Separation Program Numbers (SPN Codes)

Military Separation Program Numbers (SPN Codes) define the reason a discharge or separation was granted. SPN Codes were replaced by alpha-numeric separation codes but can still be found on many older DD-214s. The DoD no longer allows the meaning of these codes to be released but since the definitions have already been released, they are still easily accessed, including on some military and government sites.

Where to find the Separation Program Number on a DD-214

The separation program number can be found in Box 26 of the long form DD-214.

Military Separation Codes – Numeric

Note: Use of these codes is at your own risk. The DoD no longer allows the release of SPN Codes and these were obtained prior to the military discontinuing the public release of Separation Codes/SPN Codes. It is also possible that new codes can be assigned or existing codes are subject to change.

Alphabetical SPN Codes, which replaced Numeric SPN Codes can be found here.

Military Separation Codes - Numeric

SPN Code	Definition
201	Enlisted Personnel - Expiration of term of service (includes personnel on ADT as initial trainees)
21L	Enlisted Personnel - Separation for good & sufficient reason when determined by secretarial authority
21T	Enlisted Personnel - Release of REP 63 trainees due to emergency conditions (Does not apply to active duty)
21U	Separation for failure to demonstrate adequate potential for promotion
202	Expiration of term of enlistment
203	Expiration of term of active obligated service
205	Release from active & transferred to reserve
209	Release from Active Duty within 3 months of expiration of USN service
210	Separation for failure to demonstrate adequate potential for promotion
212	Honorable wartime service subsequent to desertion
213	Discharge for retirement as an officer
214	To accept commission as an officer in the Army, or to accept recall to active duty as an Army Reserve officer
215	To accept appointment as warrant officer in the Army or to accept recall to active duty as Army Reserve warrant officer
217	To accept commission or appointment in the Armed Forces of the United States (other than Army)
219	Erroneous induction
220	Marriage, female only
221	Pregnancy
222	Parenthood
225	Minority/under age
226	Dependency
227	Hardship
229	Sole surviving son and surviving family members
230	Retirement after 20 years but less than 30 years active federal service
231	Retirement after 30 years active federal service
238	Service retirement in lieu of other administrative action
239	Surviving family members
240	Unconditional resignation of enlisted personnel serving on unspecified enlistment
241	Resignation of enlisted personnel on unspecified enlistment in lieu of resignation for misconduct or inefficiency
242	Resignation of enlisted personnel on unspecified enlistment for the good of the service
243	Resignation of enlisted personnel on unspecified enlistment in lieu of board of action when based on unfitness
244	Resignation of enlisted personnel on unspecified enlistment in lieu of board action when based on unsuitability
245	Resignation of enlisted personnel on unspecified enlistment in lieu of separation for disloyalty or subversion
246	Discharge for the good of the service
247	Unsuitability, multiple reasons
248	Unsuitability
249	Resignation (Class II homosexual) of personnel on unspecified enlistment
250	Punitive discharge. Class I homosexual - general court martial
251	Punitive discharge. Class I homosexual - general court martial
252	Punitive discharge. Class I homosexual - general or special court martial
253	Homosexual - board action
255	Retirement in lieu of discharge under AR 635-89 (homosexuality). Rescinded; OR
255	Punitive discharge. Class II homosexual - general court martial
256	Homosexual, acceptance of discharge in lieu of board action
257	Unfitness, homosexual acts
258	Unfitness, ineptitude; OR
258	Unfitness, multiple reasons
260	Unsuitability, inaptitude
261	Inaptitude - illiterate; OR
261	Psychiatric or psychoneurotic disorder
262	Behavioral disorder, Bedwetter
263	Bedwetter
264	Unsuitability, character and behavioral disorders
265	Unsuitability, character disorder
270	Placed on temporary disability retired list; OR
270	Release from EAD and revert to retired list at ETS
271	Permanently retired by reason of physical disability
273	Physical disability with entitlement to receive severance pay
274	Physical disability resulting from international misconduct or willful neglect or incurred during period of unauthorized absence. Not entitled to severance pay
276	Released from EAD & revert to retired list prior to ETS
277	Physical disability, EPTS (existing prior to service), established by medical board. Discharged by reason of physical disability upon application by individual. Not entitled to severance pay
278	Physical disability, EPTS, established by physical evaluation board proceedings. Not entitled to severance pay
279	Release from EAD & revert to retired list at ETS
28B	Unfitness, frequent involvement in incidents of a discreditable nature with civil or military authorities
28E	Financial irresponsibility
28F	Established pattern for showing dishonorable failure to pay just debts
28G	Unfitness, an established pattern for showing dishonorable failure to contribute adequate support to dependents or failure to comply with order, decrees, or judgment of a civil court concerning support of dependents
280	Misconduct/fraudulent entry into the Army (enlistee not revealing criminal record)
281	Desertion, trial barred by 10 U.S.C. 843 (ART. 43, U.C.M.J.). Rescinded; OR
281	Unsanitary habits
282	Misconduct/prolonged unauthorized absence for more than one year desertion
283	Misconduct/AWOL trial waived or deemed inadvisable
284	Misconduct/convicted or adjudged a juvenile offender by a civil court during current term of active military service
285	Initially adjudged a juvenile offender by a civil court during current term of active military service. Rescinded.
290	Desertion (court martial)
293	Other than desertion (court martial); OR
293	General court martial
294	Special court martial
311	Alien without legal residence in the United States
312	Separation of members of Reserve components on active duty who, due to age, would be precluded from attaining eligibility pay as provided by 10 USC 1331.1337
313	To immediately enlist or reenlist
314	Importance to national health, safety or interest
316	Release, lack of jurisdiction
318	Conscientious objection
319	Erroneous enlistment
320	To accept employment law enforcement agency
333	Discharge of Cuban volunteers upon completion of specified training. Rescinded.
344	Release of Cuban volunteers upon completion of specified training. Rescinded.
367	Aggressive reaction
370	Released from EAD by reason of physical disability & revert to inactive status for the purpose of retirement under Title 10. USC Sections 1331 - 1337, in lieu of discharge with entitlement to receive severance pay
375	Discharge because of not meeting medical fitness standards at time of enlistment
376	Release from military Control (void Inductions) because of not meeting medical fitness standards at time of induction
377	Non - fulfillment of enlistment commitment
38A	Desertion/trial deemed inadvisable (WW2) Rescinded
38B	Desertion/trial deemed inadvisable (peacetime desertion) Rescinded
38C	Desertion/trial deemed inadvisable (Korean War). Rescinded
380	Desertion/trial barred by 10 USC Section 834 (Art 34 UCMJ). Rescinded
351	Desertion/trial deemed inadvisable (Spanish - American War/ WWII). Rescinded
383	Criminalism
41A	Apathy, lack of interest
41C	To accept a teaching position
41D	Discharge of enlisted personnel on unspecified enlistment who completed 20 years active federal service, do not submit application for retirement: commander determines discharge will be in best interest of the government
41E	Obesity
411	Early separation of overseas returnee
412	Enlisted members of medical holding detachments or units who, upon completion of hospitalization, do not intend to immediately enlist or reenlistment in the regular Army
413	To enter or return to college, university, or equivalent institution
414	To accept or return to employment of a seasonal nature
415	Early release of inductees who have served on active duty prior their present tour of duty
416	Physical disqualification for duty in MOS"
418	Discharge of enlisted personnel in unspecified enlistment who complete 30 years active federal service and do not submit application for retirement
419	Discharge of enlisted personnel on unspecified enlistment over 55 years of rage who have completed 20 years active federal service & do not submit application for retirement
420	Discharge or release of individuals with less than 3 months remaining to serve who fail to continue as students (academic failure) at service academies
421	Early release at Christmas will be issued as appropriate by Army & has been Included in separation edit table. Rescinded
422	Early release at original ETS of enlisted personnel who have executed a voluntary extension. Rescinded
423	Early release after original ETS of personnel serving on voluntary extension. Rescinded
424	Separation at ETS after completing a period of voluntary extension. Rescinded
425	Discharge (Inductees) to enlist at Warrant Officer Flight Training
426	Discharge (inductees) to enlist to attend critical MOS school
427	Discharge (inductees) to enlist for Officer Candidate School
428	Discharge for failure to complete Officer Candidate. School
429	Discharged because of not meeting medical fitness standards for Flight training
430	Early separation of personnel denied reenlistment under Qualitative Management Program
431	Reduction in authorized strength
432	Early release to serve 1 year in an ARNG or USAR unit
433	Involuntary release of personnel on compassionate assignment
434	Early release of AUS & first team RA Personnel - phase down release programs (Early - out from Vietnam)
436	Reduction In strength a USASA option/First Team
437	AUS, RA First Team, exempted from 90 day suspension of Early Release Program for reasons for intolerable personal problems
440	Separation for concealment of serious arrest record
46A	Unsuitability, apathy, defective attitudes & inability to extend effort constructively
46B	Sexual deviate
46C	Apathy/obesity
460	Emotional instability reaction
461	Inadequate personality
463	Paranoid personality
464	Schizoid personality
469	Unsuitability
480	Personality disorder
482	Desertion/trial barred by 10, USC, Sec. 843 (Art 43 UCMJ) Rescinded"
488	Unsuitability (general discharge separation)
489	Military Personnel Security Program (disloyal or subversive)
500	Resignation - hardship
501	Resignation - national health, safety, or interest
502	Resignation - completion of required service
503	Resignation - enlistment in the regular Army - regular officer
504	Resignation - withdrawal of ecclesiastical endorsement
505	Resignation - serving under a suspended sentence or dismissal
508	Resignation - to attend school
510	Resignation - Interest of national security (in lieu of elimination)
51B	Resignation - In lieu of elimination because of unfitness or unacceptable conduct
522	Resignation in lieu of elimination because of conduct triable by court martial or in lieu thereof
524	Resignation - unqualified other miscellaneous reasons
528	Resignation - marriage
529	Resignation - pregnancy
530	Resignation - parenthood (minor children)
536	Voluntary discharge substandard performance of duty
539	Voluntary discharge - termination of RA or AUS warrant to retire commissioned status
545	Voluntary discharge - failure of selection for permanent promotion (commissioned officers)
546	Involuntary discharge a failure of selection for permanent promotion (warrant officer)
550	Involuntary discharge - reasons as specified by HDQA
551	Involuntary discharge - administrative discharge GCM
554	Dismissal - General court martial
555	Involuntary discharge - failure to complete basic, Company officer at associate company officer course - USAR officers
556	Failure to complete basic, company officer or associate company officer course - ARNGUS officers
558	Voluntary discharge - conscientious objection
586	Involuntary discharge - for reasons involving board action or in lieu thereof (homosexuality),
588	Involuntary discharge - reasons involving board action, or in lieu thereof - unfitness or unacceptable conduct
589	Voluntary discharge - reasons involving board action or in lieu thereof, due to substandard performance of duty
590	Involuntary discharge - interest of national security
595	Involuntary discharge pregnancy
596	Involuntary discharge - parenthood (minor children)
597	Voluntary discharge - administrative
599	Voluntary REFRAD - lack of jurisdiction
600	Voluntary REFRAD - to enlist an regular Army
601	Voluntary REFRAD - to enlist in regular Army for purpose of retirement
602	Voluntary REFRAD - national health, safety, or interest
603	Involuntary REFRAD - due to disapproval of request for extension of service
604	Voluntary REFRAD - hardship
606	Voluntary REFRAD - dual status officer to revert to regular Warrant Officer
609	Voluntary REFRAD - to attend school or accept a teaching position
610	Voluntary REFRAD - marriage
611	Voluntary REFRAD - expiration of the duty commitment voluntarily serving on active duty
612	Voluntary REFRAD - expiration active duty commitment involuntary serving on active duty
616	Voluntary REFRAD - selection for entrance to a service academy
618	Voluntary REFRAD - In lieu of serving in lower grade than reserve grade
619	Voluntary REFRAD - by request includes MC & DC officers
620	Voluntary REFRAD - interdepartmental transfer of other than medical officers
621	Voluntary REFRAD - in lieu of unqualified resignation
623	Voluntary REFRAD - interdepartmental transfer of medical officers
624	Voluntary REFRAD - release from ADT to enter on 24 months active duty
625	Voluntary REFRAD - annual screening, voluntary release prior to 90th day subsequent to receipt of notification
627	Involuntary REFRAD - maximum age
631	Involuntary REFRAD - failure of selector for permanent reserve promotion (discharged)
632	Involuntary REFRAD - failure of selection for permanent reserve promotion (commission retained)
633	Involuntary REFRAD - failures of selection for promotion, temporary
640	Involuntary REFRAD - commissioned officer under sentence of dismissal & warrant officer discharge awaiting appellate review
644	Voluntary & Involuntary REFRAD - convenience of government or as specified by Secretary of the Army
645	Involuntary REFRAD - annual screening, release on 90th day subsequent to receipt of notification
646	Involuntary REFRAD - maximum service, warrant officers
647	Involuntary REFRAD - maximum service, commissioned officers
648	Involuntary REFRAD - completion of prescribed years of service
649	Involuntary REFRAD - withdrawal of ecclesiastical endorsement
650	Involuntary REFRAD - physically disqualified upon order to active duty
651	Involuntary REFRAD - release of reserve unit & return to reserve status
652	Involuntary REFRAD a release of unit of NG or NG(US) & return to state control
655	Involuntary REFRAD - revert to retired list, not by reason of physical disability
657	Involuntary REFRAD - physical disability. Revert to inactive status for purpose of retirement under Chapter 67. 10 USC in lieu of discharge with entitlement to receive disability severance pay
660	Physical disability discharge - entitlement to severance pay
661	Physical disability discharge - disability resulting from intentional misconduct or willful neglect or incurred during a period of unauthorized absence. Not entitled to receive disability severance pay
662	Physical disability discharge - EPTS, established by physical evaluation board. Not entitled to disability severance pay
668	Dropped from rolls - AWOL conviction & confinement by civil authorities
669	Dropped from rolls - AWOL desertion
672	Involuntary REFRAD - medical service personnel who receive unfavorable background investigation and/or National Agency Check
681	Voluntary REFRAD - to accept employment with a legally established law enforcement agency
685	Resignation - failure to meet medical fitness standards at time of appointment
686	Involuntary discharge - failure to resign under Chapter 16 - AR 535 - 120. when determined to be in the best interest of the government and the individual
689	Voluntary REFRAD - reduction in strength, voluntary release prior to 90th day subsequent to receipt of notification
690	Involuntary REFRAD - reduction in strength. release on 90th day subsequent to receipt of notification
70A	mandatory retirement - 35 years service/five years In grade. Regular army major general
70B	Mandatory retirement - age 62, regular army major general
70C	Mandatory retirement 60, regular Army mayor general whose retirement has been deferred
70D	Mandatory retirement - age 64, regular Army major general whose retirement has been deferred & each permanent professor and the registrar of the US Military Academy
70E	Mandatory retirement - 30 years service/five years in grade, regular army brigadier general
70F	Mandatory retirement 30 years of service/five years In grade, regular colonels
70G	Mandatory retirement - 28 years service. Regular Lt. Colonels
70J	Mandatory retirement - age 60, regular commissioned officer below major general
70K	Mandatory retirement - more than 30 years active service, professors US military Academy
70L	Mandatory retirement - 30 years of more active service, regular warrant officers
70M	Mandatory retirement - age 62 regular warrant officers
701	Enlisted separation - early release of personnel assigned to installations or units scheduled for inactivation, permanent change of station, or demobilization
741	Mandatory retirement - failure of selection for promotion, established retirement date, commissioned officer
742	Mandatory retirement - failure of selection for promotion, estab’d retirement date. warrant officer
743	Enlisted separation - early release of personnel from release of unit of the ARNG or the ARNGUS from active federal service & return to state control"
744	Mandatory retirement - failure of selection for promotion, early retirement date, commissioned officer
745	Mandatory retirement - failure of selection for promotion. early retirement date, warrant officers
747	Mandatory retirement - failure of selection for promotion, retained for retirement, commissioned officers.
748	Mandatory retirement - failure of selection for promotion, retained for retirement, warrant officer
749	Enlisted separation - early release of Puerto Rican personnel who will to qualify for training
753	Enlisted separation - early release of reserve personnel upon release of reserve units
764	Enlisted separation - release of REP 63 trainees upon completion of MOS training
77E	Mandatory retirement - surplus In grade after 30 years service. Removal from acting list (regular Army)
77J	Voluntary retirement - placement on retired list at age 60
77M	Mandatory retirement - permanent retirement by reason by physical disability
77N	Mandatory retirement - paced on temporary mandatory solemnity retired list
77P	Voluntary retirement in lieu of or as a result of elimination board proceedings. Regular Army & reserve commissioned officers and Warrant officers
77C	andatory retirement - temporary disability retirement in lieu of or as a result of elimination proceedings
77R	Mandatory retirement - permanent disability retirement in lieu of or as a result or elimination proceedings
77S	Voluntary retirement a regular Army & reserve commissioned officers
77T	Voluntary retirement - regular Army and reserve warrant officer
77U	Voluntary retirement - regular Army commissioned officers with 30 or more years of service
77V	Voluntary retirement - enlisted personnel, voluntarily retired as commissioned officer
77W	Voluntary retirement - enlisted personnel, voluntarily retired as a warrant officer
77X	Voluntary retirement a warrant officer voluntarily retired as a commissioned officer
77Y	Mandatory retirement - retirement a director of music, USMA, as the President may direct
77Z	Mandatory retirement - regular Army commissioned officers with World War 1 service
771	Mandatory retirement - commissioned officers, unfitness or substandard performance of duty
7772	Mandatory retirement - warrant officers, unfitness or sub - standard performance of duty
78A	Mandatory retirement - formerly retired other than for disability who while on active duty incurred a disability of at least 30%
78B	Mandatory retirement a formerly retired for disability who where on active duty suffered aggravation of disability for which he was formerly retired
79A	Voluntary REFRAD - as USAR warrant officer (aviator) to accept USAR commission (aviator) with concurrent active duty
79B	Resignation - as RA a WO (aviator) to accept USAR commission (aviator) with concurrent active duty
941	Dropped from rolls (as deserter)
942	Dropped from rolls (as military prisoner)
943	Dropped From rolls (as missing or captured)
944	Battle casualty
945	Death (non - battle - resulting from disease)
940	Death (non - battle - resulting From other than disease)
947	(Current term of service voided as fraudulent enlisted, while AWOL from prior service
94B	To enter US military Academy
949	To enter any area of the service academies (other than USMA)
971	Erroneously reported as returned from dropped from rolls as a deserter (previously reports under transaction GA)
972	Erroneously reported as restored to duty from dropped from rolls of military prisoner previously reported under transaction code GB)
973	Erroneously reported as returned from dropped from rolls or missing or captured (previously reported under transaction code GC)
976	Minority. Void enlistment or induction - enlisted personnel

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