Transition Center

Mission:

To provide the highest quality separation processing to active-duty, Reserve and National Guard Soldiers assigned to and/or passing through the Fort Drum community. This includes the timely and accurate preparation of DD Form 214s (Certificate of Release or Discharge from active duty) and the publishing of all separation orders. 

Separation Orders

When can I expect my separation orders?

• Officers: Orders are typically published within three days of when the Transition Center receives approval of your UQR (Unqualified Resignation) / REFRAD (Release from Active Duty) from U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
• Enlisted – ETS: Orders are published during the fourth month from your Separation / ETS (Expiration of Term of Service) date and will be available no later than 90 days out.
• Retirements, Officers / Enlisted: Orders are typically published within three days of when the Transition Center receives approval of your Retirement Request from HRC.
• Medical Retirements / Separations, Officers / Enlisted: Orders are typically published within three days of when the Transition Center receives approval of your medical separation from the U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency (PDA).
• Admin / Legal Chapters, Officers / Enlisted: Orders are typically published within three days of when the Transition Center receives approval of your separation from your brigade legal team.
   

How do I get a copy of my separation orders?

• Please see your brigade or battalion S1, as they have access to all separation orders through the Transition Processing (TRANSPROC) webtool, and they are responsible for distribution to the unit and Soldier.
   

UQRs / REFRADs

What is the timeline for an officer to submit UQR / REFRAD request?

• UQR / REFRAD application will be submitted not earlier than 12 months or less than six months before the requested separation date.  
   

What are the required documents to submit a UQR / REFRAD packet?

• Counseling Memo by Colonel / O6  (See Sample)
• Service Member UQR Request Memo  (See Sample)
• Reserve Component Counseling Statement - provided by Reserve Component Career Counselor (RCCC).  (See Sample)
• Sexual Assault Memo  (See Sample)
• Tuition Assistance Acknowledgement Memo provided by Education Services  (See Sample)
   

Medical Retirements

I just signed my DA Form 199 (Informal Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) Proceedings).

When can I expect my orders?

• It differs from Soldier to Soldier, but after you sign your DA 199, it typically takes about two weeks for the U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency (PDA) to approve your separation and notify the Fort Drum Transition Center. Orders are typically published within three days of when the Transition Center receives approval of your Medical Separation from the PDA.
   

Do medical separation / retirement orders get emailed to the Soldier?

• No, the orders will be available in TRANSPROC and will be emailed to the brigade and battalion S1s, as well as your company commander and first sergeant.
   

Longevity (20+ Year) Retirements

For information about longevity retirements, visit our Retirement Services Office page by clicking HERE.
 

DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty

Can I see a draft of my DD 214?

Absolutely! Your brigade and battalion S1s will have access to your Draft DD 214 once your separation orders are published. They are supposed to provide you a copy and conduct a Record Review so that you can make sure your personnel records are 100% straight before you separate. 

What should be on my DD 214?

Separating Soldiers should conduct an OMPF (Official Military Personnel File) and SRB (Soldier Record Brief) review with their servicing S1 at least 30 days prior to start of transitional leave or separation date to ensure accuracy of their DD Form 214. Areas of special emphasis are foreign service time, awards and decorations, and military education.  

What awards go on the DD 214?

All federally recognized awards and decorations for all periods of service.

Can I change my home of record in my DD 214?

This cannot be changed unless there is a break in active service of at least one full day, or it is determined by HRC to be factually incorrect. Requests to change home of record may be sent to usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-emilpo-helpdesk@army.mil. 
 

Clearing Papers

When / how do I get clearing papers?

For information on receiving your clearing papers, visit our Out-Processing Center by clicking HERE.
 

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