Program presents alternative to retraining, separation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melissa T. Copeland
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base --  Helping to increase the manpower of the Army, Air Force and Navy, transformation projects have created an avenue for servicemembers reaching the end of an enlistment, nearing the possibility of involuntarily retraining or separation.

"The Blue to Green program was created to give servicemembers, who are affected by the manpower restructuring in the Air Force and Navy, a chance to continue their service on active-duty," said Staff Sgt. Jeff Crane, an Army recruiter with the Tucson Recruiting Company.

Operation Blue to Green, which began in 2004, is specifically targeted to servicemembers in the pay grades of E-1 to E-5, said Sergeant Crane. Members in the ranks of E-1 to E-4 will retain their date of rank and pay grade. Servicemembers above E-4 will have their grade eligibility determined by the Army Human Resources Command and may retain their current rank, unless their current job is overmanned and the individual refuses to train into another career field.

According to Sergeant Crane, a few of the more appealing benefits to personnel participating in this program is the continuation of service, quicker promotions, eligibility for a bonus of up to $40,000, continuity of the Montgomery GI Bill, the opportunity to retrain into another career field and the chance to apply for specialized training such as Airborne or Ranger schools.

Those interested in participating in the program should visit their nearest Army recruiting station to begin the process.

"The first step is to get an approved Conditional Release form signed by the first O-5 (or higher) in your chain of command, which expires six months from the date signed," said Sergeant Crane.

The form gives the interested applicant the ability to sign a contract, after which negating their current military commitment in order to join the Army, Sergeant Crane said. However, the release does not obligate the applicant to join the Army.

The Request for Conditional Release Form 638 also permits servicemembers to do an inter-service transfer with no break in service.

"Basically, one day you are working for the Air Force, and the next day you are working for the Army," Sergeant Crane said.

Airmen interested in Operation Blue to Green can contact Sergeant Crane at (877) 751-1146 to set up an appointment or visit www.goarmy.com/btg.