DA Form 2339: Army Voluntary Retirement Guide (2026) – The form is governed by AR 635-200, Active Duty Enlisted Administrative Separations (Chapter 12), and helps ensure all necessary actions for retirement processing, including service computation, medical examination, and benefits setup.
Download the official DA Form 2339 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN36711-DA_FORM_2339-001-EFILE-1.pdf
Purpose of DA Form 2339
The principal purpose of the form is to start the official administrative actions for a voluntary retirement request. Data on the form supports completing retirement paperwork, calculating service time, determining retirement date and location, and processing benefits.
It formalizes the soldier’s intent, requires commander involvement, and ensures compliance with Army regulations for a smooth transition to retired status.
Eligibility for Voluntary Retirement Using DA Form 2339
To be eligible for voluntary retirement under this form, soldiers generally must:
- Have completed at least 20 years of active federal service creditable toward retirement (per 10 USC 3914 and AR 635-200).
- Meet any service obligations or other requirements outlined in regulations.
- Not be in certain ineligible statuses (e.g., pending actions that might affect approval).
Retirement is not automatic after 20 years; soldiers must apply using DA Form 2339. Officers typically use DD Form 7301 instead.
Consult your S-1, career counselor, or HRC for personalized eligibility, especially for special cases like retirement in lieu of PCS.
Key Sections of DA Form 2339
The form includes several sections (based on the June 1983 edition and updates):
- Section I (Applicant Information): Name, SSN, ETS date, desired retirement date, current grade/MOS, unit, etc.
- Retirement Preferences: CONUS or overseas station preferences.
- Service and Medical Acknowledgments: Confirmation of reading AR 635-200, agreement to medical exam, Survivor Benefit Plan briefing.
- Signatures: Applicant and commander endorsements.
Accurate completion of all fields is critical to avoid processing delays.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out and Submit DA Form 2339?
- Gather Documents — Collect service records, DD Forms 214, enlistment contracts, and other verification items for service computation (often using DA Form 1506).
- Complete the Form — Fill in personal and service details. Work with your S-1 or personnel office for accuracy.
- Obtain Signatures — Sign and get commander approval/endorsement.
- Submit Through Channels — Typically via IPPS-A (Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army) as a Personnel Action Request (PAR), or through your unit S-1 to HRC or the appropriate retirement authority.
- Additional Requirements — Complete medical examination (scheduled 4 months to 1 month prior), SFL-TAP counseling, DD Form 2656 for pay, and other retirement packet items.
Processing times vary; start early (often 6–12 months in advance recommended).
What Happens After Submitting DA Form 2339?
Once approved:
- Retirement orders are issued.
- Final out-processing, terminal leave, and transition occur.
- Retired pay processing begins through DFAS (usually starting the first day of the month following retirement).
- Access to retiree benefits, ID card, TRICARE, etc.
You can request withdrawal or date change under specific conditions, but it must reach the approval authority in time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete service documentation leading to incorrect computation.
- Missing signatures or commander endorsements.
- Submitting too close to desired date or PCS notification deadlines.
- Not coordinating medical exam or benefits elections properly.
Double-check everything with your unit personnel office.
Additional Resources and Official Guidance
- AR 635-200 — Primary regulation for enlisted separations and retirements.
- U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) — Retirement services and processing.
- DFAS Retired Military Pay — For pay and benefits after retirement.
- Army publications site for the latest form version.
Official Download Link: DA Form 2339 PDF
Soldiers planning retirement should contact their local Transition Center, S-1, or HRC for the most current guidance tailored to their situation. Proper planning ensures you maximize benefits earned through your service.