Army Recruiter Stuff

So I am getting out of the Army. Technically my contract
doesn't end until the end of September. But with all of the
leave I have saved up I am leaving and will spend my last
days on what they now call transition leave, formerly known
as terminal leave. This sounds good right? Well it is good,
the only problem is the actual getting out part.

I've been in the Army for 6 years now and know some things
about how to get stuff done in the Army. I even know some
things about getting out from seeing other soldiers get out.
And let me tell you, it's a good thing I know a little bit
about it because it is not exactly the easiest task in the
Army. Those that are familiar with the military may also be
familiar with the term "break it down barney style" meaning
to make it stupid simple or go step by step. Most things in
the Army have a "barney style" option where a subject matter
expert can tell you exactly what to do if ever there is a
question. Now that is awesome, if you ever have a question
in the Army there is always someone with an answer. Well
when you're getting out there is no one with the answer,
because everyone who is a subject matter expert is only and
expert because they have left the service meaning there is
no one left with the RIGHT answers.

So, since I am becoming a subject matter expert, I can pass
on some of the things that I have learned during my process.
Now it's not like it's impossible to get out if you haven't
a clue. I have seen many people who are within days of
getting out, and only then are they pushed through the
system. These people end up getting out, but the process is
not a smooth transition for them because they are rushing to
accomplish tasks that can be done months in advance. So here
are my lessons learned.

1. The first thing that should be done is your leave form or
DA 31. This should be done at least 4 months before you are
planning to start your transition leave.

2. After you have your leave form approved you can turn it
in to the transition office who will then cut your orders
which you can pick up a few days later. You need your orders
before you can do very much else.

3. I would recommend to start your phase 1 and 2 physicals
as part of your medical out processing as soon as you get
your orders.

4. You can get your commander to sign a memorandum allowing
you to turn in your CIF gear up to 2 months before your last
day in the unit. Clearing CIF is not the most desirable
thing to do because they often kick back items for being
dirty or tell you that you are either missing something or
that it is not the color or type that they want you to turn
in. Not to mention that when you clear CIF you need to go in
person to make the appointment to turn in your gear, and
they might not have an open appointment for 15 - 30 days or
more. Since clearing CIF has the potential to me a nightmare
it is advisable to have your commander sign this memorandum
as soon as possible and make the appointment as soon as you
have the memorandum in hand. Also, make sure that you clear
CIF before you have your household items shipped back home,
just in case.

5. You will need to go to transportation and sit through a
briefing, which is sometimes done on a walk in basis but
usually not, in order to set up the shipment of your
household items and get the paperwork for your vehicle to be
shipped. Be sure to schedule the pickup of your household
goods after you turn in your CIF and Company gear. Make sure
that you keep your "I love me book" with you so that you
will have the documents you need to clear. And yes, I mean
the whole book, because when you final out and it comes time
to write your DD 214 (The form that tells the world you are
a veteran who was honorably discharged) you can prove the
things that you have done that may not be accurately written
on your ERB or enlisted records brief. This is very
important because this is the document that will provide you
the benefits afforded a veteran as well as being required
for government jobs in the future. You will need at least 6
copies of your orders here.

6. Once you are within 30 days from your last working day
you can attend the briefing to get your clearing papers.
Your clearing papers are to clear the installation. At the
end of the brief they will schedule a day that you can come
back and pick up the clearing papers. This is usually within
10 days of you leaving. You will need at least 3 copies of
your orders here.

I would recommend that everyone making the transition sit
through most if not all of the briefings that ACAP (Army
Career Alumni Program) has to offer. When you are done here
you will have completed a resume that will help you out in
the real world. And once you have your orders, you will need
them everywhere that you try and clear. Also, make sure that
you have canceled all of your utilities before you actually
leave. You may also want to switch your direct deposit into
a local account to the place that you are going. The last
thing to make sure is that you have your NCOER/ OER in hand
before you leave your post.

Now, I may have missed a few things and if I have feel free
to remind me of those things and I will add them to this
post.

Thanks for tuning in,

Chase

Visit http://ChaseWilhelm.com to track all of my adventures
and life experiences which I will gladly post my advice on
anything that I can help out with.

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