How Do You Get Out of the Military? A Comprehensive Guide
Leaving the military can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure how to navigate the process. Whether you’re looking to transition to civilian life or pursue other opportunities, getting out of the military requires careful planning and attention to detail. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to help you understand the different ways to leave the military and the requirements for each.
Why Do People Leave the Military?
Before we dive into the process of getting out of the military, it’s essential to understand why individuals choose to leave. There are many reasons why military personnel may decide to depart from their service, including:
• End of Service Commitment: Completing their service commitment period
• Injuries or Illnesses: Sustaining injuries or illnesses that prevent them from continuing to serve
• Personal Reasons: Due to personal or family-related issues
• Retirement: Reaching the age of retirement or considering early retirement
• Career Opportunities: Pursuing other career opportunities outside the military
How to Get Out of the Military: Options and Requirements
There are several ways to get out of the military, and the requirements and procedures vary depending on your situation. Here are the most common options:
Contents
**Option 1: Separation with an Honorable Discharge**
- Eligibility: All military personnel can apply for separation with an honorable discharge
- Requirements: Must have at least 6 months of active duty service
- Process: Submit a request for separation through the military’s electronic personnel data system (ePubs)
- Benefits: Receive an honorable discharge and access to veteran benefits
- Timeframe: Typically takes 30-60 days to process
**Option 2: Early Discharge (Administrative Separation)**
- Eligibility: Military personnel with less than 6 years of active duty service (Army, Navy, and Air Force) or 4 years of active duty service (Marine Corps)
- Requirements: Must have a valid reason for separation, such as medical issues or misconduct
- Process: Submit a request for administrative separation through the military’s ePubs system
- Benefits: Receive a general discharge (under honorable conditions) and access to some veteran benefits
- Timeframe: Typically takes 30-90 days to process
**Option 3: Retirement**
- Eligibility: Military personnel who have completed the required number of years of service (20 years in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, 30 years in the Marine Corps)
- Requirements: Meet the military’s retirement eligibility requirements
- Process: Submit a request for retirement through the military’s ePubs system
- Benefits: Receive a pension and access to veteran benefits
- Timeframe: Typically takes 30-60 days to process
**Option 4: Medical Discharge (Medical Separation)**
- Eligibility: Military personnel who are medically disqualified from continuing to serve due to injuries or illnesses
- Requirements: Obtain a medical evaluation and be deemed medically unfit for duty
- Process: Submit a request for medical separation through the military’s ePubs system
- Benefits: Receive a medical discharge and access to some veteran benefits
- Timeframe: Typically takes 30-60 days to process
**Option 5: Discharge Under Section 1173 of Title 10, U.S.C.**
- Eligibility: Military personnel who are being separated due to a reduction in force or other circumstances beyond their control
- Requirements: Meet the eligibility criteria for this type of discharge
- Process: Submit a request for discharge under Section 1173 of Title 10, U.S.C. through the military’s ePubs system
- Benefits: Receive a general discharge (under honorable conditions) and access to some veteran benefits
- Timeframe: Typically takes 30-90 days to process
What Happens After You Leave the Military?
Once you’ve left the military, you’ll need to start thinking about your next steps. Here are some key things to consider:
• Veteran Benefits: You’ll be eligible for veteran benefits, including education benefits, healthcare, and more
• Transition Assistance Program (TAP): The military offers TAP, a program designed to help transitioning service members prepare for civilian life
• Job Placement Services: Many organizations offer job placement services specifically for military personnel
• Entrepreneurship: Consider starting your own business or entrepreneurship venture
• Further Education: Pursue additional education or training to advance your career
Conclusion
Leaving the military can be a complex process, but with the right information and guidance, it can be a smooth transition. Whether you’re leaving due to personal reasons, reaching the end of your service commitment, or retiring, it’s essential to understand your options and the requirements for each. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure a successful transition from military to civilian life.
Additional Resources
• Military Personnel Manual: The official manual for military personnel, outlining policies and procedures for separation and retirement
• Veterans Affairs (VA): The official website for veteran benefits and services
• Transition Assistance Program (TAP): The official website for the Transition Assistance Program
• Job Placement Services: List of organizations offering job placement services for military personnel
• Entrepreneurship Resources: List of resources for military personnel looking to start their own business
Table: Military Discharge Options
| Discharge Option | Eligibility | Requirements | Process | Benefits | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Separation with an Honorable Discharge | All personnel | 6 months active duty service | ePubs system | Honorable discharge, veteran benefits | 30-60 days |
| Early Discharge (Administrative Separation) | Less than 6 years active duty service (Army, Navy, Air Force) or 4 years active duty service (Marine Corps) | Valid reason for separation | ePubs system | General discharge, some veteran benefits | 30-90 days |
| Retirement | Complete required number of years of service | Meet retirement eligibility requirements | ePubs system | Pension, veteran benefits | 30-60 days |
| Medical Discharge (Medical Separation) | Medical incapacitation | Obtain medical evaluation and be deemed medically unfit | ePubs system | Medical discharge, some veteran benefits | 30-60 days |
| Discharge Under Section 1173 of Title 10, U.S.C. | Meet eligibility criteria | Submit request through ePubs system | ePubs system | General discharge, some veteran benefits | 30-90 days |
Note: This table is a summary and not an exhaustive list of requirements and benefits. Consult the military’s official publications and resources for more detailed information.
