Expert: Howard Lorenz - 5/4/2008

Question
I have a color blindness problem. I've been to a recruiter, we took the tests, and he printed out a list of jobs that I could do. Problem is, none of them are what I wanted to do. Another thing, I had seen another list of jobs that was longer that included Security Forces. I'm most interested in Combat Control, Fire Rescue, and Security Forces. Is there any way I could get a waiver if I prove myself otherwise qualified? I mean I can see colors just fine, it's just when those colored dot tests are put in front of me that I have a hard time.

Answer
I had guys like you when I was recruiting....and they all suffered the same fate. Either take the job or see ya..

This is what I told all them as well ....

I know that you are very interested in the CC, FR & SF....but these are all jobs that require color vision. Since there are no waivers for exception to policy, why not use the Air Force to your benifit?

Unless you plan on making the Air Force a 20 year career, then take a job that gets you in....use the education benifits to take courses in what you are interested in  and then get out when you have had enough....

The problem is that the AF is not going to bend on this issue. Its not your fault that you are colorblind, those were just the cards that you were dealt....so you can either play what you have or fold.... All the jobs in the Air Force pay the same pay and you get the same benifits....use it to you advantage and get what you can get out of the free education and then get out and do what you want.... Its a win Win situation still...