Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/1/2009

Question
I am currently enlisted in the Navy and would like to transfer to the Army and go through the OCS program.  I submitted a conditional release through my chain of command but was denied.  Is it possible for me to go above my commanding officer on this to get approval?  It says in the conditional release requirements that application and acceptance to OCS is an approved reason for a conditional release from the Navy.

Answer
Dear Brad --

Unless you have been accepted into a program, your command has no reason to believe your release is for the purpose you state.

I recommend trying instead for the Blue to Green program, with an OCS rider, if you already have your bachelors degree.  If you do not already have your degree, I recommend you do the Blue to Green program retaining your current rank.  Then get your degree part time.  Once you have your bachelors, apply for OCS then.

To learn more about operation Blue to Green go to this web site:

http://www.goarmy.com/btg/index.jsp

Good luck to you.  Thank you for your service.