Can I request an early release to further education if my ETS date is after college starts?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 16:41:41 -0500

I am separating at the normal term of service. My ETS date is at the end of October but the first day of college is in August. I don't have enough terminal leave days to attend school in time. My ETS date also has to be before school starts in order for me to be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program.
I heard that the early release for job or school obligations is not available anymore. However, AR 635-200 still states that soldiers can request for an early release for further education. Has anyone heard that getting released early for a job or school isn't available anymore? Do you know if there are any job skill/certifications I can sign up for that can help me get released a couple of months early?

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 13 at 2020 5:34 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 17:34:41 -0500

Chapter 5-16 is what you are looking for and still available so long is justified; you have you stuff together! Up to 90 days out. Not a single day more. I’m a beneficiary of such chapter back in 1996. For my degree and came back in 1999.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Dec 13 at 2020 5:49 PM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 17:49:07 -0500

Like any regulation, fill it out requesting, don’t be a whiner, do your best to give them what you’ve got and honor it. If your COC believes in you and their manning permits - no reason they shouldn’t sign-off! That said, big Army can always disapprove. But, remember, you signed a contract, gave your word and raised your hand voluntarily - it’s all you have in the world, don’t give it up!
Either way, all the best in your future endeavors and thank you for serving!

P.S. Hint-Hint**** call your branch manager and see if they have any issues first, or, shoot s/he an email. That might make things easier on your COC up front!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2020 7:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 19:22:43 -0500

MAJ Javier Rivera nailed it. Your BDE CDR is the approval authority and you'll need at least 90 more days from when your early release is approved to your new ETS date for transition. You need to submit 9-12 months prior to your ETS. Don't forget that your ETS can't be before you finish 36 months of active duty or you won't qualify for the whole GI Bill and thus the Yellow Ribbon program

Response by A1C Tim Rohrer made Dec 13 at 2020 10:33 PM

A1C Tim Rohrer — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 22:33:26 -0500

Make sure that they talk u in to signing your VA rights away like they did us in the 80s and 90 s I just now got my VA stuff after 35 years for early out

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2020 12:25 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:25:49 -0500

You’ve already gotten good Mil advice from the other posters. I would also tell you to let your college know too and work with them.

If you can’t get out early, you can see if you can “remote learn” and study on your off time, or see what your school has. Worst case scenario, you can start in January.

Fight the two front fight, work with the military and with the school. Be open and honest with both and you should be fine.

Response by Sgt Jude Eschete made Dec 14 at 2020 5:28 AM

Sgt Jude Eschete — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 05:28:12 -0500

Yes, that is exactly what it is for. I did the exact same thing. My EAS was Oct 2nd, school started in August, my command moved my EAS up to Sept 1st and I took terminal leave Aug 2nd. Make sure you start the process ASAP, do not wait until two weeks before you want to be out to start the package.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 14 at 2020 7:38 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 07:38:58 -0500

You can request anything and your chain will decide if it is possible. Never decide if anything is possible from your limited knowledge of all regulations and law. Someone up the line may be aware of a regulation you are not familiar with. Request the early release, the worst thing that will happen is you remain in the same situation you describe.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Dec 14 at 2020 8:02 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 20:02:43 -0500

My brother who was in the Marines same as me got out about two months early to go back to college. He had to prove the start date of the university he was attending which wasn't hard to do since he was already attending this school when he initially enlisted.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2021 8:07 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 20:07:28 -0500

Does that apply to the National Guard?