Chapter Process in the Army

August 3, 2026

This article addresses the chapter process in the Army for active-duty Soldiers. The Reserve and National Guard Chapter process is explained at this link.

The "chapter" process in the Army commonly refers to the Army's process of separating Soldiers prior to their ETS. For Officers, the word "elimination" is typically used - that process is explained, in depth, at this link.

Army enlisted Chapters are governed by AR 635-200, available for download at this link. The most common chapters are:

14-12c Chapters for the Commission of a Serious Offense;
14-12b Chapters for a Pattern of Misconduct;
Unsatisfactory Performance Chapters;
Army Body Composition Program Failures;
Entry Level Performance and Conduct;

Typically, the chapter process in the Army begins when a Soldier is counseled by someone in his/her chain of command, using a DA Form 4856. The Soldier is usually informed that the Command intends to chapter the Soldier and that he/she needs to begin separation process. It is common, and permissible, for the Command to make the Soldier do all out-processing requirements (ie. separation physical, mental health exam, turn in TA-50/gear) prior to the formal initiation of separation.

The chapter process in the Army formally begins when the Command signs a memorandum informing the Soldier of the specific reasons he/she is facing separation. The Soldier is typically asked to sign acknowledgement and then is told to report to Trial Defense Services (TDS) to get a copy of the complete chapter packet, including all of the supporting documentation.

Any Soldier facing the chapter process in the Army should retrieve a copy of the complete packet and review it, in depth, with his or her counsel. Soldiers that have served for 6 or more years, at the time of initiation of the chapter process in the Army, cannot be separated without being afforded the right to appear before a separation board. Furthermore, before an Other than Honorable Discharge can be issued, a Soldier must be afforded the right to appear before a separation board. Soldiers with less than 6 years of service, at the time of initiation, can be separated through the "notification procedure."

Soldiers being chaptered through the notification procedure only have the right to submit a written rebuttal. Typically, they are given 7-days to submit a response. While TDS is available to assist, they are typically unwilling to provide a Soldier in this situation the time and attention needed. They typically advise the Soldier in question to write his/her own rebuttal, which is not advised for several reasons. A civilian Military Lawyer can be retained, which allows a Soldier to be represented by a proven lawyer with good former client reviews. A good rebuttal should be drafted by an experienced Military Lawyer and should include additional evidence collected by said lawyer. A good rebuttal can, and often does, result in retention in the Army.

Soldiers being chaptered that are entitled to a separation board (explained in depth at this link) have a better chance of being retained, because an impartial panel (3 members) makes the decision. Again, while TDS is available to assist, they are typically overworked and inexperienced. A civilian Military Lawyer can be retained, which allows a Soldier to be represented by an experienced and proven lawyer with good former client reviews. Effect representation can, and often does, result in retention in the Army.

The length of the chapter process in the Army varies significantly depending on the circumstances. Attorney Barry has seen it resolve in a month or less, or take over a year. Each situation is unique.

This Article was written by Attorney Matthew Barry. Attorney Barry is highly rated by former clients and has a proven track record of success. He has extensive experience with the Chapter Process in the Army.

The Law Office of Matthew Barry represents Servicemembers worldwide. He has offices on the East Coast, West Coast, and in the Central U.S.