "amount" failed probably won't come into play as you can't be an unrestricted line officer in the Navy with color deficiency.

 

[theroyz71]

10/14 is a fail for the Navy, but is somewhat of a "weird" failure in my experience in that most people usually fail more of the plates. The "amount" failed probably won't come into play as you can't be an unrestricted line officer in the Navy with color deficiency.

That sucks. I hope they give him the opportunity to be retested or send him for the Farnsworth Lantern Test.

 

[theroyz71]

I made an appointment for my son to get re-examined next week. We'll see what happens. If he passes, we will send the results to DoDMERB; if not, we'll wait for the hammer to fall and get ready to go to Plan B.

 

[hornetguy]

If the Navy moves to the Air Force standard, any deficiency detected by the cone contrast test (CCT) is non-waiverable for flight duties. I've heard talk of that happening. So even if he got a waiver now for ROTC/USNA, if they move to the new standard before the start of flight training in the future, then its unlikely he would be allowed to fly.

Disclaimer: Major speculation on Navy changing standards to align with Air Force.

 

[theroyz71]

My DS isn't interested in flying. He wants SWO.

 

[Capt MJ]

I am sure you have found these, since you are already into the process:

http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/physical_requirements.html

This is for aviation, and buried in this is a note Farnsworth was discontinued in 2016.

http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmotc/nami/arwg/Documents/WaiverGuide/01_Physical_Standards.pdf

Given the main reason for the color vision standards is ability to read navigational aids and other operational requirements, I can't imagine SWO is that different from aviation.

USNA waives a handful of these each year, and those mids know going in they will only be allowed into restricted line communities, meaning nothing that requires the ability to have color vision.

I don't know if NROTC waives color vision deficiencies for a similar small handful. Perhaps @NavyNOLA will pop by.

Keep trying until you get the definitive answer. I am sure this is hard on your DS.

Edit:
I found a link to the current Navy officer recruiting manual. It summarizes basics for each Navy officer community. For SWO, it's "color vision required."
http://www.futureofficer.com/downloads/generalofficer.htm#4

 

[theroyz71]

Thank you for the information sir. I did not know that the Navy no longer used the Farnsworth Lantern Test. We are taking him to get re-tested next week. Hopefully, it was just a fluke and he passes with flying colors this time. LOL.

 

[Capt MJ]

Thank you for the information sir. I did not know that the Navy no longer used the Farnsworth Lantern Test. We are taking him to get re-tested next week. Hopefully, it was just a fluke and he passes with flying colors this time. LOL.

I would defer to kp2001 as an active Navy doc. I was digging for refs that might serve to add context.

Best wishes for a successful outcome.

 

[AROTC-dad]

Thank you for the information sir.

Just an FYI: Capt MJ is a highly accomplished Naval officer and she is a ma'am, not a sir.

 

[theroyz71]

Just an FYI: Capt MJ is a highly accomplished Naval officer and she is a ma'am, not a sir.

My apologies. Thank you for letting me know.

 

[theroyz71]

I would defer to kp2001 as an active Navy doc. I was digging for refs that might serve to add context.

Best wishes for a successful outcome.

Thank you Ma'am.

 

[Capt MJ]

Thank you Ma'am.

I have responded to many a "Si....Ma'am" back in the day. Courtesy appreciated, definitely not required. A consequence of me not thinking through my user name when I joined SAF, and choosing something similar to what former JOs of mine and the USNA sponsor family call me.