All National Guard and Reserve members who leave service will receive a new version of the DD-214 form upon separation, according to a DoD memo released earlier this year.

The change – which will be in place by February 2025 – standardizes paperwork across the components, making it easier for Guard and Reserve members to receive veterans benefits. MOAA has supported moves toward such a standardization, including the Record of Military Service for Members of the Armed Forces Act of 2022 (H.R. 7041), a bill which would create a “Certificate of Military Service” for all components.

The new DD-214-1 form for reserve-component members also will provide a date for retirement pay eligibility, according to a Military Times report, simplifying a sometimes-complicated calculation.

While active duty members receive a DD-214 at separation, similar documentation for Guard and Reserve members takes many forms depending on location and service branch. Some of these forms – the NGB-22, for instance – may not be accepted as proof of service by those unfamiliar with Guard and Reserve policies, or by civilian companies requiring a DD-214 as part of proof-of-service procedures.

A Better DD-214?

H.R. 7041 would require servicemembers to receive “an up-to-date record of service” at other key career points, not just leaving service:

• Any permanent change to duty status, to include an enlisted member joining the officer ranks or a reservist moving to active duty).
• A promotion (beginning at O-3, W-3, or E-4).
• Transferring from the National Guard of one state to another (Interstate Transfer).

The bipartisan bill, which had 41 co-sponsors as of May 2, was referred to the House Armed Services Committee in March.

For updates on this issue and others, bookmark MOAA’s Advocacy News page. For MOAA’s career and transition resources, including member-exclusive benefits, visit MOAA.org/Careers.