MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The last thing separating Marines want to hear is that they cannot return to civilian life because not all their paperwork is in order.
Separating from the Corps is not as simple as going back to the United States and picking up a plane ticket home. Several things must be done before arrival at Separations Company, commonly referred to as Seps. If they are not, delays can last days or even weeks.
"Make sure all of your important paperwork is done prior to leaving," said Sgt. Renaunda Davis, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron career retention specialist. "Prepare and make sure everything is in your service record book, and if you don't know something, go to the career planner or Installation Personnel Administration Center."
Without several necessary papers, Marines can be greatly delayed when trying to separate.
One of those papers is the DD 2648, which is received after completing the Transition Assistance Program. All separating service members must attend TAP class before they leave the military. If they do not, their separation can be greatly delayed.
"If someone gets to Seps on January 1 and the next class isn't until January 23, you will stay there until January 23 to take that class," Davis said. "That is why you need to make sure that prior to leaving your command you have your pre-separation check list completed."
Another thing Marines need to do before leaving Iwakuni is their final physical. This must be done not more than 180 days before a Marine's end of active service.
"You were medically qualified to join active duty," Davis noted. "You must also be qualified to leave."
The another form Marines need to get is the career planning contact sheet, a record of five important interviews Marines must have prior to separating.
"The career planning contact sheet is a standard form with all five interviews on it," Davis said.
Marines must attend interviews with the career planner and commanding officer educating them about their options before they separate form the Corps.
Once a Marine has everything needed for separation, there are still many things for him to consider once he gets off the plane back in the states.
Marines arriving at Los Angeles International Airport aboard weekly Air Mobility Command flights will be picked up at the airport by government transportation. Marines straggling in will be required to arrange their own transportation to Separations Company, which ranges in price from $40 to $60.
It is recommended that Marines bring at least $20 per day to cover meals and expenses during processing.
"Because Seps is a temporary assigned duty site, per diem and entitlements will not be received until after a Marines final settlement is done, according to Lance Cpl. Vernell Schumaker, IPAC separations and retirement chief. "Marines should not count on using that money when they arrive at Seps so they should bring about $200 for food and other expenses."
Some Marines may be planning to take terminal leave in conjunction with their end of active service orders. Marines arriving at Separations Company from overseas units can begin terminal leave immediately as long as they have less than 90 days from their EAS and their terminal leave has been approved prior to leaving for Separations Company.
Even after Marines on terminal leave have separated, they will continue to be paid by direct deposit or mailed a hard check, Schumaker added.
Marines not taking terminal leave should not expect to be paid while at Separations Company. Their remaining days pay will be included in their final settlement.
A Marine should arrive within a 10-day processing window when going to Separations Company. If they arrive too far before or close to their EAS, they may have problems.
A Marine's SRB should have all the necessary papers for separation.
"When a Marine leaves, his unit is supposed to make sure that he has all of his paperwork prior to processing him out on the 'Freedom Bird,'" Davis said.
If everything is in order, separating from the Marine Corps can take as few as three days. For more information on prerequisites for separation, contact your units career counselor or IPAC at 253-2323.