Officer - Color Vision - Spec Ops:

Grey-man

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Apr 20, 2024
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4
To Whom It May Concern,

I am currently a committed USAFA Appointee who is trying to find career options in the Air Force that do not involve riding a desk and preferably involve jumping out of a plane.

Problem: My vision is 20/05 (better than 20/20, the doctor does not have anything smaller to show me for testing) however, I cannot meet color vision standards. Research indicates that the Test USAF uses is the Rabin CCT. I scheduled an appointment with a civilian doc to take the test. Although I can see all three spectrums tested, I cannot pass the Red spectrum with a high enough score to qualify for rated positions.

All my research seems to indicate that all USAF Spec Ops is off-limits for officers who cannot pass the color vision test.

I have seen that is possible for PJs to receive color vision waivers. Is it possible for a CRO to get a color vision waiver? Is there anyone on here who would know the ins and outs of USAF Officer Spec Ops color vision-related items? If not, does anyone know USAF jobs that do not involve a desk that I can qualify for? (Otherwise, I might just have to knock a few walls over and lateral transfer to USMC or Army Ground)
 
Thanks for the heads up brother. I got it.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am currently a committed USAFA Appointee who is trying to find career options in the Air Force that do not involve riding a desk and preferably involve jumping out of a plane.

Problem: My vision is 20/05 (better than 20/20, the doctor does not have anything smaller to show me for testing) however, I cannot meet color vision standards. Research indicates that the Test USAF uses is the Rabin CCT. I scheduled an appointment with a civilian doc to take the test. Although I can see all three spectrums tested, I cannot pass the Red spectrum with a high enough score to qualify for rated positions.

All my research seems to indicate that all USAF Spec Ops is off-limits for officers who cannot pass the color vision test.

I have seen that is possible for PJs to receive color vision waivers. Is it possible for a CRO to get a color vision waiver? Is there anyone on here who would know the ins and outs of USAF Officer Spec Ops color vision-related items? If not, does anyone know USAF jobs that do not involve a desk that I can qualify for? (Otherwise, I might just have to knock a few walls over and lateral transfer to USMC or Army Ground)
Sup dude. I got you. Send me a dm, we will go from there.
 
I trust amlove has you squared away. My random 2 cents is that there are flight surgeon consultancy services. These are retired/still serving Air Force docs who have a side hustle of helping out people in similar situations to yours. Probably costs a few hundred dollars an hour/visit, but I think the idea is that you meet with them and they use their rank and "x years of experience as a USAF flight surgeon" to write a letter stating what the issue is and why they think it is a non-factor.

When I went into my flight physical I knew there were some things that would get asked about, so I spent a few months beforehand using personal connections to get letters ready ahead of time. I strolled into my MEPS/ flight appointments with signed letters from all sorts of doctors stating I was healthy as can be in case anyone gave me a hard time. Your experience will be a different one, since it seems inevitable that you will need to go through the waiver process. Good luck, I have heard of crazier things happening.
 
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