Can I do an early separation for higher education more than 90 days prior to ETS?

2016-04-17T20:16:56-04:00

The regulation in regards to early separation states that you're allowed to separate(with respected approval) 90 days prior to your ETS date. Some also say that they've seen individuals get out up to 180 days early for school. I went ahead and applied to schools and have acquired acceptance letters from three. After talking with an S1 rep, they don't believe that it would be possible to surpass 90 days due to the regulation. Who would I need to speak with to get an 'exception to policy'? Or an alternative to the regulation in place?

Response by SSG Keith Evans made Apr 17 at 2016 8:39 PM

2016-04-17T20:39:36-04:00

A good place to start would be your First Sergeant or the first CSM in your chain of command. They would probably call your branch manager on your behalf and get more info for you. Try starting there. S-1 clerks can be pretty strict with the regs since they are often overwhelmed with service requests. My thinking is that an *exception to policy* would come from branch

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 17 at 2016 9:41 PM

2016-04-17T21:41:15-04:00

AR 635-200 is clear...UP TO 90-days before ETS. Why would you think you're entitled to an 'exception' to this?

When is your current ETS and when does your school term begin?

How much leave do you have for transition leave?

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Apr 18 at 2016 1:46 AM

2016-04-18T01:46:32-04:00

Personally, I think it would be easier to start school for the Spring Semester in January, then you'll have time to properly transition, and try to put some more money in the bank. If you want to start classes sooner, look into using your TA, and testing out of classes through CLEP, and DANTES. Otherwise, your best bet is to use your transition leave and the 90 day early-out option. Even if exceptions did exist, the possibility of getting one in a situation that doesn't have extenuating circumstances would be really low.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Apr 18 at 2016 7:33 AM

2016-04-18T07:33:49-04:00

90 days and your terminal leave appears to be the answer for your early school separation. However, Inquire with your leadership and retention about a drop following SFL. My 1SG last week was telling me about how Soldiers post SFL can submit for an early release. I don't know the specifics on what he was talking about, but your retention NCO may. Good luck on your future goals.

Response by SPC James Dollins made Apr 23 at 2016 9:04 PM

2016-04-23T21:04:49-04:00

I think you jumped the gun on wanting to go to school, that was your first mistake. You fail to remember that the Army doesn't move on your clock, you move on its. Good luck but you are probably fighting a losing battle!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2020 9:58 AM

2020-02-27T09:58:03-05:00

may have changed but I took an early out 8 months early. the only provision was that I serve 2 months in the guard/reserves for every month I had left on my contract. of course, that was quite some time ago.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2022 11:54 AM

2022-12-19T11:54:31-05:00

Did you ever get your exception or did you just do the 90 days early out? Does that 90 days include any saved up leave? Or in lieu of leave?