Why would my DD214 state Uncharacterized after receiving a NGB22 honorable discharge?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 21:51:56 -0400

I completed basic training and AIT and was transferred to my national unit where i finshed the rest of my term and received a ngb22 honorable discharge....I went straight from basic training to national guard and finshed....My question is why if i went through active straight reserve and finsh....Why my dd214 state uncharactierized on separation of character and when i finshed i got a ngb22 honorable.....I know national is state and active is federal but if i went straight through why i have different discharges?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 3 at 2019 12:19 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 00:19:45 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member The DD 214 only covers periods of Active Duty. It's right on top of the form "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty". When you go from an AD for training status to a Reserve Component status that ends the 214's period of active duty service. AR 635-5 describes preparation of DD214s. In the definition of Characterization of Service it says that discharge of soldiers from IET is uncharacterized. Normally you need 6 months on AD to receive a characterization.

Same definition is in 635-200.

"Character of service for administrative separation
A determination reflecting a Soldier’s military behavior and performance of duty during a specific period of service. The three characterizations are honorable, general (under honorable conditions), and under other than honorable conditions. The service of Soldiers in entry-level status is normally described as uncharacterized."

Unless someone else has a personnel specific process or business rule that's not in these two regulations, I'd say your 214 is correct as is.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2019 3:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 03:32:50 -0400

It's very normal. As LTC Mackay pointed out, a short Active Duty period doesn't warrant a characterization. Every time you're placed on AD longer than 90 days and less than 180 you will receive a DD214 that states uncharacterized. In your case, your veteran status is established by your NGB22.