DAFI36-3211 — Military Separations

DAFI36-3211 governs military separations, including involuntary discharge procedures, discharge in lieu of court-martial, and officer resignations.

Search DAFI36-3211

  • Publication number: DAFI36-3211
  • Title: MILITARY SEPARATIONS
  • Date: 2023-11-20

View DAFI36-3211 on armypubs.army.mil

DAFI36-3211 covers discharge requests in lieu of trial, service characterization, involuntary separation processing, separation authority options, and officer resignations. It requires specified approvals, counseling and rights statements, attachment documentation, and processing timelines.

Applies to: This publication applies to the United States Space Force, Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard.

Topics covered

  • Discharge in lieu of trial by court-martial
  • Service characterization
  • Involuntary separation processing
  • Administrative discharge boards
  • Separation authority options
  • Officer resignations
  • Retirement-eligible separation processing

Questions and answers

When can a member request discharge instead of trial by court-martial?

Members may request discharge if charges have been preferred with respect to an offense for which a punitive discharge is authorized. (paragraph 4)

What service characterization is generally given for a discharge in lieu of trial?

Generally, characterize the service of members discharged under this provision as UOTHC. (paragraph 4)

Who may approve an honorable or UOTHC discharge?

Only the GCMCA may approve an honorable or an UOTHC discharge. (paragraph 4)

How should documents be included with a discharge case?

List each document individually as an attachment and include the number of pages for each attachment. (paragraph 9)

What hearing is available to enlisted members involuntarily separated under this policy?

All enlisted Service members who are involuntarily separated pursuant to this policy will, if desired by the Service member, be afforded an administrative separation board. (paragraph 3)

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