Army Regulation (AR) 635-200 is the comprehensive U.S. Army regulation that governs the separation of enlisted personnel, outlining various types of discharges and the procedures for administrative separations. While not a single "code" in itself, it encompasses the detailed guidelines for how and why soldiers are separated from service. One notable aspect covered within this regulation is Chapter 13, which addresses entry-level separations.
Understanding Army Regulation AR 635-200
AR 635-200 is the primary directive for personnel separations in the Army. It dictates the policies and procedures for separating enlisted soldiers for various reasons, including but not limited to:
- Expiration of Term of Service (ETS)
- Convenience of the Government
- Misconduct
- Physical Disability
- Entry-Level Performance and Conduct
- Parenthood or Pregnancy
This regulation ensures that all separations are conducted uniformly and in accordance with military law and policy, detailing the types of discharges (e.g., Honorable, General Under Honorable Conditions, Other Than Honorable) and their implications.
Chapter 13 of AR 635-200: Entry-Level Separation
Chapter 13 of AR 635-200 specifically addresses the administrative separation of soldiers in their entry-level status. This typically applies to soldiers who have not completed 180 days of active duty. The core purpose of a Chapter 13 discharge is to separate individuals who are deemed unable to adapt to military life or whose performance or conduct indicates they are not suitable for continued service, even if they haven't committed serious offenses.
Characteristics of a Chapter 13 Discharge
As detailed under paragraphs 3-8 (a) and (g) of AR 635-200, a Chapter 13 discharge typically falls under honorable conditions. This means:
- Honorable Conditions: Despite separation, the soldier receives an honorable discharge. This signifies satisfactory record and performance during their short tenure.
- Non-Judicial Punishments: It is commonly applied to soldiers who have received non-judicial punishments (such as Article 15s) for minor infractions.
- No Serious Infractions: Importantly, this type of separation is not for serious disciplinary issues or misconduct that would warrant a less favorable discharge. It's for issues that indicate a lack of adaptability or minor behavioral problems early in their service.
Eligibility and Rationale
Soldiers are eligible for Chapter 13 separation if their performance or conduct during their entry-level period does not meet Army standards, but their deficiencies are not severe enough to warrant discharge for misconduct or other punitive actions. This provides a mechanism for the Army to separate individuals who are not thriving in the military environment without penalizing them with a less favorable discharge type that could severely impact their civilian life.
Key Aspects of Chapter 13 Separation
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Soldiers in entry-level status (typically within the first 180 days of active duty). |
| Discharge Type | Discharge under honorable conditions. |
| Reasons | Lack of adaptability, minor disciplinary issues (e.g., Article 15s for non-serious infractions), poor performance, or other indicators of unsuitability for continued service. Not for serious misconduct. |
| Impact | Generally does not carry the same stigma as other types of administrative discharges and allows the individual to return to civilian life with an honorable discharge, preserving most veteran benefits if other criteria are met. |
| Legal Basis | Covered under specific paragraphs within AR 635-200, such as 3-8 (a) and (g), focusing on unsatisfactory performance or conduct. |
This process is designed to be a relatively swift and less impactful method for both the soldier and the Army when an early separation is necessary due to a soldier's inability to adjust or meet basic expectations. More detailed information can be found in resources like the "WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CHAPTER 13, AR 635-200" document, which provides further insights into this specific discharge chapter.
