MNG-035 · SEPARATION & RETIREMENT
DD-214 Review & Separation Packet
Review DD-214 and separation records for service dates, character, specialty, awards, deployments, separation data, remarks, and supporting source records.
Audit the separation document
- Name and identifying data
- Entry, active-service and separation dates
- Component and grade
- Military specialty/rating
- Awards and decorations
- Foreign/deployed service where reported
- Character of service
- Separation authority, reason and codes where applicable
- Remarks and required entries
Preserve the packet behind it
Keep separation or retirement orders, final evaluations, award orders, deployment history, training records, final-pay records, medical/dental export, and the final separation document. DoDI 1336.01 governs the DD Form 214/214-1/215 series.
Official sources
- DoDI 1336.01 — Certificate of Uniformed Service
- NARA — Request Military Service Records
- NARA — Service Records
Source status: SRC-088; SRC-013; SRC-079 verified October 4, 2026. Use current service-specific instructions when they impose a more specific requirement.
