Should The U.S. Army Permit Deaf Soldiers?

Photo: Keith Nolan joined the Reserve Officers Training Corps about a year ago, where he has excelled in academic and field training. His superiors say he has all the makings of a model soldier. The problem is, the Army doesn’t accept deaf soldiers. Courtesy Keith Nolan

Keith Nolan Pushes Boundaries By Challenging Military On Deaf Soldiers -- Gazettenet.com

NORTHAMPTON - With relatives who fought in World War II, Keith Nolan has long dreamed of following in their footsteps and joining the Army.

About a year ago he joined the Reserve Officers Training Corps, and has excelled in the program's classroom and field training activities. He has all the makings of a model soldier, except for one thing: he's deaf.

While Nolan maintains there are plenty of non-combat roles he and other deaf people could fill, U.S. military policy does not allow deaf people to enlist.

He's trying to change that.

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My Comment: I can understand why he would not be suitable for "front-line" work at some FOB .... but I am also sure that there must be a some place in the military that he can be accepted without his handicap.