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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Master at Arms and Color Blindness
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Question
Greetings! My name is Alex and I've enlisted with the US Navy DEPS and my shipdate is 20090202. My rate is HM though I'm not actually looking forward to this career. At MEPS I was disqualified from a lot of rates due to have a degree of color blindness. I failed both of the tests they gave me at MEPS so my rate selection was very minimal. I scored a 62 on my ASVAB and I know I qualify for that rate though with this color blindness, I feel that I may change that position.
The reason why I want a new rate is because I know I won't be able to handle with blood. Thinking about giving/taking blooding, seeing it, etc. just makes me sick to my stomach. I want a rate that has a high clearance as well as something that I am on my feet. Yeomen was an option, though admin work isn't something that I would want to do for 5+ years. What suggestions do you have or even rates you could suggest switching to? Thanks!
Having color blindness and failing both color test limits you to just a handful of jobs, less than 5 per service, pretty much all the same job.
The only thing I can suggest is try it out or try to switch to a paper pusher job. You may find you enjoy one of these jobs and will have a rewarding time of service.
Think about it and talk to your recruiter more to help guide you.
Good luck
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Answers by Expert:
John L
Expertise
I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.
Experience
13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.
Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting
Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.
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