Easing your way out

The decision to separate from the ARA is one of the most significant in your career.

Once that decision is made, the separation process is initiated completing an AC853, Application for Resignation, Discharge or Transfer to the Reserves.

In most cases the applications are staffed without incidence, resulting in a smooth transition out of the ARA.

Unfortunately not all applications are staffed correctly. The net effect is that the approval process is delayed, possibly resulting in a change to your plans.

This article is intended to highlight the common shortfalls in staffing the AC853 and provide guidance on how best to ensure your application is staffed in a timely manner.

One of the most common errors is that the AC729 is used to apply for resignation, discharge or transfer to the Reserves.

Over the past 18 months, this form has been phased out is no longer accepted.

If we do receive an AC 729 we immediately request the administering unit to submit a completed AC853.

Incomplete AC853s are often received by SCMA, the most common omission being the applicants acknowledgment of the CO’s recommendation.

It is important that the soldier is aware of the CO’s recommendation prior to the application leaving the unit and for this reason there is a space for the soldier to sign the application once the CO’s recommendation has been recorded.

Another common error occurs when applications to transfer to the Reserves have not been staffed through the Army Personnel Agency (APA) in the designated discharge region.

This is necessary so that APA recommends whether the transfer is supported or not. SCMA will not process until recommendation is received.

Any application requesting a discharge within the required notice – six months, must be accompanied by supporting documentation to ensure the delegate can make an informed decision.

Often, SCMA will receive a short notice application with no explanation or justification for the short notice. This delays the decision process as SCMA will request and wait for the supporting documentation.

Once approved, an authorising signal be sent to start pre– separation administration.

The key here is to start admin as soon as you receive the authority. A key component of this admin is the Separation Health Examinations (SHE) which can be completed up to six months prior to discharge. Don’t leave until the last week.

It is important that you seek the right advice during your separation.

• Information is available through Resettlement Seminars, WebPages on the SCMA Intranet site:
  http://sorweb.sor.defweb.gov.au/scma/ and your regional Defence Transition Centre (DTC).
• The SCMA point of contact for voluntary separations is Sgt Wayne McMillan on (03) 5258 0434

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