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Navy Updates Retirement and Separation Policy

NOVEMBER 9, 2022 – 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.

MILPERSMAN 1909-015 is available here .

Story by Chief Petty Officer Jason Perry Navy Personnel Command

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Military discharges and military counseling, entry level performance and conduct discharge (entry level separation).

After you read this fact sheet, please call the Hotline (877-447-4487) to talk over your options with a counselor.

MILPERSMAN Section 1910-154 (10 Nov 2009) SEPARATION BY REASON OF ENTRY LEVEL PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT

Comments: To view or download the complete regulation, click on the the link to it in the box above.

1. Policy. Members may be separated for entry level performance and conduct when a. in an entry level status (i.e., within first 180 days of continuous active duty (ACDU) on the date of notification of administrative separation (ADSEP) processing); and b. it is determined that members are unqualified for further Naval Service by reason of unsatisfactory performance and conduct as evidenced by incapability, lack of reasonable effort, failure to adapt to the naval environment, or minor disciplinary infractions; and c. have violated a NAVPERS 1070/613 (Rev. 7-06), Administrative Remarks counseling/warning which specifically addresses individual's unsatisfactory performance/conduct (MILPERSMAN 1910-204). A member must have violated a NAVPERS 1070/613 warning prior to processing for separation under this category. ... 3. Characterization of Separation. Description of separation shall always be an Entry Level Separation (ELS).

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Trending topics, navy cancelling early separation; offering extensions for retirement, separation.

The Navy is canceling early separation programs and encouraging delayed separation as it aims to retain more sailors, especially in sea billets.

The Navy announced the cancellation of enlisted early out programs, as well as waivers for new time-in-grade requirement, in NAVADMIN 142/22 , released on June 22.

Under the policy, service commitments, which include enlistment contracts and permanent changes of station, will be fulfilled. Anyone who has trouble completing their service requirements should work with their chain of command and/or detailers to figure out alternatives.

Those seeking commissions are still encouraged to do so, with those requests considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Navy is also looking for enlisted sailors who are willing to delay separation or retirement, with applications due Aug. 31.

Any sailor with who was approved to separate or retire on or before March 31, 2023 can ask to have it delayed until Sept. 30, 2023, if their billet would be “gapped” by their departure, according to the NAVADMIN.

If a sailor with a sea billet applies and is approved, they will remain on sea duty, per the NAVDMIN.

Sailors who were separating or retiring due to high year tenure are also eligible to request a waiver to extend their service by up to a year if they are in “critical operational billets,” either on shore or at sea, that will have gaps upon their retirement or separation.

“The purpose of this NAVADMIN is to implement key force management personnel actions in the enlisted active component to ensure the Navy remains fully manned and operationally ready,” according to the NAVADMIN.

However, the reasoning behind the NAVADMIN changed between the copy on the Navy’s website and a draft accidentally posted. The original text, first reported by Military.com , had the reasoning for the NAVADMIN as concerns about the recruiting environment and sailor losses due to COVID-19 vaccine separations.

“As the Navy shifts into an environment of sustainment, retention of every capable Sailor will be critical to the operation readiness of the Navy,” according to the draft. “Due to the uncertainty regarding COVID-19 Pandemic vaccination losses and the recruiting environment, where competition for talent is especially tough, the Navy is opening the aperture for additional [force management] personal policy levers to retain Sailors.”

Neal Fisher, a spokesman for the chief of naval personnel office, said that a draft of the NAVADMIN was accidentally posted to the website.

“Our biggest concern is that we have the right people in the right job,” Fisher said. The Navy is not overtly concerned about the effect of COVID-19 vaccine separations on retention, Fisher said.

There have been a total of 998 active-duty sailors and 209 reservists who have been separated due to refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a June 22 update from the Navy. Another 20 sailors in their first 180 days were also separated.

That means the Navy separated about 0.29 percent of its end strength due to refusal to vaccinate against COVID-19. That percentage does not include reservists.

More sailors would likely be separated, but the Navy is currently prohibited by a class lawsuit ruling from separating sailors who have submitted a religious exemption to the vaccine. During discussion of the National Defense Authorization Act, Republican congressional members of the House Armed Services raised concerns that the mandated vaccination is leading to recruiting issues.

Cmdr. Dave Benham, director of public affairs for Navy Recruiting Command, told USNI News that he does not have numeric or anecdotal data about the effect of the vaccine requirements on recruiting.

“We recognize that we are in a very challenging recruiting environment, in competition with our fellow services and the private sector for the top talent we need to serve as the next generation of Navy leaders and warfighters,” Benham said in a statement. “That’s why we are presently offering the highest enlistment bonuses in our history, with a minimum EB of $25000, and up to $50000 for certain high demand technical rates, through July 7. While service is not just about the money, we feel these bonuses, taken with existing Navy benefits and the inherent satisfaction of adventure, global travel and service to our country in the world’s finest Navy will give us an advantage in recruiting top talent to lead us forward.”

The Navy was able to meet its recruiting goals for active-duty enlisted personnel in Fiscal Year 2021, but struggled to recruit active-duty officers, USNI News previously reported .

Recruiting challenges are a sign of the times, Fisher said, noting that it is affecting all of the services, not just the Navy.

Retention is always a focus because the Navy wants to keep trained sailors, he said. There is a need for people in sea billets.

“We’re the Navy,” Fisher said. “We need people out at sea.”

However, not all sailors are eligible to delay their retirement or separation. Sailors who have already executed parts of their separation or retirement orders, have pending mandatory age retirement or separation, were approved to separate or retire because of a disability or are being separated for misconduct cannot apply.

Heather Mongilio

Heather Mongilio is a reporter with USNI News. She has a master’s degree in science journalism and has covered local courts, crime, health, military affairs and the Naval Academy. Follow @hmongilio

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Your Guide To Navigating Navy Separation

[email protected].

Preparing to separate from the Navy? Are you feeling excited for this next phase of life, but overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take before your time in the military is over?

You’re not alone.

Many sailors leave the military every year. No sailor or their family members should be left under-prepared and in the dark about transitioning into the civilian world. 

Those who are prepared often find the transition to be a seamless process.

In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to successfully navigate Navy separation.

What Is Navy Separation?

Navy separation occurs when a sailor reaches his/her expiration of term of service (ETS) date.

Navy separation is different from a navy discharge. When separating, a sailor is leaving his/her active duty position . Separation, whether voluntary or involuntary, may leave a sailor with unfulfilled service obligations.

They carry this obligation out in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). An individual who has to carry out time in the IRR may be called to active duty status in times of war, or during a national emergency for the rest of the unfulfilled time.

Types of Navy Separation

When separating from the navy, there are two main types of separation:

Voluntary Navy Separation

• Involuntary Navy Separation

Voluntary separation is one in which a sailor agrees to separate from the military for several reasons, including: 

• Furthering your education — when deemed appropriate 
• End of active service
• Pregnancy — in certain circumstances, like becoming a single parent with no family care plan in place
• Being in alien status
• Parenthood — if unable to perform his or her duties or is unavailable for worldwide assignment or deployment
• Surviving family member(s) — more information about this topic can be found here .
• And more …

A voluntary Navy separation means that a sailor has willingly approved leaving the service.

The reasons listed above are considered “ favorable ” conditions. As long as you are in good standing with the Navy, a sailor will most often result in an honorable separation.

Honorable separations help open many doors for sailors in the workforce outside of the military.  

Unsure what direction you want to go in as you leave your military career? American Dream U can help you learn to find your dream job and navigate Navy separation.

Involuntary Separation From The Navy

When many hear involuntary separation, they immediately think that the sailor did something “wrong” to get separated from the service without their approval.

Things like:

• Fraudulent entry into the Navy
• Minor disciplinary infractions
• Patterns of misconduct
• Civilian conviction

There are many reasons a sailor can be involuntarily separated from the Navy that aren’t because of misconduct including: 

• Release due to reduction in force
• Failure to get promoted within a certain time period
• Release of Navy Reserve members

In these instances, a commander will start the separation process.

How do most involuntary separation processes work? Keep reading to learn more.

Navy Administrative Separation Process

The administrative separation process occurs when a commander initiates the involuntary separation process of a sailor in a non-judicial process.

In most cases, an administrative separation is considered a favorable separation with varied bases for why. These can range from the convenience of the military/government, minor misconduct, or even medical issues.

But …

It is possible to receive other than honorable remarks when being separated from the Navy through the administrative separation process.

Military members cannot receive a dishonorable discharge through an administrative separation. 

How does it work? 

Here’s an example: 

Petty Officer Freeman has started the Navy separation process. He is going through an administrative separation.

He is known for being late to formation every day, and he does not perform his daily responsibilities. He received multiple “ warnings” and has four different violations on his military record.

After multiple chances to make changes and disciplinary action, his command realized an administrative separation was the next step.

He is notified in writing that he has been selected for separation because of poor duty performance. 

The notice also states that his separation category will be under honorable conditions.

Petty Officer Freeman could have been separated under general conditions, which would have negatively affected the number of benefits he would receive after separation.

Thankfully, because of the circumstances, his honorable status, ten years in the service, and two deployments, Freeman is still eligible for VA benefits, including his GI Bill. 

Had he received other than honorable remarks, he would have risked losing all VA benefits.

Within 30 days of receiving the separation notice, Petty Officer Freeman will need to find his role in the civilian world.

Navy Separation Pay

Sailors who have completed at least six, but less than twenty, years of active service immediately prior to being separated from the military may receive Involuntary Separation Pay.

To qualify, sailors may need to meet a few of the following requirements:

• Separation qualified as “honorable” or “general” (under honorable conditions)
• Agrees to serve at least three years in the Ready Reserve following separation
• Discharged involuntarily because of being denied reenlistment ( under certain conditions)

For more information about Navy separation pay, and if you may qualify click here .

3 Common Navy Separation Codes And What They Mean

Every year, thousands of military members start their journey into the civilian world.

To help keep things a little more organized, the military has come up with different codes to categorize how and why a service member leaves the service. 

These codes are typically found in box 26 on a sailor’s DD-214 form. These codes can have positive and negative effects on sailors and how they move forward in their careers outside of the military.

Below are a few of the most common navy separation codes and why they are used.

Example #1 of Navy Separation Codes: KBK

Of the hundreds of separation codes, the code KBK is one of the most common , especially among sailors.

What Does KBK Mean?

KBK stands for “normal separation of service.” The separation code KBK states that a sailor has completed their contract.

This specific code is typically followed by Re-1 or Re-2 in box 27 on the DD-214 form. Re-1 lets the military know that the sailor qualifies to reenlist if he/she decides to at a later time. This code is known as a reenlistment code.

The re-2 code states that a sailor may reenlist, but stipulations may apply.

Example #2 of Navy Separation Codes: FT

The separation code FT means that the sailor is required to separate from the Navy due to his/her physical condition.

What Does FT Mean?

When separating from the Navy with an FT code, a sailor is in a physical condition that is not disabling – but it’s not to the Navy’s standard.

Many times when a sailor receives a separation code FT, it is followed by a reenlistment code of Re-3. 

A sailor who receives an Re-3 reenlistment code is not eligible to reenlist into the military unless he/she receives a waiver. 

Example #3 of Navy Separation Codes: JFY

Don’t make this a rash decision to get out after a string of bad days, if you have your end of commitment coming up. Make sure that you plan out everything that you will need to have prepared personally and professionally, and get out with intention.

Are you looking to change careers but you need a different certification or degree? Apply to any needed programs early and try to get that started (better yet, completed) before you get out of the military.

What Does JFY Mean?

JFY codes are given to sailors who have an adjustment disorder.

This code is often used for sailors who get seasick and cannot overcome the seasickness.

You’ve Completed Navy Separation—Now What?

Transitioning into a civilian role can be scary and a little overwhelming for both sailors and their families.

Aside from having to find a new career, you must consider where you’ll live. 

Will you rent or buy a home? 

Do you plan on furthering your education or jumping into a civilian workplace?

The options you have outside of the military are endless, although it may not feel that way immediately after separating from the Navy.

American Dream U has you covered.

Transitioning To Work In The Civilian World

At American Dream U, we understand that separating from the Navy is one of the biggest changes you’ll have in your life, and we want to provide you with all the tools you need to be successful.

We’ll walk you and your spouse through the process to make it as seamless as possible. 

Whether you need support finding work or help to start your own business, we can help. ADU offers several different courses and resources to lead you in the right direction.

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Deployment Entitlements: How Your Income Changes During Deployment

There is a lot that needs to be done to  prepare for deployment , from packing to determining family communication techniques to making sure that your children have adequate child care in your absence. It can be easy to overlook changes in your financial status when you are busy dealing with immediate practicalities. When you deploy, though, you become eligible for deployment entitlements that provide income beyond your usual basic pay and allowances. These entitlements are additional payments or benefits that are authorized by the government and made to deployed servicemembers.

They are intended to compensate servicemembers who are deployed for the hardships and dangerous conditions that they may encounter as part of their service. There are several entitlements you may receive depending on the location and specifics of your deployment.

Family Separation Allowance (FSA)

The Family Separation Allowance (commonly referred to as Family Separation Pay) is an allowance paid to servicemembers with dependents who serve an unaccompanied tour of duty and are away from their family for over 30 consecutive days. Servicemembers must file the required paperwork (DD Form 1561) to receive FSA, which pays $250 per month for the duration of the separation.

Note that servicemembers who choose to serve an unaccompanied tour of duty despite the movement of dependents being authorized are not eligible for FSA.

Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP)

There is a collection of entitlements that fall under the umbrella of hazardous duty pay. These are typically job-dependent and pay is based upon the level of risk a servicemember assumes as a function of their position. Some examples include:

• Diving Duty: Up to $240 per month
• Duty Involving Toxic Fuels and Propellants: Up to $150 per month
• Flying Duty, Crew Members: Between $110 and $250 per month

Hostile Fire and Imminent Danger Pay (HFP/IDP)

Hostile Fire Pay  grants servicemembers up to $225 per month if they are serving in an area where they may be subject to and endangered by hostile fire or mine explosions. Whether a servicemember qualifies for Hostile Fire Pay is determined by their commander.

Imminent Danger   Pay  is a similar entitlement that is granted when a servicemember is placed in an area defined as an Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) area. This entitlement provides $7.50 per day, up to $225 per month.

Servicemembers are unable to receive both entitlements in one month; depending on their deployment, if eligible for both, they will receive either Hostile Fire Pay  or  Imminent Danger Pay.

Hardship Duty Pay (HDP)

Hardship Duty Pay compensates servicemembers who are assigned to duty locations where the quality of life is significantly lower than that within the continental United States. Typically, servicemembers must be on location for over 30 days to be eligible for Hardship Duty Pay. This entitlement pays $50, $100, or $150 per month, depending on the quality of life in the servicemember’s area. There are currently two types of Hardship Duty Pay.

• HDP-Location:  HDP-Location is paid to servicemembers who are serving outside the continental U.S. where it is determined that the living conditions are much lower than they would be for those serving in a similar mission in the U.S. This could mean that the servicemember is living in conditions that are unhealthy (e.g., air quality) or is having to undergo excessive physical hardship at their location. This is usually paid out at the rates mentioned above on a monthly basis, depending on the hardship of the location.
• HDP-Mission:  HDP-Mission is paid to servicemembers who perform a mission that has been designated as a hardship mission. It is paid out at the full monthly rate for each month in which the servicemember performs a hardship mission, even if the mission lasts longer than 30 days.

Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP)

Assignment Incentive Pay is an additional entitlement given to servicemembers as an incentive for filling unusual assignments or extending their assignments in hazardous or undesirable locations. This pay is capped at $3,000 per month.

Additional Benefits

• Note that serving just one day in a combat zone qualifies servicemembers for tax exclusion for the entire month.
• Income Tax Filing Extensions :  Deadlines for performing certain actions applicable to filing federal income taxes may be automatically extended for the period of your service in the combat zone plus an additional 180 days following your last day in said combat zone or – if you were hospitalized as a result of an injury incurred while in a combat zone, 180 days past the last day of your hospital stay. During this extension period, you will not be charged interest or penalties on any taxes due.
• Per Diem :  A per diem is a daily rate paid to servicemembers for food and lodging while they are traveling. Even though housing and meals are usually provided during a deployment, servicemembers are still eligible for additional per diem funds. It is paid out at what is called an “incidental rate” – which comes to $3.50 per day. Typically, this is paid out once you return home and complete a final travel voucher (DD Form 1351-2).
• This program allows servicemembers to deposit up to $10,000 into a savings account that earns up to 10% interest (depending on the length of their deployment). Interest continues to accrue up to 90 days after a servicemember leaves a combat zone; after 120 days, a payment in the full amount of the account balance is issued to the servicemember to deposit elsewhere.
• SGLI :  If you are serving in a qualified combat zone, your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance premiums will be covered at no cost to you. If you had previously elected less than the maximum coverage offered, you can increase your SGLI coverage to $500,000 when you deploy.
• Thrift Savings Plan : If you are serving in a tax-free combat zone, you can contribute more than the IRS annual elective deferral limit to your TSP account. In 2024, this raises your contribution limit from $23,000 up to $69,000. This higher total includes regular deferred contributions, tax-exempt combat zone contributions, and special pay and bonuses. Note that Roth TSP contributions are limited to the $23,000 elective deferral limit; any contributions beyond $23,000 must be made into a traditional TSP account, even if the contributions come from tax-exempt pay.

If you find that you still have questions about the different deployment entitlements, reach out to a pay and benefits specialist on your installation. They can help you understand what compensation you are likely to receive  before you are deployed , so your family can make the most of your income while you focus on serving. Our Education and Veterans Services team is also available to answer any question you may have; you can reach them at  888-298-4442 .

If your deployment is coming up, you may want to consider whether you have enough life insurance in place to protect your family in your absence. Schedule an appointment or call 800-628-6011  to speak with a representative and make sure your family is protected today.

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