Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/16/2010

Question
Mam,

I am currently an E6 in the Navy. I too am interested in the Blue to Green Officer Programs. I am currently a Hospital Corpsman Radiography Tech with 11.5 yrs in the Navy. I am 37 years old. I have an AA and am very close to having a Bachelors degree as well. What kind of Warrant and or Officer Program would I be eligible for? Do I have to wait for my current enlistment to be over in 2012? And If I do qualify what do I need to do to move forward with this opportunity? Thank you.

V/R

Thomas Ledford
HM1 USN 8404 8452


Answer
Dear Thomas --

You have a few options open to you.  You could apply to transfer in your current grade and similar specialty immediately.  If the Army has the need for your skills, the Army will accept your application.  However, the Navy must be excess in your field or willing to release you, under these circumstances.

You could apply to transfer and attend officer candidate school, as soon as you finish your bachelors degree.  To ensure you become an officer in the medical field, you must work through the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) rather than the normal recruit/re-enlistment chain.

You can apply for the physicians assistant training program with the Army as soon as you have your bachelors degree.

You can apply to be commissioned and attend the Uniformed Health Services University once you complete your bachelors degree.  You would have to meet other medical school requirements such as good MCAT scores, and an appropriate undergraduate degree.

You could also wait for your current enlistment to end, and re-enlist for the Army.  You can arrange all the dates, so that you do not have a break in service, but go straight from the Navy to your military re-training with the Army.

You have many options.  Please write back if you have questions about any particular option.  Good luck to you.  Thank you for your service.