Reapplying After DQ for Color Deficiency

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Momof2Sr

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Feb 6, 2020
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DS is colorblind and has been under waiver review since October. He also has a congressional nom. His USNA portal updated today to medically disqualified. He wants to reapply next year, but does anyone have any advice on future possibilities after a color deficiency DQ?
 
My son was fortunate to get the waiver.

During CVW I asked the question what my son should do if he is denied the waiver. The answer was to go to college and take similar courses he would take at USNA and do well. Try to work on weaknesses, if any, in the application.

They stressed a DQ for colorblindness and denial of waiver one year doesn’t mean it would be denied a second year. It all depends on the competitiveness of the candidates and how many limited waivers are available. Up to 2% are available (about 20 in a year).

They said people that got that DQ have been appointed in a subsequent year.
 
My answer to almost all Color Blind questions is that it makes an already competitive process even more competitive. Perhaps an oversimplification, but in addition to competing for one of approximately 1100 slots, you are also competing for one of a small number ( just for sake of consideration, say 10-20) slots available for colorblind candidates. The other thing to consider is that colorblindness signicantly restricts Service Selection opportunities in the Navy. The end goal should be serving as a Naval/Marine Corps officer, and if OP son is not okay with his service opportunities, then he should consider whether USNA is still a good choice.

If his heart is set on USNA, and he's comfortable with the Service Selection opportunities, then by all means..he should apply. The only certainty int he whole Admissions process is that 100% of those that don't try don't get in. That said, said, he should be realistic in expectations and go back to my first comment...it makes an already competitive process even more competitive.
 
A1Janitor said:
My son was fortunate to get the waiver.

During CVW I asked the question what my son should do if he is denied the waiver. The answer was to go to college and take similar courses he would take at USNA and do well. Try to work on weaknesses, if any, in the application.

They stressed a DQ for colorblindness and denial of waiver one year doesn’t mean it would be denied a second year. It all depends on the competitiveness of the candidates and how many limited waivers are available. Up to 2% are available (about 20 in a year).

They said people that got that DQ have been appointed in a subsequent year.
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@A1Janitor would you share what career fields will be open to your son?

I think it’s worth re-applying, but any color-deficient applicant should know up front there will be doors firmly closed. If they are happy with the open doors available, I say go for it, if USNA has been the dream.
 
Capt MJ said:
@A1Janitor would you share what career fields will be open to your son?

I think it’s worth re-applying, but any color-deficient applicant should know up front there will be doors firmly closed. If they are happy with the open doors available, I say go for it, if USNA has been the dream.
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I will ask my son later. He didn’t care what he gets - he wanted to be an officer.

He was forced to sign an acknowledgment that he will accept marines if that is where they want him.

From my memory, he is limited to restricted line officer in Navy or USMC (cryptologist, engineer, supply, oceanographers, meteorology, intelligence), medical (not many get this), and USMC ground.

Subs and flying are out.

My son is red/green deficient - I am not sure about the other colorblind variants.
 
A1 , are you saying that your son could be forced to go Marine ground even if he didn't want it and had some Navy restricted line job first choice?

I've always understood that Marines only select those that put Marines first choice (unless SEAL is first choice)
 
Everyone that is considered for admission during the DoDMERB process are only considered for Navy Unrestricted Line. Color deficient waivers rendered by the USNA, will dictate the paths forward for these waived Mids.
 
A6E Dad said:
A1 , are you saying that your son could be forced to go Marine ground even if he didn't want it and had some Navy restricted line job first choice?

I've always understood that Marines only select those that put Marines first choice (unless SEAL is first choice)
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He signed a document saying that iirc. I will find out.
 
Just to note also... not all MOSs in the USMC are open to a Marine Officer if they are color blind. Some things like communications Officer and air traffic control (and a few others) are out. Being able to see colored cables and a radar screen factor into these things.
 
USNA waives very few each year for red/green color deficiency. Having red/green vision is very important in the sea services (Navy, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine). Not needed for Army and USAF. If DS is accepted to USNA, as others have said, his career options are limited. He will not be permitted to go ships, subs or aviation.

This may not be a popular view, but if he wants to serve, he should consider Army and Air Force. Many of the types of careers open to him out of USNA (ground, intel, supply, etc.) are also available in those other services. It's also a lot easier to be admitted b/c they don't have the red/green issues.

If he's determined to go to USNA, he needs to strengthen his application, so he is one of the very few selected for a waiver. The advice above is great in that regard.
 
Hello, I have a follow up question. DS never received an email or letter about the denial of the waiver, he only saw the change on the USNA and DODMERB portals. DS spoke with USNA and is under the impression that the denial of the waiver is good for 2 years and that he has to appeal to be able to reapply for the Class of 2025 and seek a waiver. Any information you have about the process in reapplying would be greatly appreciated.
 
Momof2Sr said:
Hello, I have a follow up question. DS never received an email or letter about the denial of the waiver, he only saw the change on the USNA and DODMERB portals. DS spoke with USNA and is under the impression that the denial of the waiver is good for 2 years and that he has to appeal to be able to reapply for the Class of 2025 and seek a waiver. Any information you have about the process in reapplying would be greatly appreciated.
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Someone else can answer this better, but it doesn’t ring true to me. At CVW I was told my son could reapply the year after if he didn’t get the waiver.
 
Hockey10 said:
Red- green color blindness. Good for snipers
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Years ago I read about a study that showed a heightened sensitivity to motion in cluttered backgrounds, like you would find where animals are moving through foliage, and otherwise camouflaged situations.
.
 
Momof2Sr said:
Hello, I have a follow up question. DS never received an email or letter about the denial of the waiver, he only saw the change on the USNA and DODMERB portals. DS spoke with USNA and is under the impression that the denial of the waiver is good for 2 years and that he has to appeal to be able to reapply for the Class of 2025 and seek a waiver. Any information you have about the process in reapplying would be greatly appreciated.
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He could be referring to the fact that you medical review is good for two years. That is separate from a waiver authority decision (usna in this case).

You can find information about reapplying on both the usna website, as well as here on the forums (a tabbed sticky for reapplicants). Not sure if your specific question is addressed or not, but good info both of those places.

I would advise your son reaching out to admissions at some point, inquiring about what he can do to strengthen his application. In that email, ask the specific question you are asking here. Then y’all will have your answer to that specific question, from usna, and in writing.

My understanding is that his medical will be used next cycle (valid for 2years, with any updates supplied) and waivers considered independently each year if usna decides to peruse a waiver. Which they may or may not with a color deficiency.

I would imagine it depends in some part on the strength of his application, competitiveness of his slate. Perhaps he receives his MOC’s principal nomination? How would that play into all this? I don’t know, but am pointing out there are different scenarios each year.

To your point here, he should clarify that specific question with his admissions counselor.

Good luck!
 
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