Transition Center (TC)

Transition is a process, not an event.

Pre-transition processing gives the Soldier and spouse relevant information in advance of Separation to facilitate planning for a successful transition to civilian life and clearly communicates the benefits and opportunities available through participation in the USAR or ARNG.

The Transition Center publishes separation orders and DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). DD Form 214 is the most important military document a Soldier receives. It is a snapshot of your military career and the completion and accuracy of it is invaluable.

Pre-Transition

The Pre-transition process is initiated by the Military Personnel Division (MPD) Transition Center as follows:

S1's will visit the MPD PAS MS Teams link below to view the updated 180-day loss roster:

S1's will notify the service member's chain of command they are 180 days from their contractual ETS date.

Once a Soldier is identified for separation, they are required to begin separation processing by:

  • visiting the Area III MPD Transition Center
  • beginning the Transitions Assistance Program (TAP)
  • completing the virtual Separation Brief and their separation health assessment
  • planning or requesting terminal leave
  • other actions as necessary

Timelines

The following timelines apply to all transitioning Soldiers (not retirements):

Normal Transition:

  • Soldiers should immediately begin pre-transition processing by visiting the MPD Transition Center as early as 180 days prior to their ETS date or when they have been identified for separation.

  • NLT 120 prior to the ETS date, Soldiers will submit all documents on the TC checklist (AMIM-HM Form 53) through the S1 to the email address on the form.

  • Soldiers will receive orders NLT 90 days prior to their ETS date.

Separation prior to the normal transition date:

  • Within 15 business days or as applicable, Soldiers being chaptered will submit all documents on the TC checklist (AMIM-HM Form 53) through their S1 to a Chapter PAR through IPPS-A without any attachments

  • The chapter packet with ALL supporting documents will be hand-carried to the TC once complete.

  • Soldiers being chaptered will receive their orders NLT 2 days after the packet and all necessary documents have been submitted to the TC.
  • Soldiers being involuntarily separated will always have an escort when visiting the MPD/TC.​​​​​​

Escorts must be senior-in-grade to the Soldier being separated and at a minimum, a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Minimum processing-time for the Transition Center is 10 days. This does not include the 10 duty days allowed to clear the unit and installation. Plan accordingly.

Final-Out

Soldiers will be given appointments to pick up their clearing papers and final-out when they receive their orders. Soldiers are allowed 10 duty days to clear the installation.

In-Country Separation

An In-Country Separation (ICS) is required for anyone intending to separate from and take leave within the Republic of Korea before or after their separation date.

(If you do not have an approved In Country Separation prior to taking transitional/terminal leave ALL of your Korea Entitlements will stop)

Unqualified Resignation

No earlier than 12 months and no later than 6 months from requested separation date.

Final-Out

Soldiers will be given appointments to pick up their clearing papers and final-out when they receive their orders. Soldiers are allowed 10 duty days to clear the installation.

Separation Briefing

Separation briefings are now being conducted virtually.