Expert: Rod Powers - 12/2/2007

Question
Hi SGT Powers,

First I would like to thank you for your service to our country and the service you provide by answering our questions.

My son, soon to be 20 years old wanted to be a military pilot after college.  But during his medical for entry into the USCG academy we discovered he was color deficient and could not be a pilot.  The Dr. said he would give him a waiver though because he can distinguish color.  My son decided against a military career since he would not be able to fly and past up going to several four year colleges he had been accepted to.

He is now in community college majoring in Fire Science.  He is currently a Vol. Firefighter and nationally registered EMT-Basic and working as paid EMT.  In high school he completed 4 years of Air Force JROTC ending as a Cadet Lt. Col.

Now he is trying to get a job as a Firefighter/EMT at various departments. However, I fear his color deficiency will stop him from doing this as most departments want "normal" color vision.  Sorry for all the back ground but they are pertinent to my questions.

1.  Will a color deficiency disqualify him from being an Air Force Firefighter?

2.  Will his background in firefighting/EMT and AFJROTC be beneficial to him in attaining a career in the Air Force?

Thanks,

Jim

P.S.

I have read many of your responses to color blindness questions and I appreciate your advice.  

Answer
Hi Jim,

As far as I've been able to determine, there are not specific color vision standards for Air Force enlisted firefighters (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforceenlistedjobs/a/afjob3e7x1.htm).

That's the good news. The bad news is that, of all the services (with the exception of the Coast Guard), the Air Force offers the fewest "guaranteed jobs." (See: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/joiningup/a/recruiter3_3.htm).

That's just part of it. The active duty Air Force is currently undergoing a major "down-sizing." As part of this, they are eliminating many enlisted jobs, in favor of hiring "contractors." Most Air Force bases are going to contractor firefighting operations, and -- because of this -- your son's chances of getting an enlisted firefighting position in the Air Force are small -- very small.

I wish I had better news.....

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