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Deaf Man Battling To Join Army After Auditing ROTC

NORTHRIDGE (AP) — A deaf man, who was allowed to audit an Army Reserve Officers Training Corps' program, says he is not giving up on his dream to join the Army.

Keith Nolan says he is taking his campaign to Washington to push lawmakers to pass a bill that would allow deaf people into the military.

Nolan's ROTC instructors at California State University at Northridge say he excelled in the program but Army policy requires cadets pass a hearing test to be commissioned. Nolan finished his course in May.

An increasing number of disabled troops have been remaining on active duty amid a decade of war and Nolan hopes the changing attitude will mean someday all disabled people will be eligible to serve.

The 29-year-old teacher wants to work in military intelligence.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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