I enlisted in the Navy for 3 years ('66-'69)
I went in when I was 17,
by law I was let out the day before my 21st birthday
Got my DD 214 when my 3 years were up
3 years later I got my Honorable Discharge by mail also.
I was in a inactive reserve status for 3 years.
I was an enlisted rate.
Yep, that's how it works. I think some are confusing a 214 with a discharge.