Force Shaping
MORE ABOUT FORCE SHAPING
The Army continues in an incremental, systematic yet deliberate approach to maintain readiness, manage talent, and keep the Army strong as we work to meet the congressionally mandated end-strength by FY17.
Links to services are provided for information only. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army, Department of Defense or U.S. government of the linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein.
General Resources
- Army Career Alumni Program: Visit https://www.acap.army.mil or your local ACAP Center. Soldiers may enroll in ACAP up to 18 months from their separation date.
- Education Center: Soldiers who are interested in pursuing higher education should see an education counselor at the nearest installation Education Center. An education counselor can provide information and assistance on Veterans education benefits, selecting a school/major, applying to a school and any other education-related issues.
- Planning Tool: Soldiers can complete a free Kuder Career and Transition System Assessment, which is specifically designed for the U.S. military. The assessment is a comprehensive online resource to help plan for the future. Learn about your interests, skills and work values and use those results to build a personal career plan, explore occupational information and plan for your future success./
- Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL): COOL helps Soldiers find information on certifications and licenses related to military occupational specialties. COOL explains how Soldiers can meet civilian certification and license requirements, and provides links to numerous resources to help get them started.
- USA Jobs: USAJOBS is the Federal Government’s official one-stop source for federal jobs and employment information.
- Transitioning to the Reserves
- Separating from the Military at Your End of Active Service
- VA For Vets: Helps Veterans and transitioning military service members find federal or non-profit careers. The VA for Vets Career Center tools provide opportunities to translate military skills, build federal resumes and search and apply for open positions. VA for Vets is the flagship initiative of the Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO).
- Health Benefits: Soldiers who are planning on exiting the Army should remember that they will need to enroll to obtain health care benefits from the Veteran’s Administration. You can find information and help in getting started with your enrollment at www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/.
- AR 635-8, Separation Processing And Documents: This new regulation, issued Feb. 10, 2014, consolidates the policies, principles of support and standards of service previously prescribed and published in AR 635-5, Separation Documents; AR 635-10, Processing Personnel for Separation; and DA Pam 600-8-11, Military Personnel Office Separation Processing Procedures regarding processing personnel for separation (throughout).
Enlisted Resources
- ALARACT Messages
- 339/2013: Enlisted Involuntary Early Separation Program. Issued: Dec. 13, 2013
- 340/2013: Enlisted Voluntary Early Separation Program. Issued: Dec. 24, 2013
- 020/2014: Army Precision Retention. Issued: Jan. 14, 2014
- Army Directives
- 2014-03: Retention Control Points, Issued: Jan. 28, 2014
- MILPER Messages
- 13-375: Enlisted Involuntary Early Separation Program. Issued: Dec. 24, 2013
- 14-024, Regular Army Precision Retention. Issued: Feb. 4, 2014
- 14-070, Change to Retention Control Points for Enlisted Soldiers Serving in The Regular Army and the Title 10 Active Guard Reserve Program. Issued: Mar. 11, 2014
Officer Resources
- MILPER Messages
- 13-356: FY14 Officer Separation Boards And (Enhanced) Selective Early Retirement Boards, Captain, Army Competitive Category. Issued: Dec. 6, 2013
- 13-357: FY14 Officer Separation Boards and (Enhanced) Selective Early Retirement Boards, Major, Army Competitive Category. Issued: Dec. 6, 2013
- 13-373: Amendment to the FY14 Officer Separation Boards and (Enhanced) Selective Early Retirement Boards, Captain, Army Competitive Category. Issued: Dec. 24, 2013
- 13-374: Amendment to the FY14 Officer Separation Boards and (Enhanced) Selective Early Retirement Boards, Major, Army Competitive Category. Issued: Dec. 24, 2013
- Leaders Checklist for Counseling
- How to Prepare
- Frequently Asked Questions
- New OER and Entry Evaluation System
- Upcoming Training in Europe
- Officer Separation Board and Enhanced Selective Early Retirement Board Frequently Asked Questions, Last Updated; Jan. 14, 2014
- OSB and eSERB Important Dates