Posted on Jul 14, 2015
What do you remember about your out-processing from the military? Did you PCS many times before that?
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I think everybody who has ever served in the military went through out-processing. First from initial training to someplace and many have gone through a permanent change of station (PCS) out-process. I remember as a young enlisted soldier counting the days down to the end of my first enlistment (4 years of days is a lot). I PCSed with out-processing many times while on active duty from 1974 through 1992. After that I took a USAR commission and didn't PCS; but, I out-processed many times after performing annual training (AT), temporary tours of active duty (TTAD) and mobilization.
Those of us who were in the military last century probably remember going around with a paper out-processing form and collecting initials as we turned in various items and cleared others.
Those of us who were in the military last century probably remember going around with a paper out-processing form and collecting initials as we turned in various items and cleared others.
Posted in these groups: 
Transition
PCS
Transition PCS
Edited 9 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 23
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I out-processed many times. First as an enlisted combat engineer (12B) and then as a commissioned infantry officer in many Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves with a couple training en-route moves. I certainly remember going around trying to get initials on the out-processing form. When I was more junior with less responsibility it was easy as I gained more responsibility it was harder to break free to do the out-processing.
Once I transferred to the USAR I had no more PCS moves; but, I had about 30 out-process experiences after annual training (AT) periods, Temporary Tours of Active Duty (TTAD), and mobilization. I remember a feeling on anticipation during my active duty out-processing looking forward to the the duties at my next station. As a USAR officer I remember feeling satisfied while out-processing after a successful mission.
I have three DD-214, first one in November 1978 after finishing my initial enlistment while serving as a cadet at USMA, second DD-214 after being involuntarily removed from active duty in October 1992, and the last after being demobilized in May 2004 and 2 1/2 years of mobilization.
I was very sad when I was told I was not authorized to out-process when I transferred from the active reserves to the retired reserves. That was a lonely experience after the camaraderie of military service from November 1974 to May 2008.
SPC (Join to see), LTC Stephen C., LTC John Shaw, GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", TSgt Hunter Logan, CW5 Charlie Poulton, CW5 (Join to see), LCDR Rabbi Jaron Matlow, SGT (Join to see), COL Mikel J. Burroughs
Once I transferred to the USAR I had no more PCS moves; but, I had about 30 out-process experiences after annual training (AT) periods, Temporary Tours of Active Duty (TTAD), and mobilization. I remember a feeling on anticipation during my active duty out-processing looking forward to the the duties at my next station. As a USAR officer I remember feeling satisfied while out-processing after a successful mission.
I have three DD-214, first one in November 1978 after finishing my initial enlistment while serving as a cadet at USMA, second DD-214 after being involuntarily removed from active duty in October 1992, and the last after being demobilized in May 2004 and 2 1/2 years of mobilization.
I was very sad when I was told I was not authorized to out-process when I transferred from the active reserves to the retired reserves. That was a lonely experience after the camaraderie of military service from November 1974 to May 2008.
SPC (Join to see), LTC Stephen C., LTC John Shaw, GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", TSgt Hunter Logan, CW5 Charlie Poulton, CW5 (Join to see), LCDR Rabbi Jaron Matlow, SGT (Join to see), COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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LTC Stephen F.
I assume from your response TSgt Hunter Logan that you out-processed from the military in the 20th century, 2nd millennium AD, when life was more black and white and perhaps when the PC was young and cell-phones were a dream :-)
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Capt (Join to see)
out processed nine times. In the beginning it took a week or two. I had to have signatures from just about everyone on base.
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Sgt (Join to see)
TSgt Hunter Logan - I am not sure either since it was the Dark Ages. I believe that I had some kind of out processing form that I had to take around and get signed as I turned in my gear.
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I have out processed from mobilizations three times, each time given a DD214 and sent back to the Reserve unit. It always seems odd to me that I don't get a similar statement or process in the Reserves or National Guard. We shall see when I punch out of the Army Reserve for good next year.
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Suspended Profile
Many reservists don't even get a 214. There is a different discharge paper for reservists who don't deploy. Either way though, be sure to file your VA disability claim within one year of retirement/ETS, if not sooner, so you don't miss out on any benefits.
It's also important to remember as a reservist that eligibility for Disability Compensation is limited. Chronic diseases such as Coronary Artery disease are generally denied for reservists because you spent the majority of your time as a "civilian". However, injuries on Active Duty including ADT are claimable, as are all presumptive conditions from the areas of Combat you deployed to during Title X or other activations. This includes Vietnam and Gulf War presumptive conditions. Of course, any injuries you incurred on Active Duty including ADT are claimable, as is Combat Related PTSD and TBI if you were in a combat zone...
If you need info about your disability claims, please ask...
It's also important to remember as a reservist that eligibility for Disability Compensation is limited. Chronic diseases such as Coronary Artery disease are generally denied for reservists because you spent the majority of your time as a "civilian". However, injuries on Active Duty including ADT are claimable, as are all presumptive conditions from the areas of Combat you deployed to during Title X or other activations. This includes Vietnam and Gulf War presumptive conditions. Of course, any injuries you incurred on Active Duty including ADT are claimable, as is Combat Related PTSD and TBI if you were in a combat zone...
If you need info about your disability claims, please ask...
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SGT (Join to see)
I was promised another stripe and a $10,000 bonus for a four year enlistment. I was all for it if I could be a recruiter. I was E-5 under 5 so that was out. When he told me I'd probably have at least two more Nam tours, I was out.
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I remember the first time I was given forms and I had to go to each section on base and have someone initial the forms and then show to the final out briefing, you received your tickets and advance cash. When I retired in 2007 everything was done in 1 day when I turned in computer, phone, office keys etc. How times have changed. Now everything is electronic.
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LTC Stephen F.
Moving towards a paperless society but still a long way to go TSgt Kevin Buccola :-) I am glad the process got easier for you. I certainly remember going around trying to get initials on the out-processing form. When I was more junior with less responsibility it was easy as I gained more responsibility it was harder to break free to do the out-processing.
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