They had a career day at school this past week. In the morning the kids took tests, then in the afternoon, they got to talk to various people who were visiting the school talking about possible career options.
It was during this little career investigation that Chance came across a career that he was told he would not be able to do because he is deaf.
A marine came to one of Chance's classes and was telling the kids about being a marine. One of Chance's best friends from school raised his hand and asked if Chance would be able to join the marines with his implants.
The marine asked what kind of implants they were. Chance's friend replied they helped Chance to hear. The marine then said that you could not be in the marines with poor hearing.
This did not set well with Chance. I asked Chance if he had asked his friend to ask the question about the implants and he said no he didn't.
On the way home from school, Chance was telling me that, "these people don't know what they are talking about! I can hear just fine!"
I think this may be the first time that Chance has been told that he can not do something because he is deaf. Obviously, Chance does not agree that this would hinder him in being a marine.
Most times if Chance was told that he could not do something because he was deaf, I would be right there with Chance telling him that he could do anything he wanted to do and he didn't need to worry about the opinion of others.
I understand though how being a marine and being deaf could be problematic. If Chance's implants come off in combat or for any other reason, he can not hear. And sending in an interpreter with him into battle to sign for him all the commands that are issued is not really feasible.
Technology as it stands now for deaf and hard of hearing people would not do well in the marines where you are put in some of the most dangerous situations in the world. When you can't hear or there is the possibility that your "ears" can fall off (or be blown off), this can cause problems for you and for the men and women who are serving with you. Not because as a deaf person you are not capable. It is the nature of the communication between troops and the noise and chaos that ensues in some situations the marines are involved in. You have to be able to communicate with your team.
So, for now with the present technology, I can see how being deaf in the marines would be a problem. I don't rule out future technology and other possibilities though. Chance does not feel he is held back at all by being deaf, so he'd be open to other possibilities.
Who knows, maybe in a few years, there will be a technology advancement that makes it possible for Chance to be a marine while being deaf.
I never rule out any possibilities with that kid.
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