What happens if you don't sign your DD214 when discharged from the military?

PFC George Peck — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 07:07:59 -0400

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Jul 9 at 2019 7:29 AM

MSG Gary Eckert — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 07:29:23 -0400

It won’t stop you from being discharged, if that is your thought process. I think they put in unavailable for signature. Although, with all the 214s I signed as the certifying official, I don’t recall anyone refusing to sign.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 9 at 2019 7:29 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 07:29:23 -0400

Good question, wiser minds may have an answer.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Jul 9 at 2019 7:30 AM

SGT Javier Silva — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 07:30:33 -0400

Nothing happens. The signature on the document just says that you had the opportunity to review the document and that it is correct.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Jul 9 at 2019 4:14 PM

SSG Keith Cashion — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 16:14:46 -0400

Nothing. Just unavailable for signature. But keep this in mind as I have seen this a lot. By not going in and signing the DD214 to verify that everything is correct. The DD214 will be mailed to the last know address listed. I have seen where DD 214 have been mailed like that to a last known or Home of Record address, that the individual hasn't liked in for a lot of years.

Besides, it's easier to correct the DD 214 while sitting there, then getting it in the mail and you are missing a lot of stuff. then you have to start the DD 215 correction process.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Jul 9 at 2019 7:38 PM

1SG Bill Farmerie — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 19:38:55 -0400

Nothing will happen, but don't be surprised when things are missing from it.

Response by PVT Allen Meissner made Jul 9 at 2019 8:26 PM

PVT Allen Meissner — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 20:26:24 -0400

I wish I had fought to stay in the Army !

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jul 10 at 2019 6:13 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 06:13:07 -0400

Nothing happens. You signing it is not a requirement. Your signature just acknowledges that you read it.
The DD-214 is just a record of military service.