AFROTC - Substitute for USNA Discharge /Separation papers lost in mail (by USPS)

[ROTC_Parent_2022]

Hello AFROTC experts,

My son decided to join AFROTC as a freshman at a civilian university. He was briefly at USNA this summer and decided to move from there during Plebe summer, and we respected his decision. He is at a civilian university now which was his backup, where he has an academic merit scholarship (not an ROTC scholarship), and he wishes to join AFROTC. However, AFROTC requires that he submit the discharge papers from USNA to make sure he was honorably discharged (which he was, he was barely at USNA).

USNA finally mailed the discharge papers last week by certified mail, but unfortunately the mail is lost. We know that because USNA provided a tracking number and the status on the USPS website says that it is "in Transit" for over a week. Our local post office does not know where it is, but surely it has not been delivered to anyone else because certified mail requires a signature.

My question to you - Is there any other way for AFROTC to obtain confirmation directly from USNA to make sure he was discharged? I understand the importance of having paperwork, but since USPS seems to have lost the package, what are the options? When we called USNA, they said they will not send another copy or electronic copy.

Many thanks for your help!

 

[justdoit19]

Is there a deadline for receipt of USNA papers for AFROTC? Can he participate ‘pending’ receipt of papers? I would think showing proof they were sent (tracking) would have some kind of impact. And I assume you have contacted USNA and let them know the package hasn’t be received? And that they will send another set?

My curiosity is the change from Navy to Air Force. Your son obviously has a desire to serve! I can’t image how stressful it has been for your family these last few months. What a whirlwind!

Best of luck!

 

[Capt MJ]

@ROTC_Parent_2022

I expect you probably talked to someone in Midshipman Personnel and encountered classic bureaucratic resistance, which I am sorry to hear.

To get those papers, and leapfrog over the admin logjam, I suggest your son write a carefully crafted personal business letter to the Commandant of Midshipmen. Written correspondence has a serious impact.

USNA
Commandant of Midshipmen
121 Blake Rd.
Annapolis MD 21402

Dear Captain Chadwick,

I would appreciate your assistance in obtaining a duplicate set of discharge papers from the Brigade, as apparently the first set was lost by UPS. (Provide brief amplifying info)

I was briefly a member of the Class of 2022, and was honored to have been admitted, but after a carefully considered decision, I asked to be separated. I am excited to have found my new path with the “Hot Wings” Det 111 at ABC U, where I feel I will be a better fit.

I am coming to you on this matter because I encountered difficulty in obtaining a replacement set of separation papers from Midshipman Personnel (or just say “USNA staff,” but no names - it will be understood). My AFROTC det needs to know I have been separated under Honorable conditions before confirming me as a cadet.

Sir, thank you for your assistance in this matter, and I wish you and the Class of 2022 every success.

My best contact info is:
joezoomie@gmail.com
Mobile: 888-555-1212

Very respectfully,
Joe Zoomie



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The key doc is the DD-214, which is a carefully controlled document because of its very nature in that it legally establishes status. It can be a pain to re-create, because the loss of the original has to be accounted for. It’s not just a form that can be easily duped; there is a process.

 

[ROTC_Parent_2022]

Thank you, @justdoit19 and @Capt MJ for your compassion and advice. That's a great idea to have him send a letter to the Commandant of Midshipmen, we'll let him know.

This has been a tough summer filled with emotions, especially when he had to say goodbye to the Naval Academy (which was his dream for years) ... but life happens.

 

[MidCakePa]

@Capt MJ, very well-crafted letter. Be careful, though, or you might find yourself ghost-writing full-time for folks trying to resolve sticky SA issues.

@ROTC_Parent_2022, my DD is USNA 2022 and perhaps crossed paths with your DS during plebe summer. Sounds like the decision to separate was heart-wrenching, but if it breeds resilience and introspection, plus a greater sense of his place in the world, then more power to him. Best wishes.