WAVES: A Guide to Separation and Transition (1945)

📌 This 1945 pamphlet outlines the separation process for WAVES personnel, detailing their rights, benefits, and post-service assistance to ensure a smooth transition back to civilian life after WWII.

Front Cover, Women’s Reserve Information Separation Pamphlet, NAVPERS 15023, 1945. Image features a black and white drawing of a Smiling WAVE in Uniform, wearing a hat with a U.S. Navy Cap Tally. GGA Image ID #  223fa35522

WAVES - Women's Reserve Separation Information Pamphlet (1945)

Relevance to the United States Navy for Teachers, Students, Genealogists, Historians, or Others

This 1945 separation pamphlet serves as a critical resource for anyone researching the post-service life of women who served in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. It provides a comprehensive guide on the separation process for WAVES, addressing both the administrative and personal steps required for their transition from military service back to civilian life. For historians and genealogists, it offers valuable insight into the veterans' benefits available to women after their military service and outlines the post-service support network they could rely on.

For teachers and students, the pamphlet helps understand the roles of women in the Navy during the war, emphasizing their contributions and the efforts to reinstate them into civilian roles with dignity and respect. It also provides a glimpse into the military-to-civilian transition process, which is often overlooked in discussions about the post-war period. Additionally, the pamphlet could be an essential tool for understanding the veterans' benefits and rights that women in the WAVES had access to, alongside their service records and reduced benefits based on their service status.

You have now entered your last duty station. This Separation Unit has been established to accomplish rapidly and efficiently the separation from active service of Women's Reserve personnel and to assist such personnel in their readjustment to civilian life.

ARRIVAL

SEPARATION at the Separation Unit, you have reported to the Initial Receiving Point, where you turned in your Service Record and papers.

ENLISTED PERSONNEL: Your name and processing roster number will be announced. You will go with your group through all steps in processing and a guide will be in charge of each group. Your processing may be delayed if you are not prompt.

66397s--45

"A job accomplished, a victory won. As WAVES have accepted their responsibilities as citizens in a nation at war, so may they contribute their efforts to the fullest in building a world at peace. Good luck and Godspeed."

CPT Mildred McAfee Horton, USNR

OFFICERS: You will be processed in accordance with the appointments on your Schedule Card.

Processing Orientation

Orientation and Rights and Benefits meetings will be held. The processing steps which you will take while at this Unit will be explained to you as well as your rights, benefits and privileges as veterans.

Medical Examination

You will be given a complete physical examination. Inform the Medical Officer of any illness or injury you have incurred since entry into the Service. If you wish to file a claim because of disability you will have an opportunity to do so at this time without interfering with or delaying your separation.

National Service Life Insurance

You will be informed fully about your insurance and will be told what you must do to continue it. Insurance Officers will be available. Make sure you are fully informed.
Trained interviewers will discuss during a personal and private interview your civilian and military experiences, and will prepare a PERSONAL INTERVIEW

THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE HOME

Have the Recorder or County Clerk record your discharge certificate. You can then obtain a certified copy any time in the future if the original is lost or destroyed.

Put on civilian clothes. It is unlawful to wear the uniform after you arrive home, except for ceremonies and special occasions. Your uniform may be converted into a civilian suit by removal of all naval insignia and buttons. The white and seersucker hat tops, gray seersucker garrison cap, havelocks, and ties may not be worn.

Make arrangements for conversion of your insurance and for your premium payment if you intend to keep it.

form which will be of use to you after separation in obtaining a job or applying for benefits as a veteran.

Do not hesitate to ask questions on any problems on which you need assistance. There is no time limit on these interviews.

If you wish additional information or assistance concerning your educational, vocational and personal problems—arrangements will be made for an appointment with the following:

Navy representatives of Officers organizations

1. Educational Services Officer
2. Legal Assistance Officer
3. Benefits and Insurance Officer
4. Chaplain Veterans Administration
5. United States Employment Service
6. United States Civil Service
7. United States Selective Service
8. American Red Cross

Wearing of the Uniform

You are permitted to wear your uniform from the place of separation to your home provided that you go there within three months after the separation date, if separated under honorable conditions except for reasons of inaptitude or unsuitability. It is unlawful to wear the uniform after you arrive home. Until you do take off your uniform, wear it properly and with pride. The discharge certificate or final orders, or photostatic copy thereof, should be carried when in uniform.

Records and Pay

Questions concerning your records and pay will be answered. You will receive all pay due. Deductions will be made for any claims the government may have. You will receive the travel pay to which you are entitled. Travel pay is computed on the basis of travel by Pullman, but you may travel by coach if you like. If you are entitled to mustering-out-pay you will receive $100 of the amount due. Any balance due will be mailed to you in a monthly installment.

If you wish to invest in War Bonds, or buy travelers checks—such arrangements can be made.

You Will Receive

1. A discharge pin if honorably discharged
2. Discharge certificate—Final Orders for officers
3. Certificate of Satisfactory Service if eligible
4. Notice of Separation
5. Rating description for enlisted personnel—Qualification jacket for officers
6. A Referral Sheet

These are valuable and will be very useful to you in the future. TAKE GOOD CARE OF THEM.

Suggestions

1. Veterans are entitled to a special discharge rate of 1 1/4¢ per mile for railroad travel in coaches to the place they choose to go within one month after separation. A certificate which is necessary to purchase this special ticket will be issued here at the time of separation.
2. Keep your Referral Sheet—A referral sheet will be given to you by the interviewer containing addresses which you may need.
3. If questions arise concerning your rights and benefits as a veteran, contact by phone, mail or person your District Civil Readjustment Officer.
4. If your mustering out check or checks fail to reach you after your separation, write to the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, Field Branch, Cleveland, Ohio.
5. In correspondence with any branch of the service or with the Veterans Administration or other organizations, be certain to give the same name which appears on your discharge certificate or final orders, your birth date, rank or rating, and serial or file number.

“Goodbye wave Goodluck Civilian”

U. S. Government Printing Office:1945

Separation Unit Women’s Reserve Separation Pamphlet (NAVPERS 15023)

Key to Officer, NCO, or Enlisted Ranks

CPT (Captain): A senior officer rank in the Navy, responsible for overseeing large units or departments. In the context of this pamphlet, it refers to Mildred McAfee Horton, who served as the Director of the WAVES.

Enlisted Personnel: Non-officer members of the Navy, typically starting from the rank of Seaman up to Chief Petty Officer. These personnel performed a wide range of duties within the Navy, from administrative to technical work.

Officer: A person who holds a commissioned rank in the Navy, ranging from Ensign to Admiral. Officers in the WAVES could hold ranks similar to male counterparts and were responsible for leadership and specialized duties.

Dictionary of Military Terms or Abbreviations

NAVPERS: Naval Personnel – Refers to official Navy documents or personnel records.

Mustering-Out Pay: A lump sum payment given to military personnel upon discharge, provided to cover the costs of transitioning to civilian life.

Discharge Certificate: An official document confirming that a service member has been released from active duty. It often includes information about their service.

Travel Pay: The allowance given to personnel for travel expenses when returning to their home or next duty station after separation.

War Bonds: Debt securities issued by the government to finance military operations during the war, often available for purchase by civilians or military personnel.

Referral Sheet: A document provided by the Navy, listing useful contacts and resources for transitioning service members.

Key Highlights and Engaging Content

Separation Processing and Rights Orientation

The pamphlet begins by explaining the process of separation from active duty and highlights the rights and benefits women were entitled to as veterans. This includes insurance coverage, pay issues, and travel allowances, which were crucial for their transition back to civilian life. It also emphasizes the importance of receiving a thorough physical examination, which allowed women to file any disability claims for injuries sustained during their service.

🖼 Noteworthy Image: Front Cover, Women’s Reserve Information Separation Pamphlet – A smiling WAVE in uniform, symbolizing the optimism and pride of WAVES at the time of their separation.

Processing Procedures for Officers and Enlisted Personnel

The pamphlet clearly differentiates the steps for officers and enlisted personnel, detailing the administrative process each group needed to follow to be officially separated.

The mention of personal interviews to discuss their civilian and military experiences ensures that each woman's service was properly acknowledged and that they were equipped with the necessary information to navigate their post-service lives.

💡 Noteworthy Information: You Will Receive... – Highlights important documents and materials that WAVES received, such as discharge certificates and qualification jackets.

Discharge Benefits and Travel Pay

One of the most important features discussed is the travel pay that WAVES were entitled to after their separation, as well as the mustering-out pay, which was $100 upfront and the balance paid in monthly installments. The pamphlet emphasizes the importance of keeping track of all records and documents, which were vital for future employment and obtaining benefits.

💡 Noteworthy Information: Records and Pay – Depicts the significance of handling pay issues and records carefully during the separation process.

Uniform and Clothing Regulations Post-Separation

A unique aspect of this pamphlet is the section dedicated to the wearing of the uniform after separation. It offers detailed guidelines on how former WAVES should handle their uniforms once they return home, making it clear that they should only wear the uniform for ceremonies or special occasions and that it should be converted into civilian clothes.

💡 Noteworthy Information: You Will Receive – Mentions the special discharge pin given to those who were honorably discharged, which was an important symbol of their service.

Post-Separation Assistance and Resources

The pamphlet provides a comprehensive list of resources available to WAVES once they returned home, including contact information for the Veterans Administration, the United States Employment Service, legal assistance, and educational resources. This demonstrates the U.S. Navy's commitment to supporting its servicewomen even after their official separation from the military.

💡 Noteworthy Information: Suggestions – Highlights practical advice for WAVES, such as how to take care of necessary paperwork and travel arrangements, ensuring a smoother transition to civilian life.

Important Documents and Future Use

The pamphlet stresses the importance of keeping certain documents like the discharge certificate and the referral sheet, which were essential for future employment, benefits, or even in case of loss.

It also provides detailed instructions on mustering-out checks, ensuring WAVES understood how to manage their finances post-service.

💡 Noteworthy Information: Suggestions for WAVES – Provides clarity on the vital importance of certain documents that WAVES should keep after their separation.

Conclusion

This 1945 separation pamphlet offers an invaluable historical record of the post-service experience for WAVES. It highlights the administrative procedures of separation, the rights and benefits available to these women, and the resources they could rely on as they transitioned back to civilian life.

The pamphlet not only serves as a practical guide for former WAVES but also as an important document for historians, genealogists, and anyone interested in the post-WWII era and the role of women in the military.