Expert: Rod Powers - 10/13/2007

Question
QUESTION: Dear Sir:
I am a 3rd at Virginia Military Institute. (2nd year of college)  Currently, I am a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship recipient and am struggling with a couple of issues. I have a degree of color blindness, my admission vision testing showed 7 of 14 plates passed on the Dvorine Test and as a result of that, I was given the vivid Red and Green and PASSED.  I have been focused on Airborne, Rangers or Special Forces and have had conflicting information about the color blindness as disqualifying.  I do have 20/20 vision acuity.   Secondly,I have been looking hard at the Marine Corps also and I'm trying to make a distinction and final decision. I definitely am interested in infantry and plan a career in the military. The color blindness issue is one that I want to resolve - or perhaps a site that is official that can give me confirmation.  I would also appreciate any guidance or thoughts on the two branches Army/Marines with regard to infantry and specialized forces opportunities.  Thank you for your time and response, Sir.  Lincoln Splettstoesser

ANSWER: Hi Lincoln,

Rangers and Special Forces do not require *normal* color vision. However, they require the ability to be able to discriminate between "vivid red," and "vivid green." This is why you were given the extra test.

This is certainly not mean't as a "criticism," but a few years ago, I wrote an article called "Knowledge is Power." You can read it at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/publicationsregulations/a/knowledge.htm.

If you want to be sucessful as a Military officer, then the best thing you can learn is the ability to research Military regulations. If you don't know what the regulations say, and how to find it, how do you expect to command your troops?

Okay, off my "soap box." You get the point, I'm sure.

In your particular case, you're looking for Army Regulation Army Regulation 40-501 - STANDARDS OF MEDICAL FITNESS, which can be read on my site at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyreg/l/blar40501.htm, or on the official Army Regualtion website at: http://www.usapa.army.mil/usapa_pubs.htm

In this case, I'll give you a "head start." You'll want to check out Chapter 5 of Army Regulation (again, at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyreg/l/blar40501.htm).

This chapter explains medical qualifications for Airborne Training, Special Forces Training, Ranger Training, etc.

Again, I'm not trying to be "mean," here. But you're three years into a prestigious Military Institute. How is is that you've not yet been taught how to look up Military regualtions? If you do become a Military officer, this is be a very, very, very, very, very, large part of your duties.

How could a commissioned officer ever expect to advise or lead his/her subordinates, if he/she didn't know how to look up the regulations which may apply to a particular situation?

For additional information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information Site at: http://usmilitary.about.com.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your information Sir--I had found most of it upon receiving your response. My intent simply was to cross reference data I located and to make very sure that I had sufficient information. Actually, since I am a 3rd class cadet, I am a sophomore and in my second year at VMI.  I believe I will have the complete package by the time I complete my cadetship.  I stumbled across your web site and found it interesting.  I am just a firm believer in gathering all the information and I appreciate your time and response.

VMI is indeed a prestigious school and I am honored to have the privilege to attend.  Thank you for your response and reminder of an officer's qualifications.  I am confident I will measure up.  I look forward to reading your article.

Sincerely,

Lincoln Splettstoesser

Answer
Hi Lincoln,

I have no doubt you have the potential to make an excellent officer.  Good luck!

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information Site at: http://usmilitary.about.com. Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com