Getting Out of the Army - How to Make a Smooth Transition
So I am getting out of the Army.
Technically my contract doesn't end until the end of September.
But with all of the leave I have saved up I am leaving and will spend my last days on what they now call transition leave, formerly known as terminal leave.
This sounds good right? Well it is good, the only problem is the actual getting out part.
I've been in the Army for 6 years now and know some things about how to get stuff done in the Army.
I even know some things about getting out from seeing other soldiers get out.
And let me tell you, it's a good thing I know a little bit about it because it is not exactly the easiest task in the Army.
Those that are familiar with the military may also be familiar with the term "break it down barney style" meaning to make it stupid simple or go step by step.
Most things in the Army have a "barney style" option where a subject matter expert can tell you exactly what to do if ever there is a question.
Now that is awesome, if you ever have a question in the Army there is always someone with an answer.
Well when you're getting out there is no one with the answer, because everyone who is a subject matter expert is only and expert because they have left the service meaning there is no one left with the RIGHT answers.
So, since I am becoming a subject matter expert, I can pass on some of the things that I have learned during my process.
Now it's not like it's impossible to get out if you haven't a clue.
I have seen many people who are within days of getting out, and only then are they pushed through the system.
These people end up getting out, but the process is not a smooth transition for them because they are rushing to accomplish tasks that can be done months in advance.
So here are my lessons learned.
1.
The first thing that should be done is your leave form or DA 31.
This should be done at least 4 months before you are planning to start your transition leave.
2.
After you have your leave form approved you can turn it in to the transition office who will then cut your orders which you can pick up a few days later.
You need your orders before you can do very much else.
3.
I would recommend to start your phase 1 and 2 physicals as part of your medical out processing as soon as you get your orders.
4.
You can get your commander to sign a memorandum allowing you to turn in your CIF gear up to 2 months before your last day in the unit.
Clearing CIF is not the most desirable thing to do because they often kick back items for being dirty or tell you that you are either missing something or that it is not the color or type that they want you to turn in.
Not to mention that when you clear CIF you need to go in person to make the appointment to turn in your gear, and they might not have an open appointment for 15 - 30 days or more.
Since clearing CIF has the potential to me a nightmare it is advisable to have your commander sign this memorandum as soon as possible and make the appointment as soon as you have the memorandum in hand.
Also, make sure that you clear CIF before you have your household items shipped back home, just in case.
5.
You will need to go to transportation and sit through a briefing, which is sometimes done on a walk in basis but usually not, in order to set up the shipment of your household items and get the paperwork for your vehicle to be shipped.
Be sure to schedule the pickup of your household goods after you turn in your CIF and Company gear.
Make sure that you keep your "I love me book" with you so that you will have the documents you need to clear.
And yes, I mean the whole book, because when you final out and it comes time to write your DD 214 (The form that tells the world you are a veteran who was honorably discharged) you can prove the things that you have done that may not be accurately written on your ERB or enlisted records brief.
This is very important because this is the document that will provide you the benefits afforded a veteran as well as being required for government jobs in the future.
You will need at least 6 copies of your orders here.
6.
Once you are within 30 days from your last working day you can attend the briefing to get your clearing papers.
Your clearing papers are to clear the installation.
At the end of the brief they will schedule a day that you can come back and pick up the clearing papers.
This is usually within 10 days of you leaving.
You will need at least 3 copies of your orders here.
I would recommend that everyone making the transition sit through most if not all of the briefings that ACAP (Army Career Alumni Program) has to offer.
When you are done here you will have completed a resume that will help you out in the real world.
And once you have your orders, you will need them everywhere that you try and clear.
Also, make sure that you have canceled all of your utilities before you actually leave.
You may also want to switch your direct deposit into a local account to the place that you are going.
The last thing to make sure is that you have your NCOER/ OER in hand before you leave your post.
Now, I may have missed a few things and if I have feel free to remind me of those things and I will add them to this post.
Thanks for tuning in, Chase
Technically my contract doesn't end until the end of September.
But with all of the leave I have saved up I am leaving and will spend my last days on what they now call transition leave, formerly known as terminal leave.
This sounds good right? Well it is good, the only problem is the actual getting out part.
I've been in the Army for 6 years now and know some things about how to get stuff done in the Army.
I even know some things about getting out from seeing other soldiers get out.
And let me tell you, it's a good thing I know a little bit about it because it is not exactly the easiest task in the Army.
Those that are familiar with the military may also be familiar with the term "break it down barney style" meaning to make it stupid simple or go step by step.
Most things in the Army have a "barney style" option where a subject matter expert can tell you exactly what to do if ever there is a question.
Now that is awesome, if you ever have a question in the Army there is always someone with an answer.
Well when you're getting out there is no one with the answer, because everyone who is a subject matter expert is only and expert because they have left the service meaning there is no one left with the RIGHT answers.
So, since I am becoming a subject matter expert, I can pass on some of the things that I have learned during my process.
Now it's not like it's impossible to get out if you haven't a clue.
I have seen many people who are within days of getting out, and only then are they pushed through the system.
These people end up getting out, but the process is not a smooth transition for them because they are rushing to accomplish tasks that can be done months in advance.
So here are my lessons learned.
1.
The first thing that should be done is your leave form or DA 31.
This should be done at least 4 months before you are planning to start your transition leave.
2.
After you have your leave form approved you can turn it in to the transition office who will then cut your orders which you can pick up a few days later.
You need your orders before you can do very much else.
3.
I would recommend to start your phase 1 and 2 physicals as part of your medical out processing as soon as you get your orders.
4.
You can get your commander to sign a memorandum allowing you to turn in your CIF gear up to 2 months before your last day in the unit.
Clearing CIF is not the most desirable thing to do because they often kick back items for being dirty or tell you that you are either missing something or that it is not the color or type that they want you to turn in.
Not to mention that when you clear CIF you need to go in person to make the appointment to turn in your gear, and they might not have an open appointment for 15 - 30 days or more.
Since clearing CIF has the potential to me a nightmare it is advisable to have your commander sign this memorandum as soon as possible and make the appointment as soon as you have the memorandum in hand.
Also, make sure that you clear CIF before you have your household items shipped back home, just in case.
5.
You will need to go to transportation and sit through a briefing, which is sometimes done on a walk in basis but usually not, in order to set up the shipment of your household items and get the paperwork for your vehicle to be shipped.
Be sure to schedule the pickup of your household goods after you turn in your CIF and Company gear.
Make sure that you keep your "I love me book" with you so that you will have the documents you need to clear.
And yes, I mean the whole book, because when you final out and it comes time to write your DD 214 (The form that tells the world you are a veteran who was honorably discharged) you can prove the things that you have done that may not be accurately written on your ERB or enlisted records brief.
This is very important because this is the document that will provide you the benefits afforded a veteran as well as being required for government jobs in the future.
You will need at least 6 copies of your orders here.
6.
Once you are within 30 days from your last working day you can attend the briefing to get your clearing papers.
Your clearing papers are to clear the installation.
At the end of the brief they will schedule a day that you can come back and pick up the clearing papers.
This is usually within 10 days of you leaving.
You will need at least 3 copies of your orders here.
I would recommend that everyone making the transition sit through most if not all of the briefings that ACAP (Army Career Alumni Program) has to offer.
When you are done here you will have completed a resume that will help you out in the real world.
And once you have your orders, you will need them everywhere that you try and clear.
Also, make sure that you have canceled all of your utilities before you actually leave.
You may also want to switch your direct deposit into a local account to the place that you are going.
The last thing to make sure is that you have your NCOER/ OER in hand before you leave your post.
Now, I may have missed a few things and if I have feel free to remind me of those things and I will add them to this post.
Thanks for tuning in, Chase
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