What is the process and timeline for someone to be chaptered out of the Army?

2018-12-09T18:17:24-05:00

My son is being chaptered out of Army due to being caught with pot, missing a urine test, and AWAL 2 times. What is the process and how long does it take? The process has been going on since October?

Response by Mo Gonzalez made Dec 9 at 2018 6:18 PM

2018-12-09T18:18:30-05:00

** how long does it take ?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2018 7:48 PM

2018-12-09T19:48:04-05:00

They'll probably be out shortly into the new year. Just depends on where he is at.
Assuming he doesn't continue to screw up. Every time he goes AWOL, fails a UA, or isn't where he needs to be, new charges are added. New charges reduce his discharge rating and take away more benefits. Hopefully, he stops digging the hole he's in already.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Dec 10 at 2018 2:35 PM

2018-12-10T14:35:29-05:00

If they aren't looking to send him to jail for a stint, you can expect your son to be chaptered out within the next two or three months. I personally walked soldiers through chapters and they can get finished in as little as a week.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 11 at 2018 3:10 PM

2018-12-11T15:10:51-05:00

Thats is a lot like asking "How long will I wait in line at the Drivers license office."
The answer is...It depends.
When the priority is there at unit and higher HQ to separate a service member, it can be done in about 48 hours..... I did so for a SSG former Drill Sargent at FT Jackson.
In a unit that has other priorities, or some level of dysfunction...5,6,10 months is possible.
If the administrative process is being looked after by a competent person, the SM being separated is actively participating in his processing in a helpful manner vice dragging their feet (missed appointments, failure to bring required documents, failure to perform required briefing, sign forms, ect ) or attempting to stall or reverse the decision plus all key signatory persons are locally available 8-20 weeks is common.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 9:11 AM

2018-12-12T09:11:23-05:00

There’s no set time. There’s just certain documentation that has to be completed, appointments with different people, paperwork to be verified and signed off by legal, etc etc. Not als cases are the same or are processed in the same amount of time. Think of it like a divorce. Sometimes it’s smooth and quick. Other times it drags out to almost a year.

Response by SSgt Dave Hardin made Dec 16 at 2018 10:43 AM

2018-12-16T10:43:26-05:00

Your son should be doing a year or so in the Brig before he gets discharged. He should be in no rush to move into your basement.

Response by SSgt Dave Hardin made Dec 16 at 2018 10:44 AM

2018-12-16T10:44:44-05:00

Your son should be doing a year or so in the Brig. There should be no rush for him to move into your basement.