FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SEPARATIONS PROCESS

How long does the separations process take? The separation process may take 10-20 business days. This time includes receipt of necessary documentation as well as the review/quality assurance process.

-Legal receives case on average within 3 business days unless receipt of necessary documentation is pending.

-Individuals receive their legal brief approximately 3 business days after Legal has received their case. Legal will advise individuals of their reason for separation, reentry code, and their rights. The case is then forwarded to the Commanding Officer for review unless an individual has elected to appeal their case.

-Upon completion of the Commanding Officer’s review (approximately 2 business days), the case is forwarded to the Separations Office for final processing.

-It takes on average 3 business days until discharge once the Separations Office receives the case. Upon discharge, individuals receive a copy of their case, a summary of their pay entitlements and deductions, and their DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Service.

What type of discharge do individuals being separated receive? Individuals being separated from the service receive an ‘Uncharacterized Entry Level Separation’; there is no ‘honorable/dishonorable’ entry made on the individuals’ DD Form 214. The DD Form 214 will also document the reentry code as well as a brief, non-descriptive narrative reason for separation. (See for the reenlistment codes.)

May individuals be picked up from RTC? Transportation from the government is provided regardless, but yes, arrangements may be made for individuals to be picked up at the Great Lakes Metra Train Station at 11am on their day of discharge. The Great Lakes Metra Train Station is located at 3000 South Sheridan Road, North Chicago, IL, 60088. The telephone number is 847-596-8600.

How do individuals get home? Individuals are authorized transportation to their home of record or place of accession (MEPS) at the government’s expense. Several factors are considered when electing the method of transportation provided such as cost and distance. Individuals may request transportation elsewhere provided it is the same or less cost to the government than the cost to their home of record or MEPS. Individuals may also choose to purchase transportation at their own expense and then be reimbursed the amount that would have been provided by government sources minus a 20% processing fee.

May individuals in Separations be visited? No, visitation is not authorized. Those who volunteer for Watch and other duties and help out on the Ship are rewarded with additional phone time though.Those in Separations are usually able to call at least twice a week, so be sure that your loved one has enough minutes on his/her phone card.

Contacting individuals in Separations:Phone calls are authorized on a daily basis. Individuals also have access to the internet and email. If an issue arises and you need to reach someone in Separations, please contact the Separations Administration Office at 847-688-7444 x456.

What can individuals in Separations have? They can receive letters, photos, and phone cards, but please do not send any packages.

SHIP 5 SEPARATIONS MAILING ADDRESS:

SR LAST NAME, FIRST NAME

SHIP #5 SEPS MALE or FEMALE

3610 ILLINOIS STREET

GREAT LAKES, IL 60088-3118

PLEASE HAVE INDIVIDUALS CONTACT SEPARATIONS ADMINISTRATIONAT 847-688-7444 x456 WITH ANY QUESTIONS. INDIVIDUAL CASESCANNOT BE DISCUSSED WITHOUT WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION.