Can a soldier who is medically retiring be presented their retirement award after their separation date?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 23:06:18 -0500

Can a soldier who is medically retiring be recommended/receive their retirement award and have the presentation date after their separation date or does it have to be before they fully separate from the U.S. Army?

Response by SFC Michael Krogmann made Feb 12 at 2020 11:53 PM

SFC Michael Krogmann — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 23:53:07 -0500

Ideally, presented before the soldier retires. I retired in October and am still waiting for my retirement award.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2020 12:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:37:45 -0500

If you're getting a MEB the time line is unpredictable and fast. Your retirement award might not be signed in time, especially if it's an MSM and it needs the division commander signature

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 13 at 2020 6:18 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 06:18:59 -0500

All depends on the type of award and the timeline associated with approvals.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2020 7:36 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 07:36:44 -0500

You can receive an award after separation if the award is for acts or service completed while in service.

Response by CPT Brock Young made Feb 13 at 2020 10:10 AM

CPT Brock Young — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 10:10:15 -0500

As long as it's within 2 years of the period of the award.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2020 8:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 20:29:13 -0500

Ideally it would be great to get it before but with timelines and getting signatures or any changes it's not unheard of to get it after you separate.

Response by SGT Michael Van Geertruy made Feb 14 at 2020 2:10 PM

SGT Michael Van Geertruy — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 14:10:55 -0500

They can absolutely receive the award after they separate. But the retiree needs to ensure it actually makes it into their DD-214. When I separated my reward didn't, and as a result it is as if I never was given the award.

Response by SGT Ralph McClain made Aug 9 at 2021 3:55 PM

SGT Ralph McClain — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:55:55 -0400

Yes it can be done they'll just mail it to you