How long will it take for me to get out of AIT for depression?

2020-02-09T15:42:04-05:00

How long will it take for me to get out of AIT for depression? I was pressured into joining and I want out, we’re about a week into my 8 week training. I need to get home and would like to get an idea on how long it’ll take

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Feb 9 at 2020 3:44 PM

2020-02-09T15:44:28-05:00

It took me over two years and a tour in Viet Nam. Your mileage may vary.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Feb 9 at 2020 3:44 PM

2020-02-09T15:44:36-05:00

Being National Guard, it would take you longer to get a discharge than it would for you to just finish and go home successful.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2020 4:20 PM

2020-02-09T16:20:35-05:00

it will take you longer to get discharge then it would just to pass. Usually the drills are harda$$’s the first week or so to remind you that your not out of tradoc yet

Response by SSG Gordon Hill made Feb 9 at 2020 4:27 PM

2020-02-09T16:27:39-05:00

Finish the course and seek help. It will take longer to be discharged during training then it will to finish the training. If you’re in AIT that means you passed basic training and that was the hard part.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2020 4:36 PM

2020-02-09T16:36:23-05:00

It takes until the end of your AIT.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2020 5:04 PM

2020-02-09T17:04:33-05:00

You could likely watch everyone graduate and go to their first duty station or return home, and find that you have made decisions that could have a much more negative impact on your life than anticipated.
If you have a prior diagnosis of depression, or related condition, that was withheld during your enlistment, the process may be quicker. Otherwise, you should stick it out.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2020 5:41 PM

2020-02-09T17:41:51-05:00

Don’t make a temporary problem into a permanent one. Get treatment and do everything you can to serve out your time.

Response by CPO James Colomb made Feb 9 at 2020 6:09 PM

2020-02-09T18:09:12-05:00

Man up

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2020 6:25 PM

2020-02-09T18:25:00-05:00

Who pressured you into joining? Why do you need to get home? Have you sought help?

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2020 8:46 PM

2020-02-09T20:46:06-05:00

I'm gonna tell it to you straight bud, there is an over-abundance of Active Duty Service Members struggling everyday with depression. Common causes including, but not limited to, PTSD from watching a friend die in person or killing another human; Being cheated on or left while they were dodging mortars in a combat zone; having to go bankrupt trying to support their family while feeling that the Army wont help them; Sexual Assault; being falsely accused of sexual assault resulting in a stagnant career. I could go on and on. I'll tell you this, go to YouTube and type in Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson. Walk into your bathroom, and stare at yourself while playing that song. Once it ends, ask yourself if you can Soldier through and complete the mission you signed you signed up for, or if you just aren't capable of doing so. Regardless of the answer you come to, tomorrow go and speak to your chaplain and explain your issues and your answer to him. Good luck kid.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 7:58 AM

2020-02-10T07:58:49-05:00

The fastest way out is to graduate.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 8:11 AM

2020-02-10T08:11:23-05:00

Complete your training, go to the end of your contract and get out then.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Feb 10 at 2020 9:15 AM

2020-02-10T09:15:10-05:00

Suck it up.Go to see the doc or a Chaplain if you feel depressed. Homesickness is not the same as real, clinical depression. You might be depressed but that isn't 'having depression'. Stick with it. Everyone has felt like you do at one time or another. Make friends, it passes.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 9:16 AM

2020-02-10T09:16:09-05:00

You can’t say you were pressured into doing something you wanted to do. The army is a completely voluntary job opportunity. No one was with you at MEPS when you signed that dotted line. Best advice I can give you is finish the AIT and go back home and use military one source to battle your troubles. You are never alone. The military invests so much money and time into resources to ensure every soldier has the proper means to get help with no judgement to them. If you try and get out without passing your AIT it will take longer than actually completing the course. You will be a hold over and be doing dumb shit until they can process your paperwork.

Own your problems and seek the help needed. The army is a great career or even just a great stepping stone into something bigger and better. You are never alone. Finish training and get the help you need. We have all be there before man. It gets better. Don’t ruin something good for something temporary.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Feb 10 at 2020 2:20 PM

2020-02-10T14:20:33-05:00

Oh I would not claim depression because the Army will figure out pretty fast if your lying or not. They are not stupid. If your telling the truth you have to be reviewed by Army doctors and they will need to decide if it is something the Army caused or something you had all along which will determine if you get VA benefits for it or not. That takes time and the actual discharge process takes time. 6 to 8 months minimum. So as others have said, long after your AIT has ended.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Feb 10 at 2020 2:24 PM

2020-02-10T14:24:55-05:00

It takes as long as it takes.

You all saying suck it up...if someone doesn't want to be in the military why would you force them to continue in and make it harder on them and those around them. Even if he is Guard.

You should probably talk to someone if you aren't yet.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Feb 11 at 2020 1:26 AM

2020-02-11T01:26:24-05:00

The best advice I can give you is that it is easier to finish the course than to try to get boarded for something like depression. In the end, while you may have felt pressured to join, the decision was yours. I'm not going to lie, I had a gut check moment when I went through basic and tech school back in the late 90s, and really questioned my decision. Turns out, it was the best choice I could have made. I would recommend finding a mentor and discussing some of your frustrations (not complaints) and see how they made it through.
It is going to be hard, but you have gotten through the hardest part.

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Feb 11 at 2020 11:13 AM

2020-02-11T11:13:45-05:00

Your already an E-3 and well on your way to what could be a great career. The Army has dealted with thousands of depressed troops and can read you like a book...everyone goes thru some home sickness and it really will take you months to be cut loose from the Army. Do the rest of your AIT you will find that time may help you find your way...you have made it through basic where most people want out. It's time to grow up, if your girlfriend has sent you a dear johnny letter well good riddance to her use that to drive you harder to succeed. As SGT Robert Pryor said in another post, "don't let a tempory probem turn into a lifelong problem", that may not be his exact qoute but I think you can get the jist of it. Soldier on...you may impress yourself. Good luck!

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Feb 20 at 2020 6:27 PM

2020-02-20T18:27:12-05:00

It took me 20 years. You volunteered, suck it up and Drive on.