How do I get out of the Army?

2019-11-11T08:10:32-05:00

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2019 8:23 AM

2019-11-11T08:23:25-05:00

Some questions...how long have you been? Would you be up to reclassing or do you just want to get out? I understand how you feel. I just wanted to ask these questions before I attempted to give you any answers.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2019 8:30 AM

2019-11-11T08:30:55-05:00

How long are you being deployed for? Have you spoken to anyone there about it? The chaplain?

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Nov 11 at 2019 9:38 AM

2019-11-11T09:38:12-05:00

Use your Chain of Command. and see a Chaplain. No sense in you beating around the bush if you do not want to be in the Military. Just keep your head in the right spot don't do anything brash. Start with your team chief and move up from there you can always ask to see the Higher ups by requesting open door policy but you must inform your Chain of Command of your intentions.

Response by COL R. Bruce Chisholm made Nov 11 at 2019 10:59 AM

2019-11-11T10:59:15-05:00

There is a lot to unwrap from your questions. Please lt me know if I read something incorrectly.
You have a lot of support available to you. Make sure you take advantage of it. Beyond the Chaplain and chain of command, there are medical professionals who can help you with the feelings of depression. Sometimes depression is situational, sometimes it's driven by a chemical imbalance in the body that can be remedied by a doctor.

There were days in my 31 years where I said, "I can't stand the idea of having to lace up my boots again and going to work." That passed.
I hated OCS. Never did let that show as I had a goal I had set, so my motto was "I can do anything for 93 days."
This is getting too long so a question: "You say you want to get out of the Army--What is it you WANT to do?"
My very best to you on Veterans Day. You are one of .35% of the American population who have served the Nation in a combat zone this century.
Good luck.

Response by SSG Jason Penn made Nov 11 at 2019 12:06 PM

2019-11-11T12:06:04-05:00

There are many methods and options. However, most of those can and usually do end up back firing. Don't get caught up with a Dishonorable Discharge as it will haunt you the rest of your life by making it harder to find jobs. Your best bet is to suck it up for the rest of your contract and then just not reenlist. While waiting for your ETS, utilize your Chaplain. If it gets really bad, you can seek help from Mental Health. Normally, I would advise a Soldier against giving up, as a military career has a lot of benefits, and offers a lot of rewards, but a Soldier who is intent on getting out, just can't be persuaded otherwise, so all I can say is "good luck".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2019 1:27 PM

2019-11-11T13:27:47-05:00

Basically, you finish your time and ETS honorably. Utilize that last year for SFLTAP and plan your way out. You'll be out of the Army sooner or later whether you like to or not, so it's a temporary issue. Don't use a permanent solution, like getting kicked out or going AWOL, to solve a temporary problem. Just focus on what you'll be doing after the Army and start preparing for that. It may be Afghanistan but you can still take classes to prepare yourself

Response by SPC Angela Burnham made Nov 11 at 2019 5:29 PM

2019-11-11T17:29:04-05:00

Oh boy, haha. I already know I'm gonna have fun reading these comments lmao.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Nov 11 at 2019 7:45 PM

2019-11-11T19:45:12-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Don't know what your situation is, but I will give you the same advice I gave sailors of mine that wanted out. Your absolute best option is to finish the contract you signed. If you get out earlier, and you get coded with something unfavorable, then your opportunities on the outside become more difficult. Just look at how many people here on RP are asking about getting back in with certain RE codes. Stick it out, and then you have many more options open to you.

If you have family issues that are precluding your from giving it your all, work with the base Chaplain to get a hardship discharge. There has to be a demonstrable need, and they are very good at getting the paperwork done. And no, you haven't had to see them before or even step foot in the chapel.

If you are having trouble with your chain of command which is driving your decision, then talk to the Senior Enlisted. Not sure what you call them in the Army. Sometimes, they can help if you are struggling.

Best of luck to you, and I hope you get the right answers.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2019 8:22 PM

2019-11-11T20:22:09-05:00

Don't throw it all away man get the honorable. You have come too far, just finish your contract. Did you sign a 4yr or they get you for 6?

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Nov 11 at 2019 8:48 PM

2019-11-11T20:48:26-05:00

Complete your 3 or 4-year contract...that's the quickest way out.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2019 11:52 PM

2019-11-11T23:52:14-05:00

I have been highly dissatisfied and so depressed.If I try to suck it up and do my contract,it is only going to make it worse for me.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Nov 12 at 2019 9:18 AM

2019-11-12T09:18:33-05:00

What I am reading here gives me a sense of feeling we are not getting the whole story. Every thing posted ends with I just want to get out. What is driving your wanting to get out? What is driving your depression? Do you socialize with anyone it the unit? or are you a loaner? Something is driving you to want out until you figure that out your just putting yourself in a depression. So I Still say the only help we can give you with out the rest of the information is go to your chain of command and the chaplain and be willing to tell them what is driving you to want out. I don't believe we are getting that here.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 12 at 2019 12:21 PM

2019-11-12T12:21:29-05:00

Do your time and stay out of trouble.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 11:44 PM

2020-02-10T23:44:41-05:00

Man I've been there. Don't feel ashamed to ask such a thing as this because everyone in this post has more than likely been where you are at some point or another. However there is many words of wisdom here as I have read. Don't do anything irrational to get out. I am getting out in 2 years myself. Why? Because it's just not my thing. I did not expect a career out of it, but that's ok. I am utilizing the Army as a stepping stone for my future and that is perfectly fine for anyone. You do what is best for you in the future and never look back. Make the best out of however longer you are in for and go from there. Just like SFC Jason Boyd mentioned use that final year or even earlier to get you a clear plan for your transition. Don't use up the rest of your time in here without a plan for after. Do constructive things when the time gap is closing and consider looking around for job prospects, get you a resume going as well as a Linkedin account. Think of the future and it will really pull your mind away from any troubles of now. Dude I have 2 years left and I'm already thinking ahead laying out a plan for the smoothest and succesful transition. No matter how bad it sucks in here, it will be a huge enhancement to your future because of what the resume says. I'm not bashing you or anything like that because man I have been there. I wanted out so freakin bad earlier in my arrival to my unit it was unreal. Don't let that get the best of you and cause you to make regrettable actions. Focus on your future for now and keep your eyes on the prize. Military is not for everyone, so if you want out it's better to finish this and get out earlier than later. Remember, do what is best for you, but do not abandon logic in your thoughts or actions. Think on it man.