Voluntary Separations

Start Here If You Are New to Voluntary Separations

Voluntary separation is when a Marine actively chooses to leave active duty. The Marine initiates the process. Five primary voluntary separation paths exist. End of Active Service (EAS), the natural end of contract date. Early Release Programs, where the Marine departs before the contract ends due to specific authorized programs. Convenience of the Government, where mutual agreement supports early separation. Dependency or hardship, where family circumstances require departure. Education programs, where the Marine departs to attend authorized education. Each path has specific eligibility criteria, request procedures, and timelines. Marines initiate voluntary separation through the unit S-1 with chain of command endorsement and submission to MMSR-2. Voluntary separations result in Honorable characterization typically. Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16.

This page walks you through voluntary separations from your seat as a Marine considering leaving active duty. By the end you will know.

• The five primary voluntary separation paths
• EAS framework (the natural end of contract)
• Early Release Programs framework (force shaping driven)
• Convenience of the Government framework
• Dependency or hardship separation framework
• Education program separation framework
• Submission process and timelines
• Cross-reference to Reserve component path (DAP)

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 and MMSR-2 published guidance.

Path 1. End of Active Service (EAS)

The most common voluntary separation. The Marine departs at the natural end of the contract.

How EAS Works

• The contract has a specified end date.
• The Marine separates on the EAS date unless reenlistment, extension, or another action occurs.
• The Marine plans for transition in the months leading up to EAS.

Eligibility

All Marines whose contracts are reaching the end-of-active-service date are eligible to separate.

Submission

• The unit S-1 initiates EAS processing approximately 6-12 months before the EAS date.
• The Marine completes Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS).
• The Marine completes the Capstone event.
• The Marine signs out per the unit checkout procedure.

Characterization

Typically Honorable for Marines completing the contract satisfactorily.

Path 2. Early Release Programs

Programs allowing Marines to depart before the natural EAS date, typically driven by force shaping needs or specific MARADMINs.

Common Early Release Programs

• Voluntary Separation Pay (VSP). Paid separation incentive when authorized.
• Early Release Programs for specific MOSs. Force shaping driven.
• Educational Early Release. Released to attend full-time education.

Eligibility

Varies by program. Each program has its own MARADMIN with eligibility criteria, application windows, and incentives.

Submission

Applications follow the specific MARADMIN procedure. Typically through the chain of command to MMSR-2 or designated program manager.

Force Shaping Caveats

Early Release Programs are often subject to.

• MOS-specific limits.
• Quotas (capped numbers of approvals).
• Service obligation requirements remaining.
• Performance requirements.

Path 3. Convenience of the Government

When the Marine's continued service is no longer in the best interest of the Marine Corps, separation by convenience of the Government may be authorized.

Common Convenience Scenarios

• Mutual recognition that retention is not in the Marine Corps interest.
• Specific operational changes that eliminate the need.
• Other circumstances per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16.

Process

The chain of command initiates. The Marine consents (this is voluntary). MMSR-2 reviews and approves.

Path 4. Dependency or Hardship Separation

When family circumstances require the Marine to leave active duty.

Common Hardship Scenarios

• Severe family illness requiring full-time caregiver presence.
• Unique financial hardship.
• Death of a family member with dependent care implications.
• Other documented hardship.

Eligibility

Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, hardship separation requires.

• Documented family circumstance.
• Demonstration that the hardship cannot be mitigated through other means (leave, special assignment, etc.).
• Chain of command endorsement.

Submission

The Marine submits a written request through the unit S-1 with supporting documentation. Chain of command endorses. MMSR-2 reviews. Final approval is at the appropriate authority.

Path 5. Education Program Separation

Separation to attend authorized education programs.

Common Programs

• Marine Corps Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) commitments that result in early separation.
• ROTC scholarship transitions.
• Other education-related authorized separations.

Submission

The Marine coordinates with the unit S-1 and the education program. Documentation includes acceptance to the program.

Submission Process (General)

For all voluntary separation paths.

Step 1. Marine Initiates

The Marine identifies the appropriate path based on circumstances and consults with the unit S-1.

Step 2. Documentation Preparation

The Marine prepares the required documentation per the specific path. Typically.

• Written request through the chain of command.
• Supporting documentation (family circumstance, education acceptance, etc.).
• TRS completion certificate (when EAS-aligned).

Step 3. Chain of Command Endorsement

The chain endorses the request. The endorsement may be supportive, neutral, or non-supportive.

Step 4. MMSR-2 Submission

The unit S-1 submits the package to MMSR-2.

Step 5. MMSR-2 Review and Approval

MMSR-2 reviews the package, verifies eligibility, and approves or returns for additional documentation.

Step 6. Effective Date and Separation

If approved, the separation effective date is established. The Marine completes pre-separation actions (TRS, final physical, leave, awards).

Pre-Separation Actions

For all voluntary separations.

Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS)

Required for separation. The Transition Requirements leaf covers TRS.

Final Physical (Active Duty)

Required before separation. The Marine completes the final physical and any required medical documentation.

Awards Finalization

Final awards must be processed and entered in the OMPF before separation.

Leave and Final Pay

The Marine plans terminal leave. Leave sell-back is a one-time framework with a 60-day career cap. The Terminal Leave page in the Leave and Liberty parent group covers terminal leave. The Separation Pay and Final Pay leaf covers final pay.

DEERS Update

Dependents must be reflected accurately in DEERS at separation. Affects survivor benefits, transitional healthcare, and other entitlements.

Awards Update

Final FITREP, awards, and PME entries must be in MCTFS and OMPF before separation.

Cross-Reference to Reserve Component (DAP)

Marines selected for promotion who depart active duty to affiliate with a reserve component may use the Direct Affiliation Program (DAP) to retain their selection.

The Obligated Service (OBS) and Reenlistment for Promotion leaf in the Promotions parent group covers DAP.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Waiting Too Long to Initiate

EAS planning should begin 6-12 months before the EAS date. Late initiation results in rushed transition and missed opportunities.

Mistake 2. Not Completing TRS in Time

TRS is required. Missing TRS delays separation.

Mistake 3. Inadequate Hardship Documentation

Hardship separation requests with weak documentation are returned. Specific, verifiable evidence supports approval.

Mistake 4. Not Considering DAP for Promotion Selectees

Marines selected for promotion who plan to leave active duty should consider DAP to retain the selection.

Mistake 5. Leave Balance Errors

The 60-day career cap applies to leave sell-back. Marines should track accumulated leave and plan terminal leave accordingly.

Common Voluntary Separation Scenarios

Scenario 1. Marine Reaches EAS Naturally

Marine completes 4-year contract.

• Path. EAS.
• Action. Unit S-1 initiates 6-12 months out. Marine completes TRS, final physical, awards finalization. Separates on EAS date.
• Result. Honorable separation typically.

Scenario 2. Marine Approved for Voluntary Separation Pay (VSP)

Marine approved for VSP under a specific MARADMIN program.

• Path. Early Release with VSP.
• Action. Apply per MARADMIN procedure. MMSR-2 reviews.
• Result. Early separation with VSP payment per program rules.

Scenario 3. Marine Has Severe Family Hardship

Marine's spouse becomes seriously ill and requires full-time care.

• Path. Dependency or hardship separation.
• Action. Marine submits written request with medical documentation. Chain endorses. MMSR-2 reviews.
• Result. Approved hardship separation if documentation supports.

Scenario 4. Marine Accepted to Full-Time Civilian Education

Marine accepted to a full-time educational program requiring early separation.

• Path. Education program separation.
• Action. Marine coordinates with program and unit S-1. Documents acceptance.
• Result. Approved education separation.

Scenario 5. Marine Selected for SSgt But Plans to Leave Active Duty

Marine selected for SSgt but plans to depart active duty.

• Path. Active to Reserve via DAP.
• Action. Affiliate with reserve component before EAS. Coordinate with unit S-1 and MMEA-1.
• Result. Selection retained. Promotion in reserve component.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What are the voluntary separation paths?

EAS, Early Release Programs, Convenience of the Government, Dependency or hardship, Education programs.

When should I start planning my EAS?

6-12 months before the EAS date.

What is required for separation?

TRS completion, final physical (active duty), awards finalization, OMPF and MCTFS updates, DEERS update, leave plan.

What is VSP?

Voluntary Separation Pay. A separation incentive paid under specific authorized MARADMINs. Available when force shaping needs warrant.

How do I apply for hardship separation?

Submit written request through the unit S-1 with supporting documentation. Chain of command endorses. MMSR-2 reviews.

What is DAP?

Direct Affiliation Program. Allows Marines selected for promotion who depart active duty to retain selection by affiliating with reserve component (SMCR, IMA, AR, IRR).

Can I refuse PCS or UDP orders to avoid extension?

Refusing PCS or UDP orders to avoid OBS extension creates failure of selection (if you are a SNCO selectee) AND ineligibility for future PSBs in the same component.

Will my separation be Honorable?

Voluntary separations typically result in Honorable characterization for Marines completing the contract satisfactorily.

What characterizations are possible?

Honorable, General Under Honorable Conditions, Other Than Honorable. The Administrative Separation leaf in Legal Services covers characterizations.

What if my hardship request is denied?

Coordinate with the unit S-1 and Personal Services Attorney. Consider alternative paths (specific assignments, Family Care Plan adjustments). Some hardships may not warrant separation but may support specific assignment changes.

How does EAS interact with terminal leave?

You typically take terminal leave in the weeks before EAS. The Terminal Leave page covers the framework.

Do I need a final FITREP?

Yes. Final FITREP completes your record before separation. Coordinate with MMPB-23 and unit S-1.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• EAS planning. Unit S-1 starting 6-12 months out.
• Voluntary Separation Pay (VSP). Per the specific MARADMIN.
• Hardship separation. Unit S-1 with supporting documentation, MMSR-2 review.
• Education program separation. Unit S-1 and the education program.
• Convenience of the Government. Chain of command and MMSR-2.
• DAP. MMEA-1 and reserve component coordination.
• MMSR-2 enlisted. smb_manpower_MMSR2E@usmc.mil.
• MMSR-2 officer. smb_manpower_MMSR20@usmc.mil.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Separations and Retirement landing page lists all topics.
• Separations and Retirement Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• Involuntary Separations covers the alternative path.
• SPD and RE Codes covers the codes assigned at separation.
• Separation Pay and Final Pay covers final compensation.
• Transition Requirements covers TRS, Capstone, ITP.
• Terminal Leave in Leave and Liberty covers pre-separation leave.
• Administrative Separation in Legal Services covers separation characterization framework.
• Obligated Service (OBS) and Reenlistment for Promotion in Promotions covers DAP.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the appropriate voluntary separation path and timing.
• Admin at S-1 supports application processing and MMSR-2 routing.
• Commanders endorse voluntary separation requests through the chain.

Voluntary separation is when a Marine actively chooses to leave active duty. Five primary paths. EAS (natural contract end), Early Release Programs (force shaping driven), Convenience of the Government (mutual), Dependency or hardship, Education programs. Submission through the unit S-1 with chain of command endorsement to MMSR-2. Pre-separation actions include TRS, final physical, awards finalization, DEERS update, leave plan. Voluntary separations result in Honorable characterization typically. Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16.