Military Separation

What is Military Separation?

Separation in the United States Military simply means that a person is leaving their active duty, but not completely leaving the military completely. Separation normally happens when someone has reached the date of their Expiration of Term Service (ETS) and is being released from active duty, but can still complete the military reserve responsibility. When separating the service member will receive a DD214 form, which will show the former and future status of that member. Read below where the Experts have answered questions regarding Military Separation Codes.

What are Military Separation Codes?

A separation code is either a numerical or alphabetic code that classifies a reason why the discharge was granted from the Military. The main feature on whether or not a service member can re-enlist depends on the RE Code, the Military services will also use the Separation Codes to decide on whether the member is eligible to re-enlist. A members Separation Code and RE Code can be found on their DD 214 Form, Record of Discharge.

What is an Administrative Separation?

Administrative separations are not awarded by a court martial and are not disciplinary. Enlisted recruits can be administratively separated with a characterization of service or description of separation as necessary by the facts on one certain case. Basis is the reason for a person being administratively separation, meaning misconduct, convenience of the government parenthood, failing to control weight, etc. Characterization of service relates to the quality of the service members military service. Those members that are separated with less than 180 days of active military service can be separated as an “Entry Level Separation. “Order of Release from the Custody and Control of the Military Services” is another type of administrative separation, the reason for this separation is void enlistment or training.

After military separation can someone receive unemployment?

There are many options that a service member can receive after separation from the military in order to receive unemployment. There are some circumstances that must be met:
The member must have been on active service with a branch of the United States Military; the member can be entitled to based on the service;
The member must have been separated under honorable conditions.

During a military members service there is no payroll deductions for payment for unemployment benefits when they leave, this cost is covered by the government. If the member does receive separation pay, then the unemployment can be affected. The unemployment in each state will handle the states benefits and the rates can vary from state to state, so there is no set amount on how much a member will receive from unemployment.

If someone has received an entry level separation for misconduct could that affect a person’s citizenship process and are they still qualified to re-enlist?

A Military separation for misconduct by itself will not completely be a problem. However, the actual behavior that was performed following the separation can. If the conduct was something that involved “moral corruption” which is known as “A corrupt or depraved act or practice”, which can consists of stealing, rape, etc. The Federal Government has the authority to access the prior separation records, so this person will need to be honest and completely reveal all information, if this person lies then that can lead to rejection of their citizenship.

When dealing with Military separation it can be often very confusing and can lead to many legal questions. In many situations it is best to consult legal Experts to be notified of someone’s legal rights, duties. When one is not sure of their legal responsibility, legal rights or duties it is best to contact a Legal Expert.