- Joined
- Dec 8, 2012
- Messages
- 5
If you're in the National Guard or Reserves and weren't on active duty through your MEB, then your final close-out will work a little differently. As you've likely noticed before, ARNG and USAR personnel services branches don't see cases like yours very often, so it's helpful and faster if you're able to do some of the legwork on your own.
If you haven't received a copy of your US Army Physical Disability Agency orders, but you've already signed your DA 199, you can double-check the status of your packet by using the contacts here. If you haven't already done so, give your unit a "heads-up" that retirement is coming very soon.
Once you've received your retirement orders, you will need to fill out a DD 2656 (attached below). Contact your nearest Retirement Services Officer (RSO) - if you don't know who they are you can go here to find one. They'll help you with the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), how to contact TriCare, and will help answer any other questions you might have. Once that form is complete, you'll need to mail it to DFAS:
If you haven't received a copy of your US Army Physical Disability Agency orders, but you've already signed your DA 199, you can double-check the status of your packet by using the contacts here. If you haven't already done so, give your unit a "heads-up" that retirement is coming very soon.
Once you've received your retirement orders, you will need to fill out a DD 2656 (attached below). Contact your nearest Retirement Services Officer (RSO) - if you don't know who they are you can go here to find one. They'll help you with the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), how to contact TriCare, and will help answer any other questions you might have. Once that form is complete, you'll need to mail it to DFAS:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Retired Pay
P.O. Box 7130
London, KY 40742-7130
U.S. Military Retired Pay
P.O. Box 7130
London, KY 40742-7130
Also, as soon as possible, send copies of your orders to your unit admin personnel. If you've been in for a few years, put together a summary of your service and significant duties, experiences, schools, and commendations. This will help your admin folks write your retirement award or plan your ceremony.
If you haven't already, make plans to clear supply and update your personnel records. Even though the reserves only have a little control over the retirement process, it's important to make sure to clear smoothly.
Best of luck and let me know if you have any questions.