Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 10/3/2008

Question
my 19 y.o. son just took the ASVAB (85), had his MEPS physical and just found out that he may be color blind. He was told
to get his eyes checked by an opthomoligist. He is interested
and qualifies for Nuclear  provided he's not color blind
any suggestions on actions to take

Thanks in advance  

Answer
Dear Joe --

I recommend he learn how to read the color blind test cards.  Sometimes a new recruit just doesn't know what the tester is asking him to see in those cards.  This is much like not seeing the alternative view in a optical illusion picture.

If it turns out he is actually color blind, he will not be able to be in Navy Nuke or electronics.  Being able to distinguish the color of the wires and key components is too critical to the mission to be waiverable.

There are other excellent career fields in the Navy and in other services even if he is color blind.  If he is open to other careers, and not set on Navy Nuke, he can still get a great Navy job.

Please write back, if you have other questions.  Good luck to him.