Entry Level Performance and Conduct Discharge (Entry Level Separation)
Army
After you read this fact sheet, please call the Hotline (877-447-4487) to talk over your options with a counselor.
Contents
AR 635-200 Active Duty Enlisted Administrative Separations (30 JUN 2025)
Comments: To view or download the complete regulation, click on the link to it in the box above these comments.
Chapter 11. Entry Level Performance and Conduct
...
11–2. Basis for separation
Separation of a Soldier in entry-level status may be warranted on the grounds of unsatisfactory performance and/or unsatisfactory conduct as evidenced by:
a. Inability.
b. Lack of reasonable effort.
c. Inability to adapt to the military environment.
d. Minor disciplinary infractions.
11–3. Separation policy
a. This policy applies to Soldiers who—
(1) Enlisted in the RA, ARNG, or USAR.
(2) Are notified of the initiation of separation proceedings while in an entry-level status (see DoDI 1332.14).
Note: DODI 1332.14 defines the length of entry-level status as 365 days of creditable continuous active duty or IADT or no more than 180 days of Phase II under a split or alternate training option. It also removes the stipulation from an earlier version of AR 635-200 that a soldier must still be in IET to qualify for an entry-level separation.
(3) Have demonstrated that they are not qualified for retention. The following conditions are illustrations of conduct and/or performance that disqualify Soldiers for retention:
(a) Cannot or will not adapt socially or emotionally to military life.
(b) Cannot meet the minimum standards prescribed for successful completion of training because of lack of aptitude, ability, motivation, or discipline.
(c) Have demonstrated character and behavior characteristics not compatible with satisfactory continued service.
(4) Have failed to respond to counseling (recorded on DA Form 4856).
b. Enlisted women who become pregnant while still in entry-level status–
(1) Will be retained when she can fully participate unless she requests separation under chapter 8 of this regulation.
(2) Will be involuntarily separated under this chapter when the training activity commander with separation authority determines that she cannot fully participate in the required training for the MOS concerned because of her physical condition. Commanders will consult with their supporting medical providers for advice based on the Soldier’s condition. Training activity commander consultation with supporting medical providers will include the training requirements for the MOS concerned.
c. Soldiers separated for pregnancy that occurred after entry on active duty or IADT are entitled to maternity care in a military medical facility only in accordance with AR 40–3.
d. Nothing in this chapter precludes separation under another provision of this regulation when such separation is warranted. However, if separation of a Soldier in entry-level status is warranted by reason of unsatisfactory performance (see chap 13) or misconduct (minor disciplinary infractions (see para 14–12a)), separation processing will be accomplished under this chapter.
11–4. Counseling and rehabilitation requirements
Counseling and rehabilitation requirements are essential when entry-level performance and conduct are the reason for separation. Military service is a calling different from any civilian occupation, and a Soldier should not be separated when this is the sole reason for separation unless efforts at rehabilitation have failed. Before initiating separation action, commanders will ensure that the Soldier receives adequate counseling and rehabilitation (see chap 1, section II).
AR 135-178 Army National Guard and Army Reserve Enlisted Administrative Separations (6 June 2025)
- Source
- AR 135-178 Army National Guard and Army Reserve Enlisted Administrative Separations (6 June 2025) (9,842 KB)
Comments: To view or download the complete regulation, click on the link to it in the box above these comments.
Section II
Separation from the Delayed Entry Program
14–5. Basis
A Soldier who enlisted in the USAR under the DEP in accordance with AR 601–210 must be processed for separation if they satisfy the conditions in paragraphs 14–5a or 14-5b, and may be processed for separation if they satisfy the conditions in paragraphs 14–5c or 14-5d.
a. Upon enlistment in the regular Army (para 5–4a).
b. On discovery that the USAR enlistment is defective. The Soldier will be processed for separation under para 7–3.
c. The Soldier is found to be ineligible for enlistment in the regular Army.
d. The Soldier declines enlistment in the regular Army and is not being ordered to active duty as a Reserve of the Army
(10 USC 12103(b)).
14–6. Characterization or description
a. The service of a Soldier discharged on the basis of paragraph 14–5a is not characterized. (See DD Form 4 (Enlistment/Reenlistment Document Armed Forces of the United States), section G.)
b. The separation of a Soldier on the basis of paragraph 14–5c or paragraph 14–5d, will be described as an entry level separation and the service will be uncharacterized.