Blind People in the Military?

Category: Let's talk

Post 1 by HonorGuardBuglerUSReserve (Account disabled) on Saturday, 16-Jun-2007 21:14:38

So, do you guys think we should be able to serve our country in the military? Would it be possible? I would have been in the Marine Corps if I could see.

Post 2 by SingerOfSongs (Heresy and apostasy is how progress is made.) on Sunday, 17-Jun-2007 0:17:41

Honestly, no. I'm a big supporter of blind people being able to do almost anything, but I don't think so for the military. At least not in the regular way. I certainly think it'd be possible and workable to serve in civilian support rolls though, provided that it's not an area where combat would likely be going on. In a situation where combat is possible/likely we'd frankly be in the way most likely, and those fighting shouldn't have to worry about trying to protect someone that can't see what's going on.

Post 3 by fuzzy101 (The master of fuzz!!) on Sunday, 17-Jun-2007 2:20:12

I would think there would be some things we can do.
For instance someone said to me that blind people could probably do sonar since it's auditory and not visual.
But I would think there would be somethings we could do but not in a combatt zone.

Post 4 by HauntedReverie (doing the bad mango) on Sunday, 17-Jun-2007 8:28:43

lmfao. this board made me think of some story we were reading in english class last year or so, some war storyk maybe al quiet on the western front. We were joking in class about blind people joining the millitary.
Now, maybe like someone before me said, we could do sonar or something, but as much as I enjoy violance, I don't foresee us blindies marching out on the field, guns a blaze.

Post 5 by bozmagic (The rottie's your best friend if you want him/her to be, lol.) on Sunday, 17-Jun-2007 9:09:19

Blimd people in the bloody military? Er, no, never! We'd be killed almost instantly as we couldn't see anything that was happening. I suppose acoustic shooting would come in useful, but we wouldn't know when we were on target unless we had all the stands, lamps and everything set up. Blind people in the military just would, not, work, seriously.

Jen.

Post 6 by shea (number one pulse checking chicky) on Sunday, 17-Jun-2007 10:12:53

um, no! Even if there was something we could do. We wouldn't be able to defend ourselves or our country. People that aren't out in the fields fighting have still been known to be attacked. I think it would be totally unfare for the sighted fellow troopers. I'm sure some of them would feel obligated to help you get to cover, and in doing this, he could put his own life in danger.
So i'm sure we all know the answer to this stupid question!

Post 7 by fuzzy101 (The master of fuzz!!) on Sunday, 17-Jun-2007 12:39:19

I'm sure ther's plenty of jobs we could do back home, especially computer related stuff.

Post 8 by SingerOfSongs (Heresy and apostasy is how progress is made.) on Sunday, 17-Jun-2007 13:19:57

Shea, I don't think it to be a stupid question. We as blind people are always trying (or should be at least) to push the limits that society puts on us because of our blindness. And while my post esentially agreed with yours, things like this have crossed my mind before. How far should we push for equality, and what situations should we not?

Post 9 by Caitlin (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Sunday, 17-Jun-2007 14:27:58

We could be the blind drummer boys and girls. JK. Lol no, I don't think we could do very much. Sorry.

Post 10 by Reyami (I've broken five thousand! any more awards going?) on Sunday, 17-Jun-2007 21:29:31

no, we couldn't join the military. too terrifying

Post 11 by shea (number one pulse checking chicky) on Sunday, 17-Jun-2007 21:36:32

the point to stop pushing for equality, as you put it. Is when, not only yourself can be injured, but your also putting others at harms risk!
Stop and think of others in this situation! Is it that important for you to hav equality?
shea

Post 12 by speedie (move over school!) on Friday, 22-Jun-2007 12:02:22

Youlot are dangerous enough with sight, with the increase in friendly fire, I'm not sure if this hasn't already happened

Stevie