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Color Vision Standards as of DEC 2013
QPs/Moderators: After reading all of the available threads pertaining to color vision, I chose to post this information here, because it's a sticky and will hopefully be read first by those who, like me, came to this site for information on SF service and color vision. If this is the wrong location, or if this information is deemed unnecessary or irrelevant, please delete or advise me on a more appropriate location for this post. V/R, MN.
To those of you who are color deficient and interested in pursuing an 18X contract, hopefully this information will help prepare you to take one of the first steps on that road. I am aware that there has been some debate on this forum and in the real world regarding the exact color vision standards required for SF, and hopefully this post can provide you with up to date information on those standards, and how they're applied at MEPS, at least in my experience. YMMV. If you'd like further information on this topic, please contact me privately.
The current US Army color vision standards are available in AR 40-501, Chapter 5, Section 3, Paragraph G-4, which states: "Failure to pass the PIP test or FALANT test for color vision [is disqualifying] unless the applicant is able to identify vivid red and/or vivid green as projected by the Ophthalmological Projector or the Stereoscope, Vision Testing (SVT)."
What that means in practice, at least in my experience, is that you will be subjected to the following three tests at MEPS: (1) PIP test, (2) FALANT test, (3) a small booklet with red and green squares [two or three each] broken up by plain black pages. You are good to go for ABN, Ranger, and SF contracts provided you can pass the third test.
I had an interesting experience in processing for the military because I initially planned to pursue a commission in a different service. I was disqualified and labeled completely colorblind at MEPS, which would have barred me from any Army combat arms MOS. I couldn't be happier about the way my experience turned out because I feel that the Special Forces mission set is better suited to my skills and background than any other job in the military, however it did complicate my application process. Lessons learned:
1. If you're worried you won't pass the test, get yourself checked out by a civilian ophthalmologist prior to meeting with a recruiter. If you live anywhere near Ohio State University, PM me for the contact information of an excellent doctor there that conducted my screening. Regardless of where you go, show him/her the regulation above and ask for a full colorvision screening. If you fail everything and the doctor doesn't conduct a vivid red/vivid green test, ask for one. They will probably at least have a red/green marker for you to differentiate. Provided you can tell the difference between those two colors, ask for the doctor to write a letter substantiating your ability to see the two colors. That letter is the number one thing that helped me get my contract.
2. If you're set on SF and you meet the standard based on the information above, don't let a recruiter tell you no. Two local recruiting offices refused to look at my paperwork before I finally found a third office willing to help. Obviously don't let on that you have a color deficiency if they don't ask, but if for some reason, as in my case, that information is already known, be prepared to argue and spend a lot of time on the road finding someone who will work for you.
3. Take your copy of AR 40-501 and your doctor's letter with you to MEPS. I clung to those papers like my life depended on it. If for some reason the MEPS personnel don't give you the vivid red/green test, show them that paperwork. They will probably be upset with you but it's worth it if you get the contract.
4. If for some reason MEPS disqualifies you despite the doctor's letter, don't give up. There's an exception to policy waiver that, if approved, essentially requires MEPS or a third-party government-approved doctor to revisit your case. This is the route I had to take and it worked for me. Again, YMMV.
Bottom Line: as of DEC 2013, color deficient applicants have been allowed to sign 18X contracts, despite current DOD budgetary issues/downsizing. Furthermore, at least some waivers have been approved for those applicants pursuing 18X contracts. (In addition to the required exception to policy waiver mentioned above, I also had a sulpha drug allergy waiver.) If you really want an 18X contract, there's a good chance you can use this information to get it. It might have helped that I was so excited to finally get medically cleared after 3+ months of waiting that I forgot to ask about bonus money, but the opportunity to join the Army as an E4 with a guaranteed shot at trying out for SF is enough for me.
Hope this information is useful to someone.
V/R
MN
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