Expert: Howard Lorenz - 10/23/2007

Question
Hey Howard,
My name is John DeWire, and I've recently decided that a career as an Airforce PJ might be for me. I am confident in my abilities to pass all required physical fitness requirements, however reading "normal color vision" as one of the requirements for this elite unit, has dashed my growing hopes. I am very slightly color blind. I've been reading about color blindness and its effects on eligibility in the armed forces and have found a myriad of answers. I've read some testimonies of guys denied any chances of a fighting unit because of colorblindness. I've also read that upon failing a color vision test, that you are tested to see that you can tell the difference between "vivid red" and "vivid Green". I know I could pass such a test, as my colorblindness is minute. I am not interested in any position in the Air Force save with that elite unit, and I don't want to join, fail a test and be forced to clean floors for the remainder of my enlistment. Any information you have regarding this requirement, would be greatly appreciated.

 Thanks for your Time
 John

Answer
John,

The recruiter has or should have a color vision test on his computer. If you can pass this test , with 100% you will be able to go as a PJ based on the other qualifing factors.. I have had the pleasure in counceling atleast 50 individual in your shoes that were color blind.

I am not sure if you have spoken with a recruiter as of yet, or if you have had the pleasure of speaking with a PJ, but the schooling is intense. It is unforgiving. You have to have the mental stability as well as the physical capacity. Out of 1200 applicants per year only 20 make it. Classes start with approx 20 guys, only 1 to 2 per class graduate as a norm.

The other thing that will tell you is that IF you think that you might have the slightest problem passing the eye exam for colorblindness, go to you eye doc and have him test you, if you pass, take this to the MEPS with you and if you fail up there , you can show that you did pass a color vision test. I am not sure if it will work, all MEPS stations are different in what they will except, but it couldnt hurt.

The last thing that I will tell you is that I had many of you that were dead set on nothing but being that PJ. My question to you is what if....What if you dont make the cut? What then? Are you going to cut your nose off to spite your face because you cant see doing anything else? Ill tell you as a PJ in training, You will clean more floors than that person who is in services learing how to be a chef, than the Secrutiy Forces trainee, or the Space Comm guys. WE ALL CLEAN FLOORS!! Even me and I have been it the Air Force now for 19 years.

If you are looking into a PJ job, then go try to get it, but ALL the jobs in the Air Force:
1. PAY THE SAME
2.Carry the same benies
3.Have the same chances for advancement.

So if you for some reason can not get the PJ job, there are other jobs that you can do in the Air Force being colorblind. REMEMBER, We did not make you colorblind, but we still have a place for you...

The PJ's may be the Eliete....No doubt about that just because of the training they have to endure. But they are not the only thing smokin. One Team..One Fight. The Air Force is a total team concept. I can guarantee you that if you decide not to join because you can not have PJ, you will be kicking yourself later on in life.

I hope that I wasnt too blunt or harsh, and that I answered your question or questions. If I did not help, please hit me again...

HW