What happens if you don't sign your DD214 when discharged from the military?

2019-07-09T07:07:59-04:00

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Jul 9 at 2019 7:29 AM

2019-07-09T07:29:23-04:00

It won’t stop you from being discharged, if that is your thought process. I think they put in unavailable for signature. Although, with all the 214s I signed as the certifying official, I don’t recall anyone refusing to sign.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 9 at 2019 7:29 AM

2019-07-09T07:29:23-04:00

Good question, wiser minds may have an answer.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Jul 9 at 2019 7:30 AM

2019-07-09T07:30:33-04:00

Nothing happens. The signature on the document just says that you had the opportunity to review the document and that it is correct.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Jul 9 at 2019 4:14 PM

2019-07-09T16:14:46-04:00

Nothing. Just unavailable for signature. But keep this in mind as I have seen this a lot. By not going in and signing the DD214 to verify that everything is correct. The DD214 will be mailed to the last know address listed. I have seen where DD 214 have been mailed like that to a last known or Home of Record address, that the individual hasn't liked in for a lot of years.

Besides, it's easier to correct the DD 214 while sitting there, then getting it in the mail and you are missing a lot of stuff. then you have to start the DD 215 correction process.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Jul 9 at 2019 7:38 PM

2019-07-09T19:38:55-04:00

Nothing will happen, but don't be surprised when things are missing from it.

Response by PVT Allen Meissner made Jul 9 at 2019 8:26 PM

2019-07-09T20:26:24-04:00

I wish I had fought to stay in the Army !

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jul 10 at 2019 6:13 AM

2019-07-10T06:13:07-04:00

Nothing happens. You signing it is not a requirement. Your signature just acknowledges that you read it.
The DD-214 is just a record of military service.