§771a Disposition on Discharge

Summary

When an enlisted member leaves the service, the outer uniform items they were issued must be kept for military use, except for any pieces they are allowed to wear going from the place of discharge to their home under section 772(d). If a member is discharged for bad conduct, undesirability, unsuitability, inaptitude, or any other non‑honorable reason, their issued outer uniform items must also be kept. Under rules set by the appropriate Secretary, they may be given one civilian suit and an overcoat (together costing no more than $30), and up to $25 in cash if they otherwise have no money. When an enlisted member of the Army National Guard or Air National Guard who was called into federal service is released, their issued outer uniform items must be recorded as property of their State or territory’s Guard, or of Puerto Rico’s or the District of Columbia’s Guard, as described in section 708 of title 32.