Waiver for Normal color perception?

[MichaelG]

I found out some dissapointing news when I was going to threw the list of jobs in the Marines. On my enlistment package checklist it says normal color perception and its checked no. No im not colorblind at all. I can tell you what color is what what and so on. Now when i was going threw to pick my job about 75% of them say normal color perception. I was really wanting MP but i cant, i wanted to be a helicopter crew chief but i cant, i wanted to operate tanks but i cant. Things im stuck with is like Mechanic(i have no problem with because i work at a lube shop) infantry and some other stuff im not interested in. I really was dissapointing, would i be able to get a waiver for this? Could i just retake the color test thing and not go threw meps all over again?

[Kildars]

Yes you could re take the test at Meps, you have to show suffice reason to go back though, when I went back to get my hearing re done, I went back for what they called an, "Inspect." Its like you're gonna ship. you re do height, weight, hands feet etc..then you go do your one tests and you're free to leave. You still have to go to the hotel though -- and spend the night. Whether or not you can get it waivered I would not know, good luck though.

[FooDawg]

I did a little bit of quick research for you real quick the same way I did for my own health issues before I was sent to MEPs. It seems like the general consensus is that in some fields, you will be able to get waivers for them regardless of your color status. Check with your recruiter and have him/her really do a lot of research in all the new directives they just got in April or something. All my information could be outdated since I don't have physical access to those directives. Also, remember that the USMC is a department of the Navy, so both branches have the same testing. So point is, if you want to do some self research a little deeper (which I definately recommend), do it for both branches.

Which eye test were you given at MEPs?? Explain it to us if you can and maybe I can find some information on how accurate and stuff it is for you to help you understand what happened since you didn't even know you had an eye issue before this (what I got from your post).
Thanks.

[MichaelG]

The test was a cicle with a number in it and you had to call out the number. I thought I had gotten them all right, she didnt even tell me that I failed or past. I could be a mistake I dont know.

[MichaelG]

It was like this: http://www.geocities.com/heartland/8833/coloreye.html (http://www.geocities.com/heartland/8833/coloreye.html), and I find it funnny that i had gotten all of those right.

[FooDawg]

"The Ishihara, PIPIC 24 Plate Edition, Color Vision Testing Made Easy are very sensitive and the "hardest" tests to pass if you are even slightly color deficient."
Also on that site is this information that may answer any of your genetic questions and such.
http://colorvisiontesting.com/

Here is an explanation of how the test works also and a pretty decent site from the looks of it on the test itself:
http://www.toledo-bend.com/colorblind/Ishihara.html

That is the name of the test and a little bit of info I pulled up on it. You may want to do some brute force research online about the test and military waivers. If anything, TALK TO YOUR RECRUITER. If you have already, tell us what he/she said about the situation.
Thanks MichaelG and we are here to help, so if you have anymore questions, or need help finding some info, let us know.

[FooDawg]

Another interesting thing I found out that may be the reason why some jobs won't allow you to enlist, but it confuses me why your aloud to enlist 03XX when map reading is a skill needed for that job:

"Weather forecasts- especially the Weather Channel - where certain colors just can not be distinguished on their weather maps. Also, maps in general because of the color coding on the legends."

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

Many of the 03 jobs are closed as well. Maybe you'll have better luck, but I went through the same thing, and the people told me that no waivers are available for color vision issues. Being color blind, I think I have a more realistic view of the situation than those making the rules... and they blow things out of proportion. Color vision issues aren't what some people think they are, and it isn't as limiting as many believe it is. In fact, you could well be color blind, and just not know it, many men are. Regardless, there are still some great jobs out there, just not some of the more "high profile" jobs like MP, recon, etc.

[Static_Sky25]

Also, remember that the USMC is a department of the Navy, so both branches have the same testing. So point is, if you want to do some self research a little deeper (which I definately recommend), do it for both branches.

But I heard USMC was going to be seperated from the Dept of the navy... ?

[Kildars]

But I heard USMC was going to be seperated from the Dept of the navy... ?

It's not going to be seperated really, they're just trying to get their own section. "The Dept of the Navy, and the Marine Corps." not just "The mens dept of the navy."

[FooDawg]

As of right now, I think they are still a part of the Dept of Navy so as of right now the rules of the Navy medical stuff applies I believe. I could be wrong though.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

They aren't going to seperate. That would force the Marines to do things like have medics, doctors, chaplains, etc. It would cost millions and wouldn't accomplish much of anything. Its worked for 230 years, I don't see a need to change it now.

[ZMielens]

dude im color blind to. i had a whole lot of things open to me still. the problem for you might also be that the end of the recruiting fiscal year is this month so the recruiters don't have all the job jobs they could offer you open; limiting your choice even further. talk to your recruiter and see if you can wait until october (the start of the new fiscal year) and see if there's any more contract options for you. trust me on this one.

[MichaelG]

Alright my recruiter told me that its not that im colorblind its that I may have taken to long to answer the questions. If i do sign a contract soon it will be for 0331.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

Unless you're going to be a reservist it will be for 03XX not 0331.

[ZMielens]

Took to long to answer what questions?

You'll be assigned your infantry job not pick it. You'll only have some say if your scores on the ASVAB are up to par. its still a good deal; I signed up for it.

[MichaelG]

So if i choose infantry they will put me where i scored the best?

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

They will put you where they need you. If there are multiple openings they may decide to give you what you ask for, but there is no promise. The "needs of the Corps" dictate where you will go.

[ZMielens]

its all good though. 0300 is the "cock and balls" of the Marines every thing else is like a "jockstrap". they're there to support you. if you go 0300 youll be as bad as dog's breath no matter what. sign that "UH" contract!!

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

WOW, I just got called a jock strap. I'm pretty sure I should be offended. But I suppose I'm not. But, just to be clear if anyone, with any MOS, would have said that to me while I was in uniform the fight would have been on... even though the idea that every MOS is there to support the 0311's is true. But then, that applies to the other 03 MOS's as well.

[ZMielens]

no disrespect was intented. just trying to but thing into prospective for the poolies. lol.

[xyourlocaldjx]

I don't understand why they are telling so many people they are color blind. I know for damn sure I am not. I even offered to go to an optometrist and prove to them that I wasn't but they still said no. I think they are pulling my chain here. It makes no sense for them to deny a 3rd party professional opinion. Those color cards with numbers blended in them are simple. I have no problems with my eyes except I am a bit nearsighted. I wasn't even wearing my glasses throughout the physical. I think I'm going to go an optometrist anyways, get my eyes fully checked and show them that I wasn't kidding.

[xyourlocaldjx]

To add on to my previous post..So it is possible to go retake the test at MEPS. My question would be, can I go to an opthamologist, get my records, show them to my recruiter and go by those records instead of the MEPS records? I think I figured out why they thought something was wrong with my eyes, and they were wrong.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

xyyourlocal... if you failed the test you do not have normal color vision. It is quite possible to not know you have the problem, and then find out at MEPS. I know I am color blind, and I can pass the test with the cards all day long.

If you really believe you aren't color blind you may be able to request a falent lamp exam once you are in the Marine Corps. Of course, that won't help you now. And if that is the test they gave you at MEPS you're out of luck.

They don't accept third party opinions because they don't want to. They are under no obligation to change their routine to allow you to prove something to them. They followed the procedure and you were eliminated from whatever program you were wanting due to this issue. There are plenty of jobs out there for you. I couldn't pick any of the top jobs on my list either. There is nothing that can be done about it, the rules are the rules.

[Goducks15]

I was wondering, I am pretty sure that I can pass the color vision test, but if i cant what jobs will be open for me to do?