What advice would you share for someone who has desire to serve, but only qualifies for a handful of Navy jobs due to colorblindness?

PO2 Larry LarryHunt — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 17:18:28 -0500

I just joined the site, and let me begin by thanking everyone here for your service. It was my onor to serve after, along side, or before you all.

That being said, I now have a 29 year old son who wants to follow in his father's steps and join the Navy. Needless to say, I couldn't be more proud.

He was an honor roll student all through HS, and scored a 90 on his ASVAB. Sounds great, right? Then the realization that a moderate case of colorblindness has all but stripped him of his ability, and in truth, his desire to serve, as it has relegated him to qualifying for a hand full of Navy jobs. No offense to anyone here, but I will not allow him to sign up fto be something that he doesn't want to be, and is honestly, beneath his intelligence. I am so disillusioned, and disheartened right now. Would anyone be able to share any advice? Thanks in advance.

Response by PO2 Larry LarryHunt made Jan 27 at 2020 5:19 PM

PO2 Larry LarryHunt — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 17:19:20 -0500

Sorry....19 years old.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 27 at 2020 5:37 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 17:37:19 -0500

Try other branches.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 5:45 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 17:45:40 -0500

His colorblindness will limit his choice of jobs. Get the Color Blot Test (or what ever it is called) and then take those results to a Recruiter and see what jobs he qualifies for based on that. Then, go from there.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 6:42 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 18:42:13 -0500

PO2 Larry LarryHunt Great advice from MSG Private RallyPoint Member and MAJ Ken Landgren. Explore all available options before giving up hope.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/does-the-military-require-normal-color-vision-3353994

Can a Color-Blind Person Join the Military?

The answer is yes, but an inability to distinguish some colors can make you ineligible for certain military occupational specialties.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 8:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 20:10:45 -0500

As a parent, I can understand where you are coming from. However, something like color blindness is not something that can be overcome when it comes to job selection. This is for everyone’s safety as being able to differentiate colors is important in most jobs. I would weigh the overall benefits of service in a job that he doesn’t want and compare them to being a civilian. I personally would serve in a job I didn’t want to get the post 9-11 and other benefits then decide after that to stay or go.

Response by PO2 Larry LarryHunt made Jan 27 at 2020 9:31 PM

PO2 Larry LarryHunt — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 21:31:59 -0500

I appreciate, and for the most part agree with all the sentiments offered thus far. As a former combat systems tech, I honestly do understand the colorblind lumitation, but at the same time, I font recall a single time when I was tasked with "following the green wire." it was always card #. Connector #, pin #. Even if he can't be an FC like his dad, I still don't believe he is relegated to cook, and pencil pusher. Again...no offense to anyone here. I know that every job on the ship is important. I just font want him to be miserable, and in challenged during his time.