I don't know what a "combat pilot" is. There are lots of hurdles to clear when competing for a flight slot at any of the services (Aptitude test, interview, physical, etc.). This color vision test is just one that I have seen stop many, many good candidates. The various services are not governed by the FAA, but they have an agreement to provide an "equivalent level of safety" to what's in the FARs. Sometimes, they simply copycat the FAA standards (as with the color vision test). If you take the Farnsworth Lantern test for your FAA Medical, they call it a Statement Of Demonstrated Ability (SODA). The Army just calls it a waiver to the standards. Apparently the Navy invented the Farnsworth test, so they'll probably hang on to it longer than anyone else out of sheer pride of ownership.

They don't want you to have color vision to spot anti-aircraft batteries, or anything goofy like that. They want you to be able to recognize the patterns and colors of an instrument landing system runway approach lights. They're simply mimicking the FAA standard, which is used in conjunction with standards for luminosity, chromaticity and angularity of the lights certified for use in approach lighting systems. As for what the Air Force is doing with their standards, I can only guess. I'd give those guys a wide berth, anyway.

I hope this helps someone.

And, don't seek out combat. When the time is right, it will find you. Good luck.