I saw a notice at the top of the board about posing this question elsewhere, but I thought it more suitable here due to a specific concern of mine.
I'm a 27 year old male lacking "normal color vision." I'm red-green color blind which of course doesn't mean I am "blind" to those colors. Is this a disqualifier for service with the CG as a commissioned officer?
Other notations about myself, I am currently a law enforcement officer, I supervise non-sworn personnel, am a college grad (six years ago) with good grades and a B.S., two years as a biology teacher and part-time EMT/paramedic right out of college.
I should add to the above that I actually hope to go to law school next fall and would more realistically pursue CG affiliaction as a direct commission position, but I am interested in a lot of facets of the Coast Guard so I thought I'd ask what you see above. Thanks for reading.
Straight from the Coast Guard Medical Manual Chapter 3, Section 3, Enrollment as an officer Candidate, 3.E.3.b.(3) "Normal color perception" is listed as a requirement.
A waiver can likely be requested but given the current economy and the highly selective nature of the program it's inlikely one would be granted especially if there were equally qualified candidates who would not need such a waiver. You never know unless you ask though. I'd hit up your local recruiter.
As the above poster said - go for a waiver if you wish. That said - I have never heard of a color vision waiver for a commision. Matter of fact, just read a message for an in-service application process and it was clear - no waivers for color vision will be granted.
