Originally Posted by etch5895

This is certainly something that is ripe to be changed, especially in the era of downsizing budgets. As it stands now, believe it or not, AWOL servicemembers have to fly back to Germany to formally out-process the Army when their unit is stationed there. The DD 214 is a very important document but it would seem that it could be generated at an office in the states, maybe even at a local MEPS station. Usually by the point they return, most of their out-processing has already been handled by their old unit.