How do I get an early separation through education or employment? My family will be moving to Houston I have 6 months left.

2016-03-23T07:01:44-04:00

I want to go to school to get my bachelors for criminal justice. I plan on a job through corrections working in a jail etc. but of course would need to go down their to have a face to face and such. Is that allowed? We don't get told much on how to go about it? Also what is required in order to get the early seperation?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2016 7:04 AM

2016-03-23T07:04:04-04:00

6 months? U can ride that one out. Coz it will take as long to get ua early chapter orders.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2016 7:07 AM

2016-03-23T07:07:25-04:00

For early separation, I believe you need to be accepted into the school already. If you're moving and separating in six months, I don't think that'll leave you enough time to apply for the fall and get in.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2016 7:15 AM

2016-03-23T07:15:49-04:00

Submit your request in writing and see if they allow it. Most times if there isn't a manpower shortage in your field/MOS they will approve it. However, based upon the currently high unemployment across the entire nation, the high cost of medical coverage and the fines you must pay the govt for not having that coverage, you might want to reconsider leaving the service until you have a solid, no way I won't work job waiting for you on the outside, with a solid "can support my family" paycheck and benefits to protect them as well. When you leave the service's the only thing that should be going through your mind is will this job support me and my family, is there security with this job, what are the down sides to this job.. I retired back in 95. I was offered a good paying job with a security firm in NY, well I moved myself and my family out there. The day came for my face to face interview for the post, I drove the 40 miles to their location only to find that they had moved two days prior to another location 50 miles away. So, saying is a far cry from doing. Make sure that you have everything needed to protect you and your family in writing before you take that step.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 23 at 2016 8:52 AM

2016-03-23T08:52:50-04:00

Check with your retention NCO with regards to any update to AR 635-200, paragraph 5-16.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2016 1:09 PM

2016-03-23T13:09:35-04:00

There are two seperate packets for early release for school or employment. Employment is a 4187 and you can move your ets date a maximum of 180 days. You must have a letter from the employer stating you have the hob, and must have a budget showing you will he able to provide for yourself. For school it is also a 4187 and can only move your ets date 90 days. It requires a letter of acceptance from the school. Most units I've seen also require a letter from you stating why it is imperative to your future that you attend that exact semester. 635-200 is the start point but your retention guy will have any other unit perticulars.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2016 1:15 PM

2016-03-23T13:15:32-04:00

You can request Permissive TDY for job hunting, however it is an opportunity you would have to earn, as its total Command decision. Read 'Leaves and Passes' and it outlines what PTDY can be used for, and when.

As for an early out... well... that's what terminal leave is for. If you have 30+ days saved up, well that's a month closer.

Response by SGT Shawn Schweinberg made Mar 24 at 2016 1:34 AM

2016-03-24T01:34:32-04:00

I've seen it done on Fort Hood but usually for senior leaders E8 and above. You can request it and it must be approved through your company commander or battalion commander. The army wants its soldiers to have a solid plan in place and job waiting for them. Talk frank to your leadership about this. Have supporting documents in hand when you do. And push it up the chain. Don't take no for an answer from anyone who isnt the commander. Be able to answer all questions regarding the ends and outs of what you're planning.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2016 9:29 AM

2016-03-24T09:29:15-04:00

Google is your friend:
"Soldiers may be discharged or released from active duty for the convenience of the Government, up to 90 days before ETS, in order to attend a specific term at college, university, vocational school, or technical school.

a. Soldiers serving initial enlistments of less than 3 years, members of the ARNGUS or USAR serving on ADT, and former senior ROTC cadets ordered to active duty because of breaches of contract are ineligible for separation under this paragraph.

b. To qualify for early separation, eligible Soldiers must—
(1) Not be mission essential to their assigned organizations, as determined by commanders concerned.
(2) Clearly establish that the specific school term for which they seek early separation is academically the most opportune time for them to begin or resume their education, and that delay of school enrollment until normal ETS would cause undue personal hardship.
(3) Provide a statement from an appropriate school official (for example, a registrar or director of admissions) indicating acceptance for enrollment (without qualification or in a probationary status) in a full-time resident course of instruction. The statement must also reflect that the latest acceptable registration date for the school term falls within the 90–day period preceding the Soldier’s ETS.

(4) Show that they are able to pay, or have already paid, school entry fees.

c. The college or university must offer courses of instruction leading to an associate, baccalaureate, or higher degree and must be approved by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The vocational or technical school must offer a course of instruction of no less than 3 months’ duration and must be approved by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

d. The effective date of early separation under this paragraph normally will not be earlier than 10 days prior to the date classes convene, except when Soldiers may be separated up to 30 days prior to the date classes convene if evidence is submitted that the 10-day period is clearly insufficient. This is not intended as authority to permit separation a full 30 days prior to class starting date in every case but to provide a reasonable latitude in justifiable cases to authorize separation on a date that will give the Soldier adequate time to register and enter the school on time. Examples include Soldiers returning from overseas and those who must move their families to the school location.

e. Accrued leave will be used to the maximum extent possible, as transition leave, in conjunction with early separation under this paragraph.

f. For characterization of service, see paragraph 5–1.

g. Commanders specified in paragraph 1–19 are authorized to order separation under this paragraph. The criteria in chapter 1, section VII, will govern whether Soldiers will be released from AD with transfer to the IRR, or discharged.

h. Combining this paragraph with other early release programs to effect separation more than 90 days before ETS is not authorized. "
AR 635-200

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2016 12:26 PM

2016-03-24T12:26:19-04:00

Do a school drop packet. Now this is done with a DA 4187, you can't not do both, you either request early separation for work or do a school drop, got to your S1 to get more guidance on the requirements for you packet

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2016 7:44 PM

2016-03-24T19:44:16-04:00

15-019 Enlisted Voluntary Early Separation Program check there.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 8:26 PM

2016-03-25T20:26:38-04:00

You can be released 180 out with a 4187 and prove that you have a job waiting for you out there. You can request early separation but done with what I just mentioned and through your branch.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 9:22 PM

2016-04-18T21:22:12-04:00

I advise you to, speak to your btln or bde retention nco.