Medical waivers for MarSOC?

[WTS03]

How are the regulations on medical waivers to get into A&S? As far as color vision and hearing?

I'm not talking completely colorblind only barely a fail on the PIP test for red/green. Missed by one page in Meps 3 years or so ago. I'm not so sure "studying" the PIP test book would work, I've had that suggested to me, but Ive also heard they do multiple tests and have different PIP books. No point trying to cheat the system if I can get a waiver, and Id rather not try to lie about the medical anyway.

As far as hearing, I have hearing loss from deployment...I can get by without hearing aids just fine but cant hear high pitch beeps like a watch makes or some women with high pitch voices when they talk(not always a bad thing).

I did PM Shark11, however his last activity says September. Id like to start my medical screening before I deploy so I can finish it overseas and possibly go to A&S when I get back.

[egspot]

I left My Marine Corp in 1979 for inactive Reserve. After getting my Degree, I tried to get back into OCS. I was a Recon Frog/ Jumper and because of a 10% deficit on my hearing (blowing off stuff and shooting a 45 without ear plugs in the heat of the moment) and with a waiver, I could only do Supplies or some other supporting role with a commission.

You should understand the needs of your team/unit over rides your will to go where you want to. I would not even want to know why and the fact that you could sign a waiver does not mean at some point you may become or not a healthy liability in a hot zone.

You can always train for your eye test and become better. Your hearing can probably be improve with some kind of alternative therapy. You should concentrate on being able to perform as an operational member.

You could also consider being a part of the network of men who support the activities of Special operations community.

My 2 cents

[Silverbullet]

On this issue you really need to call the contact number and ask them directly. Members can give you ideas but it won't mean anything unless it has the cmd's stamp or approval and that can't be done until they look at your medical records and evaluate you.

Good luck.

[WTS03]

I have contacted SSgt.XXXXXXXXXXXXX and already have a package in the works. My question however is geared more towards anyone who has or has known directly anyone with these problems and how much it affected them in getting a slot for A&S. I have not taken a new eye exam yet and my hearing is bad in some frequencies but does not affect anything work related so far as I can tell. I plan on getting the physical regardless of what the outcome is here, but I want to find out my chances regardless and any others personal stories on the subject.

[Just Call Me Doc]

What you will need is an NSW/SO physical and the specifics physical requirements are located in MANMED P-117 Chapter 15, section 105.

For your color vision, if you fail the PIP test you should be able to take the FALANT test twice before being marked as failing for color vision (the FALANT test has a series of two lights that are red, green, or white). Waivers are controlled by BUMED (the bigwig Navy medical). From what I've seen, waivers tend to be difficult to get for color blindness. As for your hearing, that will depend on your specific results from your audiogram. Not quite sure how often they're giving out waivers for hearing loss.

My advice would to just go ahead and get the physical done and see what your results are. If you fail the PIP test, make sure they let you take the FALANT test. If you fail the audiogram, retake it a week or so later. Sometimes everyday noise can affect your hearing results and giviing your ears a rest the day before the test can help if you're close to the thresholds. If you still fail either, than have your MO submit a waiver to BUMED and see what they say.

You can PM me if you have any other questions.