April 6, 2018 —
COMDTINST M1900.4D listed specific instances when NOT to issue a DD-214. COMDTINST 1900.4E was issued Apr 11, 2016 stating that the Coast Guard is to use the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214/5 Series), DoDI 1336.01 as the leading directive.
If you have not read the DoDI, strongly recommend that you do. Couple of major changes:
- DD-214's for discharge to immediate enlistment or reenlistment is optional (discretion of the service). CG is NOT doing DD-214's for enlisted personnel that immediately enlist or reenlist following discharge.
- DD-214's are required to be completed for enlisted personnel that terminate their enlistment to accept an appointment to warrant or commissioned officer grade and when they terminate a temporary appointment to accept a permanent warrant or commission in the Active Duty or Reserve Components of the military services. However, in these instances, DA is not configured to allow creation of a DD-214 unless a separation order is entered. Therefore the DD-214 isn't required for CG personnel at this time. A system change has been requested to allow us to compy with the DoDI.
- Discharge Certificates: we are required to provide DD Form 256 for all Honorable discharges, even those with immediate enlistment or reenlistment.
These changes went into effect when the CG issued the new directive on 4/11/2016. If member requests, and is eligible, a DD Form 256 and/or a DD-214, it must be completed. DD Form 256 is to be completed by member P&A Office (unit where they were assigned at time of discharge). DD-214's are to be done by the SPO (current SPO).