When getting ready to ETS, is there a list of items I should be aware of or do before leaving?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 10:23:48 -0500

Greetings to everyone here,

So I am heading out in November, (this month), and wanted to know if there is any sort of tried and true list of things I should do before I am officially out of the Army? I've been in for 12 years, deployed to Afghanistan back in 2012 and have already gone to college. I want to make sure I'm not missing anything once I'm officially out. I.E. I'm sure my access will be revoked for certain websites, etc, and want to make sure I do whatever needs done or could help me before then. I spoke to someone the other day, and they referred me to this website. Any advice is most appreciated—especially programs, sites, or a list of things to ensure a proper leave. My unit is great, but it seems weird that they don't have any off-boarding process? It makes me feel like there's a lot of things that may be missed. I would like to get an updated DD-214 that's for sure.

Anyways, thanks again!

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Nov 6 at 2020 10:46 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 10:46:44 -0500

Depends,

Get a DS Login Account. Importan to get access to VÁ records and other HRC records as well.

Get a copy of all your medical record as well (hop you already did a part of your ETS medical).

File a VA disability claim while still serving. Your 2nd part phisical if not done yet, have it done by VA.

Go by CIF and get a copy of all your issue TA-50 before hand. Do an inventory and whatever you are missing go by the nearest pawn shop and buy it. It’s cheaper than paying for it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 6 at 2020 11:07 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 11:07:21 -0500

Go to the education center to make sure you are squared away with the GI bill. If you want to give your wife access to your GI bill give her a percentage. The goal is to just give her a percentage as that will put her in the system. The percentage can be changed later.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Nov 6 at 2020 11:48 AM

SP5 Peter Keane — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 11:48:25 -0500

You won't get a 214. You get a NGB 22

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2020 12:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 12:03:56 -0500

You're a Reservist so there's not much off boarding to do. You don't qualify for a DD214 those are only active periods of service. Not a whole lot changes for you except that now you won't have a CAC card, but you can get a DS Login for any websites you will need. You can also always walk back into the NG easily and continue your career.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2020 2:05 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 14:05:49 -0500

12 years is over halfway. You said you've already been to college, have you considered applying for OCS? Do 10 years in the guard/reserves and retire as a CPT or MAJ then you have a check waiting on you when you hit 59/60

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2020 8:03 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 08:03:08 -0500

Copy your service record, and all health/dental records, and get them certified as true copies by your Adjutant or any Commissioned Officer. Make sure your seps physical is entered into record before copying. Don't accept your 214 unless it is complete and accurate.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2020 12:16 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 00:16:47 -0500

Get a good physical, and don't let then sweet talk you about any injuries you may have received. Trust me you put on 40 years or so those injuries are only going to get worse.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 8 at 2020 5:46 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 17:46:51 -0500

The transition center can help you create civilian grade resumes. I suggest you do this before going to out process briefs so you don't have to compete with all the others who are in the same boat as you.