How to Get Clearing Papers


This update focuses on improving the process by enhancing S1 & Chain of Command involvement and ensuring a seamless Out-Processing experience for all Service Members.


Out-Processing Control Center (OPC) PAR IPPS-A Instructions: To initiate out-processing procedures in IPPS-A, Service Members (SM) must submit a Personnel Action Request (PAR) through their unit's S1 no later than (NLT) 20 days. The S1 will then route the request to the Out-Processing Control Center for review in IPPS-A.


Starting the process early (20 days prior) is crucial to ensure a smooth and timely out-processing experience. This allows for administrative processing, corrections, and the issuance of clearing papers with enough time to complete all required steps before the final out-processing date.


Process Breakdown:

  • Initiate the Process:

 Submit an Admin Records Correction PAR as follows: Admin Records Correction > Other > Clearing Papers.
 Attach any required supporting documents, as listed below and submit the PAR.
 Upon submitting the PAR, it will automatically route to the S1 pool for action. Clearing papers will be issued to the S1/Soldier NLT 14 business days prior to the date of departure (IPPS-A Absence) for PCS or the report date to the separation center/retirement services office for separating/retiring Soldiers.

  1. PCS Soldiers Only: Submit the PAR through S1 20 days prior to the date of departure (IPPS-A Absence Request Form).
  • Required Documents:
    • I. IPPS-A PCS Absence Request (Leave Form)
    • II. Orders and Amendments
  • Army Sponsorship Program (T.A.S.P.):
    • I. Mandatory: For PVT-SSG, 2LT-CPT, WO1-CW2
    • II. Optional: For SFC-CSM, CW3-CW5, MAJ-COL

Steps to Complete:

  • Log into the Army Career Tracker (ACT) website and complete the Total Army Sponsorship Program (T.A.S.P.).
  • Fill out DA Form 5434: Complete sections 1, 2, 4, and 5, then digitally sign and save the form. Sponsors will complete Section 3.
  • Complete the TASP Survey.
  • Exception to Policy (ETP): Required if DA Form 5434 is incomplete (all sections must be filled).
  1. Separating Soldiers Only (ETS, Retirees, Chapters, MEB): Submit your PAR through your S1 20 days prior to your report date to the separation center or retirement services office.
  • Required Documents:
    • Orders and Amendments
  • Career Skills Program:
    • For Career Skills Program (CSP) or Skill Bridge Program (SB) outside the 50-mile radius (IN-PERSON ONLY): Coordination with the Transition Assistance Program Counselor and your Command Team is necessary, as these programs are time-sensitive.


Unit Review and Forwarding
Unit S1 Review:
• Your unit's S1 will review the PAR and supporting documents


Routing:

  • If the S1 recommends approval, the PAR will be forwarded to the Military Personnel Division (MPD) Out-Processing Control Center for review in IPPS-A.

Recommendation: S1 should establish a workflow template for clearing papers (e.g., OPC > S1 > OPC) to streamline the process of requesting both clearing papers and the final out packet with the same PAR.


Out-Processing Control Center
OPC will issue clearing papers through IPSS-A 14 business days prior to 1st day of Absence Request Leave or Transition Report Date.


OPC will issue the following documents:

  1. Installation Clearance Record DA 137-2
  2. Unit Clearance Record DA 137-1
  3. Installation Clearing Map
  4. Info Sheet: North Out-Processing (Schofield Bks, Wheeler AAF, HMR)
  5. Info Sheet: South Out-Processing (Ft Shafter, JBPHH, PACOM, TAMC)
  6. ETS Only: Finance Separations Info Sheet

Note: Walk-ins
Exceptions: In-person pickups are allowed only for Soldiers with departure dates less than one week away or in special case-by-case situations. SM must provide S1 UDL or S1 email group box.