Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/14/2008

Question
I hope you can provide some insight into my daughter situation.  She has been on active duty as a Medical Technician for an Air Force Reserve unit for the past 18 months.  She has decided to make a career of military services.  She has had numerous commendations for excellent work.  She has two BA degrees (International Studies and German).  Because of the downsizing of the Air Force, as a prior service enlisted she contacted an Army Recruiter about the Officer Candidate School (OCS) program.  She started to work on her application package.  She received a call from the recruiter stating that she would not be allowed to participate because of her single marriage status with a child.  She has a Family Care Plan in which I will assume responsibility for my granddaughter during her time of deployment.  She needs your advice about a potential course of action or direction.  Thank you for your promptly response.

A Concern Dad


Answer
Dear Dimas --

Your daughter will not be able to leave the Air Force and then enlist in the Army, unless she gives up custody of her daughter.  She can give custody of her daughter to you and that would unencumber her to enlist.

She could also try the "Blue to Green" transfer program where she would not leave the Air Force, but instead, transfer into the Army and add onto her current service obligation.  You can read more about Operation Blue to Green at this site: http://www.goarmy.com/btg/index.jsp#Program  

You can request additional information via a link at the site.  I believe this route will alleviate the "single parent" issue, and allow you to maintain your current family care plan.  

Good luck to all of you.  Thank your daughter for her service for me.  Please write back, if you have additional questions while she pursues her options.