Publication topic guide
Army separation policy, processing, and transition references
Identify the separation reference by component, status, and officer or enlisted population. Keep policy, separation documents, and transition assistance distinct.
Choose the right reference
Separation research should begin with component, duty status, and the type of action. AR 635-200 addresses active duty enlisted administrative separations; AR 135-178 addresses Reserve Component enlisted administrative separations within its applicability; AR 600-8-24 addresses officer transfers and discharges. A general search for leaving the Army can obscure these distinctions and send a reader to the wrong authority.
Next, distinguish the policy for an action from the processing and preparation that accompany it. AR 635-8 addresses separation processing and documents, and AR 600-81 covers transition assistance. Disability evaluation is a separate process in AR 635-40. This hub helps choose the official publication before discussing the actual facts with responsible personnel and legal professionals. It does not assign a separation basis, characterize service, determine benefits, or predict approval.
Common questions
Which reference covers Reserve enlisted administrative separation?
AR 135-178 covers that subject within its applicability. Identify component and duty status before comparing it with AR 635-200.
Read the publication overviewWhere are officer transfers and discharges addressed?
AR 600-8-24 is the focused officer reference. Its chapters distinguish release, resignation, elimination, and retirement subjects.
Read the publication overviewDoes transition assistance establish a separation basis?
No. AR 600-81 is a preparation program reference. Separation policy and processing have distinct authorities.
Read the publication overviewConnected publications
- AR 635-200 — ACTIVE DUTY ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS
AR 635-200: administrative separation procedures, character of service, expiration of service obligation. Explore the scope overview and open the official Army source.
Source check: 2026-10-09 · Public PDF checked
Official publication record ↗ - AR 135-178 — ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS
AR 135-178: reserve enlisted separations, service characterization guidelines, service obligations. Explore the scope overview and open the official Army source.
Source check: 2026-10-09 · Public PDF checked
Official publication record ↗ - AR 600-8-24 — OFFICER TRANSFERS AND DISCHARGES
AR 600-8-24: officer transfers and discharges, release from active duty, resignations. Explore the scope overview and open the official Army source.
Source check: 2026-10-09 · Public PDF checked
Official publication record ↗ - AR 635-8 — SEPARATION PROCESSING AND DOCUMENTS
AR 635-8: transition management, separation processing, transition center responsibilities. Explore the scope overview and open the official Army source.
Source check: 2026-10-09 · Public PDF checked
Official publication record ↗ - AR 600-81 — TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
AR 600-81: transition assistance, program responsibilities, client preparation. Explore the scope overview and open the official Army source.
Source check: 2026-10-09 · Public PDF checked
Official publication record ↗ - AR 635-40 — DISABILITY EVALUATION FOR RETENTION, RETIREMENT, OR SEPARATION
AR 635-40: disability evaluation system, physical evaluation, administrative retention review. Explore the scope overview and open the official Army source.
Source check: 2026-10-09 · Public PDF checked
Official publication record ↗