Hello All,

My name is Nick, and I've become very interested in a career as a CCT. I've looked over a lot of information including the PAST requirements, the pipeline schools, and all of the other info on this and other sites. However, it wasn't until tonight that I saw the requirement for normal color vision.

I'm a private pilot in the civilian world, and when I took my flight physical prior to getting my license, I found out that I am red/green color blind. Is this an automatic disqualifier? Is there the possibility of getting an Exception to Policy letter for this?

I've been getting up to speed on all the physical requirements of CCT/PJ, and I REALLY want that beret. Any info you guys have, please pass it along!

Thanks,

Nick Landolfi

I just took the MEPS physical yesterday and they tested color vision with the "hidden numbers in the colored dots test", you must pass this to determine normal color vision. If you can't see red or green you would have a problem, since aircraft jump caution lights are red and green, among other reasons. Get retested to make sure, and don't give up until all options are exhausted.

There are advancements to the fields of color vision. Consider doing some research.

Hey guys,

Yeah, the test with the colored dots is the one I "failed". In the civilian world, I was able to get a "demonstrated ability waiver". I just had to have an FAA guy flash colored lights at me from the Control Tower. All I had to do was tell an examiner what colors were being flashed.

Oddly enough, I have no difficulty distinguishing red from green or any other color. I never knew I was "deficient" until I took that physical.

Anyway, thanks for the replies...

Regards,

Nick

I knew a PJ, who is now a CCT officer, that is totally color blind. They stopped him at MEPS. He asked why he had to have color vision. The reply was to read maps. After he pointed out that his civilian job was as a surveyer, they gave him a waiver. He is a good man with a good career, so there is hope for you also. I just don't know the specifics. Remember another of KJ's laws of military bullsnorkle; "Don't take 'NO' from anyone not empowered to say 'YES'".

I can see if someone only sees black and white (which is a very rare case), but as we can see here, there are cases where people who cannot see the full spectrum of colors are allowed in the career field. I think it's a miss understanding of the color deficient population. Other than not being able to match your clothes, any ideas on when being color deficient may become a liability?