How do you use the Early Separation program for employment?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 22:00:40 -0400

Has anyone been able to use Early Separation program for employment yet? What hurdles did you have to cross to actually make it work. How much time did you have left before you were actually allowed to leave? What paperwork did you have to show? I have read, and understand the alaract message,, but curious as to if anyone has had success with the process?<br>

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 17 at 2014 10:02 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 22:02:56 -0400

Have you talked with your servicing Career Counselor about this process?

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2014 12:47 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 12:47:06 -0400

SGT WARREN, I KNOW IT'S BEEN 5 MONTHS SINCE YOU POSTED THIS BUT I WANTED TO KNOW IF YOU HAD SUCCESS WITH THIS PROCESS?? DO YOU HAVE ANY EXAMPLES OF THE PAPERWORK THAT NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED ECT...

Response by SSG Em Vang made Nov 27 at 2014 11:49 AM

SSG Em Vang — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 11:49:52 -0500

I just turned in my packet for approval yesterday. It requires you to already have a job offer letter, 4187, da 31, les and erb.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 10:35 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 10:35:12 -0400

I am battling with it now and today, I just failed my APFT on my run and after getting it kicked back 3 times for corrections now they are saying they can’t put it through because it is considered a favorable action and that I was just flagged for APFT failure. I called IG to ask if it were true and it is not. I am using the open door policy to fix this internally because I always believe in fixing a problem in house. It is the first time I fail a PT test and called IG but only to inquire. My 1SG and Commander are very approachable but by the book guys and I feel just were doing what they thought was within regulation. I am a 3 year SPC and never have been in any trouble so I don’t see the problem on them approving my packet and letting me go early especially if I already secured employment and am looking to buy a house and go back home. But to help you out the packet consists of 4187(Routes through your commander to battalion or squadron commander and then to Regimental or Brigade commander), DA31( for transition leave), 4 different memos, one being you stating why you want to get out (Employment) and how getting out early helps you and your employer, two your commander agreeing and stating you are non mission essential and recommends you for volunteer separation, and then the other two are your Brigade or Regimental commander memos approving your early separation, you need the letter of employment offer, LES, ERB, and finally a copy of a 12 month budget that you complete in the finance course or ACAP or AKA Soldier For Life Transition assistance Program so make sure you started ACAP you are allowed to start 18 months out of your ETS and I recommend you do so because usually classes are backed up and full I started a year out and had to wait 2 months just for an initial counseling and to take that finance course for the budget. After your packet is approved it will be returned to you where you then take it over to transition who will amend your current orders to the date you asked to voluntarily separate. I hope this helps good luck with any luck my packet should be approved in the next week or so.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 21 at 2015 1:14 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 13:14:53 -0400

Make sure you and your family is signed up for the GI Bill.

Response by SGT Nick Vernon made Jul 29 at 2015 12:30 PM

SGT Nick Vernon — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 12:30:14 -0400

I just completed my packet. It was a monster to do, but I am willing to provide advice and example paperwork

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Aug 30 at 2015 8:15 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 20:15:56 -0400

Best bet sgt, sit down with your commander and discuss it.

Response by A1C George Lyda made Sep 9 at 2015 1:25 PM

A1C George Lyda — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:25:17 -0400

I had to get out Honorable Discharge for Hardship reasons. Both my parents were disabled, not getting enough money to survive. I gathered proof from their Doctor of their conditions. My younger brother was to young to work. I had been sending 1/2 of my checks home, but I was only an Airman, then A1C, this being in 1982 so I was of little help. After gathering all the pertinent information I informed my Supervisor to double-checked as much of the information as possible, then wrote me a Good Recommendation, had me go to the First Sgt who had a lot of questions to ask, then all this information when to the Commander of Supply who approved, I then had to go to HQ's Personnel with all the information and recommendations. My Father-in-law provided proof that I 100% had a civilian job waiting on me where he worked and I would be making three times what I was in the military, they out-processed me in a day. Per Diem to get from HAFB Homestead to South Carolina was barely enough to the penny to get myself and the wife home. I wish EVERYDAY that I could have finished my time in the service, but with a MOS change. It haunts me to this day, but family is extremely important. Hope this helps some.

Response by LCpl James Durkin made Sep 9 at 2015 1:32 PM

LCpl James Durkin — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 13:32:51 -0400

I'm sure it's changed since I did it in 1984. But I did it to go to NYPD I got a 3 month cut and started the paper work 6 months before I had to leave. I have to say I did miss the corps. Good luck

Response by 2LT Armando Crescenzi made Sep 16 at 2015 4:26 PM

2LT Armando Crescenzi — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:26:33 -0400

It all depends on several variables.
1. What Skills do you have? are they transferable to civilian occupation?
2. what is it like for Veterans in the City or state you are returning to? there are ratings in USAA and DAV websites?
The building industry is booming now? But getting those better paying jobs require skills? Lots of scab labor out their.
Office Jobs? you have to find a pro vet national organization? Chase and Bank of America are actively recruiting Vets. Are you ready to to sit in a corporate world? Your interviewers will we "children" with no idea of what experience you have. Could be a bit frustrating.
If you re-up insist on a great location or a better job. Save your dough and be ready to start your own business when you come out. Stay out of the Sandbox.
Start checking Federal job websites. see whats out their for you.
Best of luck whatever you decide.

Armando Crescenzi
Veterans First, Ltd.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 8:28 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 08:28:38 -0500

I have just finished mine as well. I just sent it up the second time and my brigade said that you needed ERB, 4187, DD Form 2958, memo of separation (brigade does this), letter of recommendation (brigade does this), 12 month budget plan, job letter offer and your transitional leave. I literally did acap in 2 days. I ended up doing it manually on jko and my counselor just signed off on it. As long as you have these forms in your packet, you should be good.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 2:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 14:16:06 -0500

Does anyone have the packet template for this? Also, I have a conditional job offer in writing that states I will be hired upon successful background investigation. Will this work in my packet to separate early?

Response by SGT De'Vonte Johnson made Aug 17 at 2016 9:23 PM

SGT De'Vonte Johnson — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 21:23:04 -0400

Is there anyone here that has had success with this? And how long does this process take from start to finish?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2016 8:31 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 20:31:07 -0400

How Far in advance can you submit the packet? I know its for 6 months early, but what about submitting the packet?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 5:07 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 05:07:35 -0400

Anybody body who needs help. Here is my email. [login to see]

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 7:59 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 07:59:37 -0400

Can a soldier use this if they have a flag for overweight

Response by Claudia Trail made Aug 4 at 2017 5:19 PM

Claudia Trail — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 17:19:58 -0400

Thank you for your service. I speak at Transition groups, when invited. I have a list of great questions, I call Tips for Taps. If you are interested in obtaining the Tips please feel free to send me an email address and I will forward. Classes can be helpful in some ways, and pending on who is leading the class. Thank you again, my email is [login to see]