Why is having a copy of your DD214 so important? This coincides with section #28 (Separation Code) and typically refers to the expiration of a veteran’s term of service, but other reasons include pregnancy, parenthood, disability, hardship and early release to attend school. Depart of Veterans Affairs, “Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general).” This section is especially important when it comes to receiving benefits and services exclusive to veterans. This may be due to retirement, but it may mean also that a service member has completed his or her obligation to the U.S. Separation means a service member is leaving active duty. Such skills strongly increase the chances of landing a good job after leaving the military. This is especially important for veterans looking to enter the civilian workforce, as it details any training they may have had while enlisted, such as electrical, medical, engineering, coding or ballistics. Not only do awards demonstrate specific achievements, but they also provide insight into a veteran’s personal character. In this section, the DD214 provides a detailed list of all awards and decorations for all periods of service. #13: Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded/Authorized. It provides the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes and other codes used by different branches of the military to identify a specific job or area of expertise. This section lists all of the specialties held while in the service and the time spent in each specialty.
The following is a quick breakdown of the key sections on your DD214. It provides an in-depth look a service member’s career, including any decorations or awards received, the character of service, the type of separation and the reason for separation.
Your DD214, officially known as a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is possibly the most important document you possess when it comes to documenting your time spent in the military and proving your honorable discharge.Īlthough the DD214 has evolved over time, the core information remains the same. While all that paperwork can seem like a nuisance, each form has a purpose, and each plays an important role in chronicling your military career-especially those that show proof of service.įor members of the Armed Forces (the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard), a DD Form 214 is issued upon separation or discharge from active duty, including when a service member retires. From recruitment to discharge, there are lengthy forms to fill out for just about everything, even taking vacation time. Those who have served in the military are no stranger to paperwork.