Army Green to Gold Program

The Army’s Green to Gold Active-Duty Option Program is a two-year program that allows eligible, enlisted, active-duty soldiers the opportunity to earn their first bachelor’s degree or their first two-year graduate degree and become commissioned officers.

U.S. Army photo by David Overson

Upon acceptance into the program, soldiers enter the Reserve Officers Training Corps program at the schools of their choice. They can enter as academic juniors in a four-year college-degree program, or they can enter as first-year, first-term students in a two-year master’s degree program. Applicants must graduate within 21 months. (They may receive extensions to 24 months with prior approval.) 

While enrolled in college, soldiers must pay for their educational expenses, including tuition, books and fees. They are ineligible for tuition assistance. However, they can receive any earned GI Bill or Army College Fund benefits.

After earning their degrees, soldiers must continue to serve in the military for at least eight years, which includes three years of active duty followed by five years of active-duty service or service in the reserves.

Benefits

Participants in the Green to Gold Program receive the following benefits:

• Montgomery GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill or Army College Fund benefits (if qualified)
• Continued current pay and allowances while in the program (up to a maximum of 24 consecutive months)
• Normal permanent change of station entitlements
• Increased responsibility and practical experience
• Camaraderie with other program participants
• Mentorship from the professor of military science
• Leadership training

Eligibility

You must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You will be under 30 years of age on the date of your projected graduation and commission (waivers are available).
• You have served a minimum of two years on active duty at the time of application, as well as three months of active duty for every one month of specialized training (waivers are available).
• You are a U.S. citizen.
• You are not a conscientious objector.
• Your college GPA is at least 2.5.
• Your general technical score is 110 or greater.
• You have not been convicted of domestic violence.
• You passed the Army Physical Fitness Test within the last six months with a score of 180 or higher and a minimum of 60 points in each event.
• You have favorable results from your National Agency Check (or have initiated the action).
• You have a letter of acceptance to your school of choice offering Army ROTC membership.
• You are eligible for re-enlistment.
• You have a letter of acceptance from the professor of military science of that Army ROTC battalion.
• You have completed the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board Medical Qualification.
• You have no more than three dependents, including your spouse (waivers are available).

How to Apply

To begin the application process, visit the U.S. Army website to create a My GoArmy account. The application window opens on June 12, 2022.

Ensure that you are applying for admission to the fall semester at your school of choice.

As part of the application process, you will need to pass a medical exam, so gather your medical documentation ahead of time. You’ll also need favorable recommendations from your immediate commanders and field-grade commanders endorsing your officer-like qualifications. 

You can find a checklist of the needed documents on the portal. You must upload all your documents no later than the last Friday of November.

For more information on the Army’s Green to Gold Active-Duty Option, visit the Army’s website or download the Green to Gold Information Booklet.