As someone with hemochromatosis and color blindness, is it true that there are no military opportunities, even civilian jobs?

Aidan Lally — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 07:04:15 -0500

I've recently learned that hemochromatosis is a disqualifier for any future in the military. But is this 100% true? Are there really no opportunities for me, even in non-combat positions? I spoke with a National Guard recruiter a few years ago, and he told me that I was disqualified, but only because I was then on anxiety medicine. He said that if I were to get off of the medicine, then I would become eligible. However, nearly everyone else, not recruiters, have said that I would be disqualified for having hemochromatosis from every military opportunity. My hemochromatosis does not limit me yet, only in that I need to limit the amount of iron I consume, so I'm not sure why that'd prevent me from having a career in a civilian military area, such as the Army Corps of Engineers. It's been my dream to serve since forever, and I really would love some clarification or even advice.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2020 8:07 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 08:07:43 -0500

While color blindness would only limit the jobs you could have in the military, hemochromatosis is a disqualifying condition of the hepatic-biliary tract. Though it may be easy to manage on the civilian side, it would become exponentially more difficult when you are stuck eating MREs, whatever the Army provides in Mermites, or living on local sustenance overseas... especially without ready access to labs and medical care. There is also the potential that you could develop liver disease, heart disease/arrhythmias, or further endocrine issues due to hemochromatosis. If that happens after you enlist, the military/VA would be on the hook for your future disability payments/medical care.

The good news is that most medical issues won't limit you from civilian employment with the military or government as long as they don't prevent you from doing your job.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 25 at 2020 12:01 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 12:01:50 -0500

While restricted from military service, most federal positions are not allowed to discriminate medically, with a few a ceptions. However, there are restrictions even on civilian feds for positions required deployment to remote locations. It will take some research.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 25 at 2020 1:11 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 13:11:23 -0500

So you have encountered one of the long historic traditions in the military. People talking about stuff they don’t know anything about.

If you want to join work with the recruiters and meps staff. They are the only ones who will pass/fail you on entering the military.

As for civilian Military I assume you are referring to civilians who work for the military. Civilians generally have different standards for employment. Most civilians who work as a contractor or GS for the DOD are prior service, retired or Medical retirees who know longer meet the standards for military service. Unless the specific job has a requirement that prohibits color blindness I think you’ll be fine.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 25 at 2020 1:13 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 13:13:07 -0500

It won’t impact you as a civilian employee unless you have a deployment clause in your contract

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 26 at 2020 12:49 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 12:49:54 -0500

I can see why the hemochromatosis could be disqualifying for military service. The advanced treatment requires actually bleeding (removing blood from body). Additionally, color blindness will limit the MOS or AFSC in which you could serve. I think civil service might be the best way to go.

Look at usajobs.com for civilian job opportunities. Limit your search to DoD or the Service you want to work for. I can't see a reason that the hemochromatosis would limit your ability to serve in many civilian career fields. It might limit your ability to work in remote or austere locations where medical support would be limited. Hemochromatosis might make you "disabled", thus putting you in a protected class that protects you from discrimination due to your disability. I was surprised when diabetes made me "disabled" as an Army Civilian. Colorblindness shouldn't limit you from many career fields. I worked with Army Civilians who were colorblind. They held jobs in which color distinction was not important.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Mar 23 at 2021 5:23 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:23:19 -0400

You have a preexisting condition that has you on medication. The government will not allow you to enlist with a condition that would give you disability for something that could occur after one enlisted