It wasnt when I tried to join, back in the late seventies, got through my, interview induction, and 99% of my medical, right up to the point of the eye test (I had better than perfect vision wearing my spec) failed. After two months of trying to find out why, I was told Im quite severely colour blind. A Protanope, it seems, cannot be come a radio artificer, well not back then anyway. I was not offered another typeof naval job, or other training. I guess they had their fill of seamen at the time. Up until then, all I had ever wanted to do was join the navy.
When someone is an equal opportunities employer, they still need people suitable for the job. If your not capable of doing the job, you cannot have it. I don't know exactly what a radio artificer does, but if it included wiring jobs where you have to differenciate between coloured wires, with the best will in the world, a severely colourblind person may not be able to carry that job out. Regardsless of race, ethnic origin, sexual inclination, beliefs, faiths or physical or mental imparement, the British Armed Forces and MoD can
consider you for employment in a
suitable position.
Yeah the last line is that you'l most likely get sent into a warzone and loose your friends and quite possibly yourself. The prospect of money, free clothes, food and accommodation is nothing compared to human life.
See, every job has a down side.
As long as you are aware of both sides, it's an option that may be considered. I know alot of people who have not been to a war zone and a lot of them have. Only a few have died, but many, many more have not.
As a career, the Forces have a lot to offer and i for one am coming to the end of mine. I'm going on to do other things, but i have not regretted for a minute my time in. OK, maybe there were one or two moments when i thought 'What have i put myself in this position', but they were fleeting and rare.
If anyone is considering a career in the Armed Forces, all i will say is this. By all means listen to what the AFCO has to say, but, if you get the opportunity, ask a serving or ex member what it is really like. Get a rounded view and weigh up the pro's and con's. Be honest with yourself and make sure it is what YOU want to do. Don't be pressured into it, but you can do a lot worse.
Yes there are risks, but if you look at the gains; self respect, achievment, camraderie, good wages, trade training, board and lodgings, travel, experience, job security, possible pensionable engagment, diversity, good natured inter service banter and a couple of medals as well as stories for the camp fire, there's a lot available.
). My very faded, silk lined hat fit's a dream! 
