I tried to start preparing my checkout process and some forms today so when the board does come back with findings, I have a head start. Unfortunately, my admin office denied my request and stated they need a confirmed date of separation or retirement before I will have the chance to start any of my paperwork. They also said that I will need to complete medical exams...clearly, they do not understand that the MEB phase takes care of those. Have any of you found a work around for this issue?
CPPA Separation/Retirement clerk here. You can absolutely "start" early, and I usually have my med board people do just that so they can completely utilize their terminal leave and job/house hunting.
- If you let dental know you're getting out soon they will usually do your pre-separation exam ahead of time and when you receive your 1900 it'll just be walking in there to have them sign it.
- You're correct medical is not required it'll usually state that in the PDRL/TDRL/Med Sep MSG with your out date so read that and highlight it if your admin is giving you any trouble about it.
- If you're PDRL/TDRL make sure you complete the MOST RECENT version of the DD-2656 form, that'll be your survivors benefit plan, do it digitally and read the instructions on the last three pages to make sure you're doing it correctly. (Your command should have an SBP counselor if you have any further questions and there's videos for it online)
- DD-2648 is what you'll get once you complete your TAPS/Capstone from your CCC's as soon as you're done with that process get your DD2648 in hand, I've had mine the last 8 months just remember it's only good for a year.
- Print out your VMET and JSTs and have those ready to go. PSD only requires one but having both only helps and it's really easy to get ahold of.
- Preemptively ready your terminal leave chit and job/house hunting chit, my command doesn't approve them until all other documents are in with admin but regardless fill out your chit (excluding dates) so it's ready to route as soon as you've completed everything else and have your message.
That'll leave just filling out that 1900/1 with your admin which can also be found on MyNavyHR, I wouldn't necessarily advise filling it out yourself unless you know exactly what you're doing or have someone else's to work off of. Additionally, PSD wants as many of the KSDs filled out digitally as possible to avoid mistakes on their end, and if you do write in it later for date write as neatly and cleanly as possible. ALSO CHECK NSIPS AND CHECK THAT YOUR AWARDS ARE VERIFIED AHEAD OF TIME OTHERWISE THEY WONT BE ON YOUR DD214.
Hope this helps, and remember you are your strongest advocate when it comes to your separation/retirement, ask the hard questions and if it doesn't make sense remember to ask why, they're supposed to be there to help you and if they're not helping, make it impossible for them not too. I can't stand lazy admin so make them work for you and best of luck.