Principal Defense Department deputy for personnel and readiness Charles Abell signed a
policy memorandum Oct. 18 that formalizes Operation Blue to Green. Under Blue to Green,
the Army hopes to fill vacancies by recruiting qualified members who are leaving other
services. The memo allows enlistment contracts to be executed for another service prior
to the end of current enlistments; arranges for enlisted transfers without any break in
service; arranges for transfer of pay grades, leave balances and bonuses to the gaining
service; and allows families to stay in government housing during the transfer.