Posted on Jan 30, 2021
SGT Power Generation Equipment Repairer
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So I don’t know if this is a dumb question but does the army do a voluntary separation if the soldier doesn’t want to be in anymore but they are not a bad soldier?
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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Yes it's called an ETS. The Soldier volunteered for that specific amount of time. The only time you can be involuntarily retained is for a court martial.

As for breaking your contract, can you just walk out of any other contract because you just don't want to be in the contract anymore? No, you can't. That's why it's a contract. If you were commissioned or on an indef reenlistment you can voluntarily separate at any time.

Since you're on here asking questions, it means you're looking for someone to tell you what you are hoping to hear. Rather than get led down a rabbit hole of people suggesting you can switch to the Reserves, or compassionate release, or talking to your chaplain - all of which are not true, go straight to the source. AR 635-200 has every single authorized reason for separation of an enlisted Soldier.
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LTC Stephen C.
LTC Stephen C.
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Always on point, SFC (Join to see).
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SGM Bill Frazer
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1. Tough, 2. They don't have too.3. Don't screw trying and you can ETS as a SPC, and not a PV@
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SGM Bill Frazer
SGM Bill Frazer
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Kid you're brains are leaking!
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
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Edited >1 y ago
Do you remember the contract that you signed when you enlisted? What do you think the answer is to your question?

SFC (Join to see), MSG (Join to see)
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Cpl Vic Burk
Cpl Vic Burk
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I remember signing! The anniversary of my signing is coming up on Valentines Day. I remember that day very well every year!
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Does the Army do a voluntary separation if the soldier doesn’t want to be in anymore, but they are not a bad soldier?
SFC Keith Gardner
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The best answer is: avoid any separation that doesn’t include an Honorable Discharge! If the Army decides it suddenly has way too many Specialists in the total force they occasionally offer up an early separation program. That’s pretty rare though. Your best option is probably to ride out your enlistment and just ETS. It really depends on why you want to get out and what your plans are once you separate. If your answer to one or more of these questions is “I don’t know” you’ve got a problem. The Army spent a lot of time and money training you and they’d like something in return.

You joined for a reason, what was it? You’re looking for an early out, why? And most importantly, what are you going to do when you get out?

Make a plan and then execute the plan. Did the Army give you a new skill set that will land you a better job? Is there training and education available to you in the Army that can better prepare you for life back in the world ? The answer is yes. Have you you saved up some seed money for your transition? If not, than start. What are the push/pull factors weighing on your shoulders?

Since you’re “not a bad Soldier” then maybe you’re a good Soldier. Just keep your head high, do your job, fire your weapon true, pass your APFT and piss in the bottle with confidence. But don’t just ride out your enlistment. Prepare yourself for life on the other side. Good luck.
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LTC Stephen C.
LTC Stephen C.
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Nicely done, SFC Keith Gardner.
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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Yes, a little acronym called ETS. Otherwise, no.
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Cpl Vic Burk
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You signed the contract, right? You agreed to serve for x number of years. Nobody made you sign, you did it yourself. They have money invested in you to make you a soldier and in return the government expects you to live up to your end of the bargain. There were times I didn't really want to finish my enlistment but I did. I also wasn't willing to take anything less than an Honorable Discharge. That meant doing my time.
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LTC Program Manager
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You used to be able to say you were gay, but not anymore.
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SSgt Christophe Murphy
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Let you leave because you don’t want to be in anymore?

Ummmm no. There are circumstantial situations that may allow someone out but those are all serious things ranging from medical issues, humanitarian issues, or being chartered out for one thi mg or another. They would all have the potential to get you out before your ETS but they are all reactionary results to very specific situations.

There isn’t a Golden ejection seat just because you are ready to move on to something else.
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SGM Erik Marquez
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SGT (Join to see) No, not in reality for enlisted.
Officers who have no service obligations can pull the pin at any time. Enlisted even if they have no remaining service obligations still must serve their remaining enlistment time unless they are at or past a retirement time in service.
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MSgt Mark Bucher
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Huh? Umm, I know I’m old but, isn’t there an enlistment contract?
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