ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS
1. PURPOSE: To provide information and instruction on requesting administrative separations from the Legal
Center, establish responsibilities, procedures and guidance for commanders.
2. RESPONSIBILITIES:
a. Unit Commanders: When forwarding a request for an administrative separation under the provisions of
AR 635-200, the unit commander should ensure that all relevant information pertaining to the soldier is
enclosed in the packet.
(1) A separation checklist, outlining documentation required for each type of separation action is
enclosed.
(2) Commanders will adhere at AR 635-200, paragraph 1-16 for the mandatory counseling requirement if
applicable. Contact the Legal Center for guidance, if necessary. (See Appendix for 1-16 counseling format)
(3) Complete and sign the memorandum requesting the appropriate action. All information must be filled
out to ensure prompt processing (Appendix 1).
(4) Request a flagging action from the battalion S1.
(5) Most involuntary separations require a separation physical and/or mental evaluation. These need to be
completed prior to the first reading of the packet to the soldier (initiation). Notify the soldier in writing so they
know the exams are command directed. It is important that the memo reflect the correct chapter so that the
Physical Exams Section completes the specific exam required for that particular chapter. Exams vary based on
type of chapter.
(6) Deliver packets to the Legal Center by an authorized representative.
(7) The soldier being processed for an adverse separation must be assigned an NCO escort, in the grade of
E5 or above and senior to the soldier being separated, from the unit for the Trial Defense Service (TDS)
appointment and during outprocessing.
b. Legal Center: The Legal Center will prepare all the necessary documentation for the administrative
separation packet.
(1) Upon receiving all required evidence, the administrative separation packet will be reviewed by the
Paralegal for completeness. Coordination with the Trial Counsel will be made by the Paralegal, if required.
(2) The separation packet usually will be returned to the commander within 2 duty days from the day the
complete packet is received by the Legal Center. Separation packets that are incomplete will be returned to the
commander until the appropriate documentation is received.
NOTE: All administrative separations will be tracked on DA Form 5138-R for timely processing. The
processing goals established by DA in the AR 635-200, paragraph 1-7, are 15 working days for separations
without administrative elimination boards, and 50 working days for separations requiring elimination boards.
KEY: GCMCA – General Courts-Martial Convening Authority (INSTALLATION CDR)
SPCMA – Special Courts-Martial Convening Authority (BRIGADE CDR)
SCMCA – Summary Courts-Martial Convening Authority (BATTALION CDR)
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