Navy Updates Retirement and Separation Policy

by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jason J. Perry, NPC Public Affairs Navy

Personnel Command recently updated timelines and procedures for submitting separation and retirement packages to make the process both smooth and timely.

Released Nov. 2, MILPERSMAN 1900-015 outlines what is required of both Sailors, their commands and the Transaction Service Centers.

Separation packages must be submitted no less than 60 days before the actual separation date or the start of terminal leave or permissive temporary duty, such as Skillbridge, whichever is earliest. Command Pay and Personnel Administrators can submit packages to TSC Norfolk as early as 5-9 months prior to a Sailor’s separation or retirement.

Meeting this timeline allows many actions, from completing the separation orders and issuing the DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to processing final and retirement pay and benefits, as applicable.

If a DD-214 is not finalized – that is, reviewed and approved by the Sailor – 14 calendar days prior to the Sailor’s detachment, TSC personnel may finalize the document by marking it “Signature Unattainable.” Doing this does not negatively impact the Sailor nor invalidate the DD-214.

Some things to keep in mind: Make sure the effective date (date of actual separation/retirement from naval service) is correct; ensure all key supporting documents are complete and accurate; and not allowing secondary required KSDs, such as medical and dental endorsements or command checkout sheets, to delay package submission. The Command Pay and Personnel Administrator submitting the package can annotate in the Enterprise Customer Relationship Management software which documents are not yet available and an estimated completion date, if available. #NPC #Retirement

MILPERSMAN 1909-015: