The Army’s Blue to Green Program
The Army’s Blue to Green program was designed to allow airmen, sailors, and marines the ability to transfer to the Army, and it is open to both officers and those who are enlisted. It was put into place when the other military branches were downsizing, and now it lets those servicemembers continue their military career.
It wasn’t long ago that the program hit a milestone of 1,000 plus Army transfers, which was a good indicator that the program is being utilized.
Why Do Servicemembers Transfer?
There are actually a couple of reasons. Some transfer to the Army to take on other career challenges and some seek the additional challenges that the Army has to offer. They’ll often attend Airborne and Ranger school.
With the Navy and Air Force not having infantry and other combat arms occupations, many transfer to serve in the Army in that type of role, either as an officer or an enlisted soldier. The Marines and Coast Guard do, however, require servicemembers to complete their current active-duty obligation prior to transferring to the Army.
This program has been very beneficial, not only for the servicemembers, but for the military as a whole.
The Benefits
- E1 to E6 will retain their current pay grade
- Additional training if the military occupation is the same as the Army MOS
- Bonuses may be paid to those depending on the selected Army MOS
- Assignments will be based on MOS need
- Officers will retain their current grade as well
- Officers will receive branch specific training as needed
Requirements
- Must be physically fit and pass the ARMY PT test prior to transfer
- Must meet the Army’s height and weight requirements prior to transfer
- HIV test must be within 6 months of transfer
- Must meet the minimum of 3-year term of service
- Separation physical must be within last 5 years
How to Make It Happen
The Blue to Green process is actually one of the easier processes than most of the other military ones. The first step is to obtain DD Form 368. Once that is signed and complete, you should contact an Army recruiter.
The recruiter will verify your eligibility based on the program requirements as stated above. Once that process is completed you will proceed through local MEPS. If you have previously served as a member of the National Guard, Air Force, Navy or Coast Guard, you must complete Army basic training and MOSQ schools.
The Blue to Green Program Retains Servicemembers
With all military branches downsizing, especially the Navy and Air Force, this program is needed.
Everyday we lose valuable servicemembers to the civilian sector and we need to focus on retaining the valuable personnel that can continue their military careers for the years to come.
The military needs to show the same commitment to those who serve and their families because they’ve made many sacrifices.
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