How do I get out of the military early?

2018-12-31T20:42:52-05:00

Hi everyone so here is my situation I am currently keeping contact with a state police recruiter and want to pursue that. I have taken the civil service test and passed... The army is just simply not for me and I dread going to work everyday. I was told of something the army has where if you prove that you have a job lined up and are better off there that they would let you go. Is that true or is there another way to get out?

Response by SFC Marc W. made Dec 31 at 2018 8:49 PM

2018-12-31T20:49:27-05:00

How much time left do you have on your contract?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2018 10:35 PM

2018-12-31T22:35:06-05:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member Here are two links that you need to read very carefully. You signed a contract, so talking to a state police recruiter is jumping the gun. Do you think that you are the first person that thought the military was not what they thought it would be? Did you do your research before joining, and how do you know you would not feel the same way if you go to work for the State Police?

Great advice from SFC Marc W.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/are-there-honorable-ways-to-ets-early

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/early-discharge-from-the-military-4057239

Are there honorable ways to ETS early? | RallyPoint

I have run into some difficult circumstances with the Army. As a result, in the best interest of my family, I am having to investigate ways to possibly get out of the military early. I don't necessarily want to, but I at least want to know what my options are (if any). Quick Facts: Assignment to Drum NLT 10 JAN 2016 ETS: 10 OCT 2018 Wife/kids cannot leave current state due to custody I am an initial term soldier Requested Korea assignment but...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2018 11:31 PM

2018-12-31T23:31:02-05:00

Sounds like the "once in a lifetime" thing. I knew a guy who got out on that but it was because his father, who ran the family business, died suddenly and the son wanted to run the business. It was a pretty big business. I think getting out on that kind of reason requires something pretty substantial and that is very time-sensitive. "Ya know, this just isn't for me...," is unlikely to get it.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jan 1 at 2019 6:26 AM

2019-01-01T06:26:52-05:00

This is my version of General Patton slapping soldiers to shame them back into being men.

1. Most Americans go to work EVERY or most working day of their lives dreading it. When I got out I wanted to build a business. So what! Are you, or are you not a man of your word? The Army spent money training you with the full expectation that you are a man of your word. Will you reimburse me and all the other the taxpayers who paid for your training? Finish what you start.

2. How do you know that law enforcement is for you? Any police recruiter that made you an offer, knowing that you didn't fulfill your obligation because.... "I don't wanna" is derelict in his duties.

3. You are going to serve with a lot of veteran's in law enforcement. "I don't wanna" won't sit any better with them than it does with me.

Response by SGT David T. made Jan 2 at 2019 8:33 AM

2019-01-02T08:33:59-05:00

Probably fail a PT test I imagine would be the easiest.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2019 9:05 AM

2019-01-02T09:05:19-05:00

No there is not. What you're referring to is a voluntary separation program that ended several years ago that allowed you to ETS up to 6 months early to accept employment.
All of the possible ways to separate are listed in AR 635-200, but you won't find anything that allows you to reneg your contract simply because you don't want to do it anymore.
The job will be there when you ETS. Don't jeopardize your benefits and possible future employment by sabotaging your current Army career.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 11:32 AM

2019-01-03T11:32:45-05:00

There are ways, but they are not worth it.

You do not want to have a dishonorable discharge and/or anything negative that could be held against you by a police recruiter or any other potential employers.

Just do your best and get out when your time is up, it will all work out.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 12:54 PM

2019-01-03T12:54:23-05:00

Get yourself together. With an attitude like this - you'll be whining to get our of the state police, too. Find the good in what you are doing - enjoy the people around you. Be a leader. Holy shit.