Can I just quit the military?
Asked by: Josiah Stokes | Last update: June 3, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (74 votes)
You can leave in the first THREE MONTHS (but NOT in the first six weeks). After the first three months you have no right to leave until you have served for FOUR YEARS. And after you've left, the army can still call you up to train or fight at any time for the next SIX YEARS.
Can you quit the military whenever you want?
In the US military, enlisted members cannot unilaterally 'quit'. Enlistment is not just a form of employment. Enlistment obligates a person to a minimum of 8 years of service. During this time a service member is beholden to the US armed forces until the service period has elapsed or they have been released early.
Is it possible to drop out of the military?
Process to Complete a Military Withdrawal
Students may initiate a Military Withdrawal by submitting a Military Withdrawal Form and uploading a copy of their military orders.
What happens if you abandon the military?
People who are proven to have committed desertion with intent to avoid hazardous duty, deployment, or important service may get the following penalties: Confinement for five years. Dishonorable discharge. Forfeiture of all pay and allowances.
Can you just resign from the military?
Resigning from a military job can be a big decision, often requiring certain steps and a letter of resignation. A military resignation letter is a document that declares your intent to resign and serves as a permanent record of your decision.
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How do I resign from the US military?
All resignation requests must be received in the Commissioned Corps Headquarters (CCHQ) at least 120 days before the last day at duty location per policy (see Commissioned Corps Instruction 387.01 below). Please ensure that you review the Termination Course regarding resignation before you submit your request.
Is it a crime to quit the military?
is guilty of desertion. Any commissioned officer of the armed forces who, after tender of his resignation and before notice of its acceptance, quits his post or proper duties without leave and with intent to remain away therefrom permanently is guilty of desertion.
What happens if you walk away from the military?
A military service member who fails to report for duty often faces serious charges. There are three related offenses that fall under this category—absence without leave (or AWOL), desertion, and missing movement—all carrying very serious penalties, up to and including the death penalty for desertion during war.
How much jail time for going AWOL?
The maximum authorized punishment for AWOL ranges from one month to 18 months confinement. The authorized punishment for Desertion increases to life imprisonment, and the death penalty if committed during a time of war.
Can you back out of the military?
If you are in the DEP and change your mind, you usually can request to be discharged. It's not guaranteed and may require a formal request, but it's often possible.
How can I legally leave the army?
You can't just quit the Army once you are on active duty. You are contractually obligated to remain in service for the period to which you committed. But soldiers are discharged from duty early due to physical or psychological inability to perform duties, for drug abuse, misconduct, and other infractions.
Is deserting a crime?
To be charged with desertion, the accused service member must have taken affirmative steps to leave without obtaining proper authorization. Due to its permanent nature, desertion is a more serious offense than going AWOL or UA. It is punishable by severe penalties, including: Imprisonment.
What happens if you decline the military?
Conscientious objectors opposed to serving in the military will be placed in the Selective Service Alternative Service Program. This program attempts to match COs with local employers.
Can you just up and leave the Army?
If you are 18 or over and join the army for the FIRST time, then: You can leave in the first THREE MONTHS (but NOT in the first six weeks). After the first three months you have no right to leave until you have served for FOUR YEARS.
How much does a military leave form cost?
There is no requirement for family or friends to pay for the service member's leave and there are no processing/administrative fees involved with requesting leave.
What is the shortest military contract?
The Army provides the shortest contract through its National Call to Service (NCS) enlistment option, offering a 2-year active duty term.
Do you get paid on AWOL?
Extended LWOP is a period of LWOP exceeding 30 calendar days. Absence without official leave (AWOL) is a period of absence without pay for which the employee did not obtain approval or for which a request for leave is denied.
What is leaving the army without permission?
Desertion is the abandonment of a military duty or post without permission (a pass, liberty or leave) and is done with the intention of not returning. This contrasts with unauthorized absence (UA) or absence without leave (AWOL /ˈeɪwɒl/), which are temporary forms of absence.
What happens if you go a wall from the military?
Actual punishments can vary from nothing at all to General Court-Martial, which could include a sentence of dishonorable discharge (a felony level conviction) and also could include years of jail time. Typically, punishments range in between these two extremes.
Why is leaving the military so hard?
Military life offers structured routines, defined roles, and a sense of camaraderie that can make civilian life feel unfamiliar and unwelcoming. Some veterans also return to civilian life with physical and mental health complications that make the transition process even more challenging.
Is being in the military worth it?
With year-round training, service members will leave the military with some level of leadership skills. Besides a retirement plan, service members get a range of money-related benefits, ranging from tax-free allowances and shopping at exchanges to free MilTax services and free financial counseling.
Can you go to the military if you dropped out?
Not having a diploma doesn't completely bar you from the military, but it does make the process more challenging. One pathway is obtaining a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. While not equivalent to a high school diploma in the eyes of the military, you can enlist with a GED.
What if you want to quit the military?
The process for quitting the military typically involves notifying your chain of command, completing the necessary paperwork, attending separation counseling, and receiving your separation pay.
Can you get kicked out for going AWOL?
A charge of AWOL can result in a reprimand, suspension, or even removal from the federal service. Being charged with AWOL is a serious matter. But it need not be the end of your career.
Can you exit the military?
The more planning and preparation you do for transitioning from military to civilian life, the smoother it will go. Separation from the military and transitioning to civilian life is just like everything else in military life. The more preparation you do, the more smoothly everything goes.