If the skill is transferable, the new Soldier would be scheduled for a new, four- week Warrior Transition Course, where he or she will be offered a curriculum that provides essential skills and abilities needed in their new service. Topics would include an orientation on organization, rank, uniform wear and career progression. The first WTC is scheduled to start in September at Fort Knox, Ky. It is planned as transition training, not boot camp, officials said.
Those transitioning to a new skill, particularly in combat-arms areas like special operations, would participate in the full range of developmental training to hone current talents and provide a new set of skills and abilities. Officers would not attend WTC, but would normally attend training unique to their branch depending on their grade and experience, officials said.
Upon transfer, new Soldiers would be eligible to compete for promotion so long as they meet Army minimums, which can be years shorter than other services.
The Army's recruiting goal for the fiscal 2005, which begins in October, is about 80,000. Of that number, the Army hopes to recruit at least 8,000 prior-service troops.
More information on Operation Blue to Green can be found at www.goarmy.com.
