Color Blind

[need_help]

So I’ll get right down to it. The only thing stopping me from signing my seal contract is the fact that I failed the color tests at MEPS, both the Ishihara Plate (name the numbers in the circle) as well as the red, white, and green light test. Assuming the same tests are issued at basic training and throughout the military how do I get around this? Is there a waiver available, is there anyway to memorize it? I’ve heard mention of special contact lenses, do they work? How would I get a hold of them?

Please any information would be greatly appreciated, I’ve dreamt of being a navy seal since I was seven years old and first saw the discovery channel program about them, I refuse to let dots on a piece of paper stop me from living my dream.

On a side note I am able to distinguishing red and green in real life situations, such as electrical wiring (even in poor visibility), I’m perfectly capable of doing the ordinance work without being hampered by this.

[oldswabbie]

I am going to give you an email address to contact. However ~ please listen to what I have to say first. To want to be a Navy SEAL is an honorable thing, to want to serve our Country is an Honorable thing.

However, not being able to see different colors is a major deal. You NEED this ability in the Teams. Working with Explosives, ammunition, all kinds of things ~ everything requires color perception. You could endanger yourself and others in your team without this ability. Just because you have this desire does not mean you SHOULD be allowed if it will endanger others.

Thats my take. Depending upon the amount of color perception you lack, there could be a waiver..but.. I wouldnt hold out alot of hope. Please take this as very heartfelt, I understand your passion.

Motivators@navsoc.socom.mil

OldSwabbie

[need_help]

Thank you, I understand completely, the last thing I would ever want is to endanger my fellow soldiers. If it becomes something that puts my team at risk, without hesitation I will pull myself from bud/s, but until that happens I refuse to give up.

[Courtenay]

Read this thread:

http://navyseals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156724

[bowtieman81]

I know nothing about color blind waivers, but I do know a friend of mine with a SWCC contract left for boot camp in April of this year. He also had trouble with the cards at MEPS, but passed the light test.

He got to boot and had to take the test again and they failed him. He lost his SWCC contract and they made him reclassify into something else.

My take on the above is that if you had trouble at MEPS you are at significant risk when you reach boot camp.

[oldswabbie]

Read this thread:

http://navyseals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156724

Good thread.. and good Post Courtenay. Very Well said and heartfelt.


OldSwabbie

[oldswabbie]

You see its like this....Probably a stupid example but ... What if you DO get in wearing contacts. Then, by some miracle you get through bud/s and sqt, jump etc and onto a Team. You get deployed. You inevitably end up engaging the enemy - By accident your contacts gets knocked out.. Someone yells out for a 40mm grenade HE - you cant see the color bands. How you gonna tell them apart? What if you grab a CS or a Smoke? (ok, there are some differences, but the color band is the big thing). In this situation you want to blow their butts up not make their eye's water or make em disappear :)

Its not your fault man, so dont beat yourself up ok.

So many things depend on color schemes... especially explosives and ammunition ~ BIG problem if you have specific color Red, Green etc.

Ok, what are your other options IF you cant pass those tests? Talk to the recruiter. There are other jobs that are rewarding and career enhancing as SOF. You may not get to blow S*** up but maybe they'll let you watch :)
If you love computers look at IT. The rate I was in morphed into IT (I was an RM). At least Thank GOD they dont make you go to CODE SCHOOL anymore! People thought we were friggin nuts. We'd sit around in the morning in the Gedunk drinking coffee reading the newspaper in Morse code - 5 guys all going "Da da dit, da dit dit, da da.." musta have been a riot to watch us. That rate requires a Top Secret Clearance (usually). If you would like to talk about Special Communications (Spec Com) then please PM me or Email me privately. I would rather not just talk openly here on the forum about it. Thats another whole world.

Dont worry Dave, I'll be careful! no OP SEC stuff even then :)


There are just so many jobs that you can get into. Although, it will depend upon how much color blindness you have. Let us know what you find out.


OldSwabbie

[qmc(sw)]

Color blindness is a dis-qualifying condition. There are no waivers offered. The only Navy Special Warfare program that allows waivers for color defeciency is Navy Diver.

Chief Cacy
Navy Spec War Coordinator
Northwest Florida

[oldswabbie]

Color blindness is a dis-qualifying condition. There are no waivers offered. The only Navy Special Warfare program that allows waivers for color defeciency is Navy Diver.

Chief Cacy
Navy Spec War Coordinator
Northwest Florida

Thanks for clearing that up Chief. We could sit and speculate all day long. I appreciate it. As I told the young man, there are ALOT of jobs in the Navy that he could enjoy as well. Ok, he wont get to blow S*** up but maybe they will let him watch :)

OldSwabbie

[need_help]

Read this thread:

http://navyseals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156724

This thread makes mention of color vision waviers for seals, although it does say they are rare.

[oldswabbie]

The original post was that he got a waiver, got halfway through boot and then was rejected for bud/s. Aparently they caught it. You can continue to investigate, but Cheif Cacy put the nail in the coffin yesterday. No Waviers.

I know you want to do this, but its not about individual wants and desires. Its about the needs of the Navy and the SEAL Teams. Color Blindness is a big deal, even slightly.

I would again suggest contacting a recruiter and seeing what other options you have. Chief Cacy did say that Navy Diver is available with wavier for color blindness if you are interested.


OldSwabbie

[need_help]

However it also says that when the doctor saw the waiver for seals he commented that he had seen others.

heck, when i was at MEP's i was told there were no waivers what so ever for color deficiancy. I am by no means calling the Chief a liar, merely desperate to explore any way i can get past this.

[Courtenay]

However it also says that when the doctor saw the waiver for seals he commented that he had seen others.

heck, when i was at MEP's i was told there were no waivers what so ever for color deficiancy. I am by no means calling the Chief a liar, merely desperate to explore any way i can get past this.

With everything you have read (if you have read the contents of both threads) and what they tell you about the risk you put yourself and others in with your deficiency, you still want to do it? Isn't that selfish? Isn't serving our country supposed to be a selfless act?

[need_help]

The last thing i would ever want is to put my fellow soldiers in danger. If it impairs my ability to do my job without hesitation i will pull my self Bud/s.

From stop lights to working on electrical enginering it has never given me any trouble in life before this test, regaurdless of visability. This coupled with the statement in the other thread about the color deficiant seal saying he has never run into a problem lead me to belive that it is entirly possible that i would be able to perform the necessary duties to be a Navy Seal.

[thatguy2695]

well being a seal would be a lot harder for you seeing as that is of a diffrent species but if you are referring to being a Navy SEAL then if you have no problems with real world things such as stop lights to working on electricalequipment then I don't see a problem and say fight on and try an find a way. Now you do realize that a lot of optics are now electronic (NVG's thermal scopes...) so then you may have problems with those just a thought. Also some scopes are like cameras now thats mostly in hunting but with things like Land Warrior its transitioning over to the military

The bad thing about this test is unfair for people with a slight colorblindness, since the Ishihara plates are deliberately artificial images, and do not represent the range of colors that people see in everyday life.
http://www.eatstress.com/colorblind.htm

[oldswabbie]

Son, I'm going to be blunt. Its not about being able to see stop lights etc. Its about seeing tiny red, green, Orange, blue, White, Yellow wires. Its about a Team mate telling you to "Take out" the dude with the "light RED" checkered scarf not the "Dark RED" checkered scarf. AND...the 40mm analogy, you grab the wrong friggin grenade because in the smoke of battle you dont quite catch the color bands on the rounds and you lob a Smoke grenade instead of an HE. ALL KIND OF S*** can go wrong with color perception problems. Thats why there isnt any waivers. You WOULD be a liability.

Its not that you will pull yourself out of bud/s, you WONT be getting there. Please do yourself a favor now that Chief Cacy has told you there are no waviers to find another job that you would do well at. Yes, No doubt, the Navy SEALS are the most incredible bunch of guys you'll ever meet. They will also tell you - THEY ARE NOT THE ENTIRE US NAVY. There are hundreds of other jobs that ENABLE the US Navy SEALS to DO their job! This door has closed, look for the next open one.

As Courtenay said, its not about what you want its about what the Navy needs. Remember ~ its not your fault dude! There ARE other jobs, find a great one!


OldSwabbie

[Courtenay]

To make this simpler, it isn't about the range of colors you see in everyday life. A colorblind person doesn't know that they are not seeing colors the same as others do. Our brains are trained to attach a name, red, blue, green, etc. to whatever we were told is that color. So, a colorblind person does not see red or green (those are the most common deficiencies) the same as other people do, but they learn to recognize what things are red or green....grass is green, firetrucks are red, etc. So, in real world terms, they can, and do, distinguish item colors. THAT is why tests were designed to determine if you actually see the color, or see your interpretation of the color. Similar color patterns, light reds, dark reds, pinks, are placed in contrast against light greens, dark greens, etc. For a colorblind person, they then cannot distinguish the numbers clearly, because they are all muddled together in a bunch of dots. A person with correct color perception barely has to glance at it to tell. As a colorblind person you have no clue what that looks like. So it's easy to assume that it doesn't make a difference. But in many jobs in this world, it does.

[oldswabbie]

To make this simpler, it isn't about the range of colors you see in everyday life. A colorblind person doesn't know that they are not seeing colors the same as others do. Our brains are trained to attach a name, red, blue, green, etc. to whatever we were told is that color. So, a colorblind person does not see red or green (those are the most common deficiencies) the same as other people do, but they learn to recognize what things are red or green....grass is green, firetrucks are red, etc. So, in real world terms, they can, and do, distinguish item colors. THAT is why tests were designed to determine if you actually see the color, or see your interpretation of the color. Similar color patterns, light reds, dark reds, pinks, are placed in contrast against light greens, dark greens, etc. For a colorblind person, they then cannot distinguish the numbers clearly, because they are all muddled together in a bunch of dots. A person with correct color perception barely has to glance at it to tell. As a colorblind person you have no clue what that looks like. So it's easy to assume that it doesn't make a difference. But in many jobs in this world, it does.


I didnt catch this until now. VERY good explanation Courtenay, you explained it much better than I did in a more practical and understandable way. Ill have to remember this response for future reference!

OldSwabbie

[sahuaro12345]

To make this simpler, it isn't about the range of colors you see in everyday life. A colorblind person doesn't know that they are not seeing colors the same as others do. Our brains are trained to attach a name, red, blue, green, etc. to whatever we were told is that color. So, a colorblind person does not see red or green (those are the most common deficiencies) the same as other people do, but they learn to recognize what things are red or green....grass is green, firetrucks are red, etc. So, in real world terms, they can, and do, distinguish item colors. THAT is why tests were designed to determine if you actually see the color, or see your interpretation of the color. Similar color patterns, light reds, dark reds, pinks, are placed in contrast against light greens, dark greens, etc. For a colorblind person, they then cannot distinguish the numbers clearly, because they are all muddled together in a bunch of dots. A person with correct color perception barely has to glance at it to tell. As a colorblind person you have no clue what that looks like. So it's easy to assume that it doesn't make a difference. But in many jobs in this world, it does.

If thats the case wouldnt it make sense for that individual to learn to recognize the different colors of the items in their arsenal, to know every single item they possess to the fullest extent before even going into combat. What the seals live by is to walk then run then run through training in night to learn every single tactic to such a precise level. And who's to say that adrenal isnt as much of a cause in making small mistakes in color judgement as is color difficency?

[oldswabbie]

If thats the case wouldnt it make sense for that individual to learn to recognize the different colors of the items in their arsenal, to know every single item they possess to the fullest extent before even going into combat. What the seals live by is to walk then run then run through training in night to learn every single tactic to such a precise level. And who's to say that adrenal isnt as much of a cause in making small mistakes in color judgement as is color difficency?

Its not about the "person" its about the TEAM. Just because someone WANTS to be SpecWar doesnt mean they SHOULD. They might be able to perform Outstandingly in every single aspect...but this one.. and that my friend is a show stopper. Chief Cacy SpecWar recruiter has said - NO WAIVERS for Color Blindness or inability to pass the color tests at Meps.

OldSwabbie

[sahuaro12345]

Its not about the "person" its about the TEAM. Just because someone WANTS to be SpecWar doesnt mean they SHOULD. They might be able to perform Outstandingly in every single aspect...but this one.. and that my friend is a show stopper. Chief Cacy SpecWar recruiter has said - NO WAIVERS for Color Blindness or inability to pass the color tests at Meps.

OldSwabbie

The first phase of BUDS deals exclusively with the individuals not teams that comes later so the first steps all have to deal with the individuals and their drive im not talking about people who want to, im talking about individuals driven to this goal of being a SEAL and FYI im pretty good friends with a pilot of an A10 who is a major within the air force who does not have any depth perception and does not have nearly close to 20/20 vision and still he is a pilot and has been on 6 tours to the middle east and not once has he had a single problem dont you think the restrictions on pilots should be a little harder considering they have in their arsenal enough explosives to kill 1000s of people? I just feel like there are ways to get around the tests at MEPS

[ambassador1]

The first phase of BUDS deals exclusively with the individuals not teams that comes later so the first steps all have to deal with the individuals and their drive im not talking about people who want to, im talking about individuals driven to this goal of being a SEAL and FYI im pretty good friends with a pilot of an A10 who is a major within the air force who does not have any depth perception and does not have nearly close to 20/20 vision and still he is a pilot and has been on 6 tours to the middle east and not once has he had a single problem dont you think the restrictions on pilots should be a little harder considering they have in their arsenal enough explosives to kill 1000s of people? I just feel like there are ways to get around the tests at MEPS

sahuaro12345 -- It doesn't really matter what you feel. There are NO WAIVERS for Color Blindness. The Navy has their set of rules and the Air Force theirs. It is what it is.

ambassador1

[oldswabbie]

The first phase of BUDS deals exclusively with the individuals not teams that comes later so the first steps all have to deal with the individuals and their drive im not talking about people who want to, im talking about individuals driven to this goal of being a SEAL and FYI im pretty good friends with a pilot of an A10 who is a major within the air force who does not have any depth perception and does not have nearly close to 20/20 vision and still he is a pilot and has been on 6 tours to the middle east and not once has he had a single problem dont you think the restrictions on pilots should be a little harder considering they have in their arsenal enough explosives to kill 1000s of people? I just feel like there are ways to get around the tests at MEPS

Pilots are Pilots - SEALS are SEALS never the two shall meet and you cant compare them. Nor would I suggest or even think of suggesting any way around the tests at MEPS. Its up to you and your conscious if you find a way around it and the UCMJ if the Navy finds out you did.


OldSwabbie

[deepdivin707]

There's a ton of information on this subject throughout this website and others. The color vision thing is obviously an isue that a lot of prospective SEAL candidates encounter. I did.

The bottom line is this:

The Navy and other branches have their standards for a reason. They are not mindless rules to keep you out of fulfilling your dream. They are there in order to keep people safe. I can understand how you feel because I had to go through the same thing and I'm 100 percent sure that there are hundreds if not thousands of others who have gone through this. It sucks. There is absolutely no doubt about that. It is hard to accept that such a seemingly minor deficiency could be the only thing keeping you out of SEAL training but it is what it is.

Unfortunately, I doubt that this color vision standard will ever change but there is one other option for you. Marine Reconnaissance or Marine Force Recon(I'm quite sure that they're different but I will be using the two terms interchangeably in this post). They state that "color vision is recommended but not required provided the Marine can complete a vivid red vivid green color vision test." Now I'm not sure what a vivid red vivid green color vision test is so I can't help you there.

I'd also like you to keep in mind this scenario in case you do want to try to go Marine Force Recon. Let's say there is one spot left in Marine Force Recon training. There's two candidates with very similar PT, running, swimming, etc. scores. One candidate has full color vision. One has a color deficiency(like you or I). Who do you think they're going to accept into training? It will almost certainly be the guy with full color vision.

So, I know it sucks to hear that there's no hope for you in getting into BUD/S and going SEAL. It will take you a while to come to terms with it. It took me a while. But like I said, it is what it is. And like Oldswabbie said, one door has closed, look for another that is open. That open door might just be Marine Force Recon so look into it.

[ddssdv]

The first phase of BUDS deals exclusively with the individuals not teams that comes later so the first steps all have to deal with the individuals and their drive im not talking about people who want to, im talking about individuals driven to this goal of being a SEAL and FYI im pretty good friends with a pilot of an A10 who is a major within the air force who does not have any depth perception and does not have nearly close to 20/20 vision and still he is a pilot and has been on 6 tours to the middle east and not once has he had a single problem dont you think the restrictions on pilots should be a little harder considering they have in their arsenal enough explosives to kill 1000s of people? I just feel like there are ways to get around the tests at MEPS

My question would be what input does a 18 year old really have to answer the question.

[sahuaro12345]

My question would be what input does a 18 year old really have to answer the question.

Your right what input do I have to really answer this question, im just a young buck i have no experience in the field like you. I guess im just frustrated with the fact that its something that I cant overcome, its something that I have no control over, its something intangible, I just need to accept it. Its just learning that you cant even attempt something that you've been wanting for so long. I need to grow up and learn the many outweigh the few and I need to just find my place. Oh thanks again for the insight deepdivin707 if you can relay any further information that you have id gladly accept it thank you.

[kirkk1]

I would like to point out that this site was produced with the intent on giving others information on how to succeed in there quest to become Navy SEALs. I appreciate everyone's information/opinion on the color vision topic. There seems to be a certain amount of hard headedness when it comes to understanding the problem of color deficiency.
If someone told me that a friend desired to become a Navy SEAL that couldn't pass the color vision test I would also quickly jump to a conclusion that this person should pick a different occupation to persue. The ability to tell colors seems like a VERY important thing when dealing with such intense/dangerous situations. In other words, I respect and understand where the majority of you are coming from.
That being said, I disagree with all of you.
While I could sit here and tell you all day that it has never affected me in my 26 years, many of you would come up with some situation in which I would surely put anothers life in danger. I would like to raise the topic of discussion as to whether the Navy should take a look at it's testing mechanisms/process in which the test for color vision. In my opinion, rather than using JUST a machine, a more realistic situation should be put in place on a case by case basis to truly find out the level of ones ability to distinguish colors.
When I found out I was color deficient, I went to a color vision SPECIALIST, this being someone who makes a living off of studying the topic, understanding the problem and how it works and trying to find a fix for it.
I took his FALANT test, the same back up test that the Navy uses to test individuals who fail the Isohara card test, just a different model of machine. I passed on my first try with zero errors. I then asked him, "in your opinion, would this ever affect me in real life". He said "no". I would like to point out again that this Dr. is a leading voice in color vision deficiency. He also went out to state that he thought the FALANT test was a decent test for color vision, but in reality, is much more difficult than anything one would encounter in real life. I went on to take 3 other variations of color tests he had available, I passed all without a problem.
The next person of interest that I met along the way was the Medical Dive Officer at boot camp. I had obtained a waiver for my color vision deficiency (granted by the Captain of BUMED). It was this dive officer's job to look at my eyes and make sure in his opinion the waiver was legit and wouldn't affect me during my time in the Navy. This officer started with basic colors, and soon went into different blends of colors. Then moving colors, then colors from a bit farther away, and then combined them all until it was a blend of pretty small colors from a distance away. No errors.
He signed his signature, varifying that in his profession opinion, the waiver held true, and that I was qualifed to perform all dive duties required, within the SEAL program.
When the waiver was pulled, the Dive motivators at boot camp were also very frustrated to see this happen to me. One of the motivators took me into his room and also played the color vision game with me. In this room however, there was a camoflauge wall. He would pick random shades of greens, tans, browns and have me tell him which were darker/ligther etc. Once again, after a very realistic test, no errors. He said he didn't agree with the situation at all, but it was over his head.
I have used night vision, read army issued maps, read normal maps, hunted, and scuba dived without every having any problems telling color apart. I also know of an active duty SEAL, whom has gone through BUD/s, served mulitiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and has never had any problem whatsover. I might add that he has never passed a FALANT test ever, whether it be a military or civilian model.
Trust me, I'm not saying that the Navy should let in any person with color deficiency. I am saying that the Navy should look into offering waivers on a case by case basis. Really take a good look at each individual rather than just writing us all off as a group that can't see any colors. This simply isn't the case. The Army does it, the Marines do it, and I have recently learned the Airforce might do it also.
So while many of you tell us to quit our journey, I think that is the worst thing we could do. If I'm never able to become a SEAL, I want the future canidates who fail the color vision test to have a STRAIGHT answer as to what they cannot do. When someone wants something as bad as some of us do, sometimes the answer "just because that's the way it is", doesn't cut it. I have spent around 4 years, if not more trying to become a SEAL and although I've moved into another profession and prosperred, I will keep trying to get into the program regardless. I will be damned if some other unlucky bastard has to go through what I have just because I listened to people on the internet who told me to just accept it and move on. That's not an attitude I have ever had/I ever want to have/ever surround myself with people whom have that attitude.

Sincerely,

Kevin Kirk

[oldswabbie]

Kirk1,

I'm sorry you had your Waiver pulled, that does suck. But as Chief Cacy has said, and the Navy has said - No waviers for Color deficiencies. Maybe they need to revamp the tests, I dont know. Until they do - these are the rules and regulations. I will not sit here and tell these young men to keep fighting to become SEALS when they have no chance. To have them chasing down affadavits from every doctor in town will not help.

Yes Kevin it sucks, it really does. But until these regulations change thats the law. You can continue your fight to get the color test changed if you want, but until they are ......


OldSwabbie

[sahuaro12345]

Thanks Kirk1,
Who knows what can happen in the future, technology is advancing so quickly and policy changing everyday. I plan to go into the navy after college, so who knows what the policy will be in 4 years, it could change. Thanks for giving me hope for my dream.

[oldswabbie]

Thanks Kirk1,
Who knows what can happen in the future, technology is advancing so quickly and policy changing everyday. I plan to go into the navy after college, so who knows what the policy will be in 4 years, it could change. Thanks for giving me hope for my dream.

You never know ~ they can do some amazing things.


Oldswabbie

[BELCHER]

Kirkk1,

Would you mind shooting me an email, I have a question I would like to take offline? Email - seth_belcher@yahoo.com

Thanks

Belcher

[leadintheair]

Color blindness is a dis-qualifying condition. There are no waivers offered. The only Navy Special Warfare program that allows waivers for color defeciency is Navy Diver.

Chief Cacy
Navy Spec War Coordinator
Northwest Florida

I HUMBLY would like to bring up some information here. Straight from the Navy Website.


f. Eyesight Requirements: Uncorrected vision in the better eye can be no worse than 20/200 in each eye. Both eyes must be correctable to 20/20. Color deficiencies require BUMED approval. (Reference; Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, Chapter 15-105, paragraph 7a(c). NOTE. BUMED waiver request: Reference Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, Chapter 15-102, paragraph 3 and 3a.
g. Pass the Physical Screening Test (PST).


http://www.sealchallenge.navy.mil/seal/contractinstructions.aspx

I am having some similar issues to Kirk. I realize the consequences of letting someone who would be a liability in but I dont think I would be (chance that right?). Impossible to know for sure unless you ask someone who is a SEAL now with the same issue. Anyways, I just would like to get some comments from people way smarter and informed than I am on this...

Also, if you look here, on page 79, Item #5, it mentions waivers will be considered on a case by case basis.

http://navymedicine.med.navy.mil/Files/Media/mmd/MMDChapter15.pdf

Again, Im not trying to be a smart *** or anything, but wanted ask for some input. I could be misreading this as well...

[ssisk]

kkirk1,

I sent you an email a week ago or so. I had some questions about some of the things you said...if you could email me back that would be awesome...I'll give you my email if you did not get it or do not use that address anymore. It would be of amazing help to myself (and maybe you too) if you could get in touch with me.

Thanks

[kirkk1]

Sisk,
Apologies for not emailing you back sooner, that one slipped by. Just got it and replied.
Kevin

[leadintheair]

Any news/updates on your case?

And if you could, any advice to people with similar issues? Or to rephrase that, what all have you learned that you can pass on to people with similar issues? If you can, Im sure Im not the only one whod appreciate it.

[alexsmurray]

Leadintheair

I was able to use BUMED and those paragraphs you quoted to get a SEAL contract without waivers...and I am color blind. I did a lot of research and contacted a lot of people and ultimately I was correct...so shoot me a PM and tell me your situation and I may be able to help you a little.

Alex

[driftervash]

i wanted to do the sar program and i am also color blind....i have a 4 year contract! i got a postal clerk job because only 3 jobs came up! i have a highschool diploma and scored a 67 on the asvab! i was pretty excited to hear i can get a waiver and be a navy diver! can you get one for search and rescue? what do you guys think the problems i would eno****er in sar with color deficiency ? if there is no hope for sar what should i do to get into navy diver? i leave dec 2nd so i have time to get things cleared up!

thank you im very appreciative

charles

[deepdivin707]

Alexsmurray,

Would you mind sharing your story with us here on the forum? I am extremely curious as to what you did and whom you spoke with in order to get yourself a SEAL Challenge Contract although you're "color blind" by the US Navy's standards. I'm quite sure Kevin Kirk, Leadintheair, and many others, including myself, will find your story and information extraordinarily beneficial in our own quest to become Navy SEALs.

I can understand if there is certain information you don't want posted on a public forum but I would certainly be grateful and appreciateive if you could share a little something with us about how you got through the system with "color blindness" and how the rest of us with "color blindness" might be able to do the same and follow in your path.

I had come across the paragraphs mentioned before but when I was told by the recruiters and the recruiters' commander that an inability to pass the pseudoisochromatic plates(PIP) and/or the Farnsworth Lantern(FALANT) was disqualifying for SEAL duty or SEAL Operator status, I took that as being set in stone and thanked them for their time.

I look forward to hearing what you have to say. Thanks.

[alexsmurray]

So I'm moderately color blind. Like blue and purple is hard for me to tell and so on. But I also knew that I could see green and red lights just fine so I knew that I would be able to pass the FALANT test. It is actually a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. Before I went to MEPS I called around at local opthamologists and optometrists to see if I could take a practice FALANT and it was no biggie at all.

So I joined the DEP program back in February and I don't leave until this coming January. I joined this early because I knew that there would be problems with my colorvision. I have been totally colorblind my whole life, but I can see concrete colors for sure. Before I signed up I read up on the official rules in BUMED and like all of us color vision people know that if you fail the plate test you must pass the FALANT test to be considered colorvision adequate. So, I went to MEPS knowing that I could hopefully pass the FALANT and I did, but MEPS in all their wisdom said I was wrong and I could not get a contract.

I showed them the specific sections in the NAV MED manual (ch.15 section 36 and ch.15 section 115) and so on and they still said that I did not qualify. I then contacted RTC Great Lakes who contacted the Captain in charge of Naval Medical who then wrote me a personal email saying that I do qualify and to take that email to MEPS to get them to give my my SEAL contract.

I'm not exactly sure what to do if you fail the FALANT, but I personally wouldn't give up for anything. I personally would find out who your local SEAL mentor is and give him a call because mine definitely called some people who made other calls etc. and was EXTREMELY helpful.

[deepdivin707]

That's a very encouraging story. I appreciate you taking the time to write all that out. I am familiar with the BUMED Medical Manual and have printed out Chapter 15 in its entirety so that I can use that in the future if there are any problems at MEPS. Once again, thanks for sharing that story with us. It's very helpful to know that certain strings can be pulled in order to get an individual into training.