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New Program Allows Separating Sailors to Join Army

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040715-13
Release Date: 7/15/2004 1:27:00 PM

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy personnel officials are working side by side with their counterparts in the Army on a program designed to facilitate the transfer of qualified naval officers and Sailors to active duty in the Army.

The new program, called Operation Blue to Green, could offer financial bonuses and will include four weeks of extra training for those with skill sets most needed by the Army.

"Lots of details still need to be worked out," said Cmdr. Carl Murphy, the Navy's Blue to Green coordinator. "We see this as a very good option for someone separating from the Navy but still interested in continuing to serve the country on active duty."

The Navy has already provided Army personnel officials the names and work addresses of some 8,000 Sailors with plans to separate over the next year. Information flow, stressed Murphy, will be key to the program's success.

"We think Operation Blue to Green shows great promise, and we are working hard to support it," he said. "That means making sure both the Army and our separating Sailors have enough information about each other to make good decisions. As with any major career move, the individual is in the driver's seat."

The Army is especially interested in Sailors with skills that translate easily to Army jobs, including cryptology, fire control, air traffic control and mechanics. A complete list of Navy ratings and Navy Enlisted Classification codes that are of interest to the Army is available on the Operation Blue to Green Web site at www.goarmy.com/btg/index.htm#benefits.

Under current policy, an enlisted Sailor interested in applying for the program must first be discharged from the Navy before reentering active service in the Army. Officers will be able to transition without broken service under existing rules for inter-service transfer.

Applicants in pay grades E-1 through E-4 will retain the same rank, as will officers. Second class petty officers will have their pay grade eligibility determined by the Army's Human Resources Command.

Other requirements of the program include: