How to get out of the Navy?

Question

I've been enlisted in the united states navy, and I am currently in the delayed entry program, and I ship out to go to basic training in Jan.
I've now noticed that I have made a terrible mistake, and I have no intention of being a seaman.
I joined when I was seventeen, and now, at eighteen, I can't stand the idea of being in the service. I know about the disaffirmance clause for minors, and how they can nullify a contract because of "insanity", and it still applies, "within a reasonable amount of time after reaching majority". And I reached majority on the eleventh, so is it possible for me to get out of the Navy without getting a bad conduct or dishonorable discharge? If so, how?

Answer 1

DEP is not the same as having already enlisted. Think of it as a "Letter of Intent." There is absolutely nothing official until you sign more papers as you ship out to Boot Camp. At Military Entrance and Processing Station (MEPS) you give your oath to uphold the constitution, and such, and sign your official contract.



THINK HARD about your decision to either go or stay. If you decide not to enlist, then all you need to do is tell your recruiter that you refuse to go. You don't need to sign more papers. They may tell you that you do, but you are not contractually bound by your letter of intent, should you change your mind, to perform any duties for the Navy, including signing more papers.



Military service is not for everyone. If you really, absolutely do not want to serve, PLEASE DON'T. Do yourself and your comrades a favor.

Answer 2

Yes you can get out. You have to write a letter to the OIC of recruiting for your area stating why you do not wish to ship. You will be released, and often it will not interfere with future enlistment if you change your mind. I signed up for the Navy, went to MEPS and enlisted, and during DEP I developed intense anxiety (runs in the family) which I had to be medicated for. I wrote a letter with a letter from my family doctor attached explaining the situation and was released from DEP. After several months of medication I stopped taking it and have only dealt with mild anxiety since. I joined the AF, served for four years and was honorably discharged. I am now attempting to get back into the military because I miss it and realize the civilian world is boring. Think about it before you decide not to ship, because you will not know what you missed out on.

Answer 3

Why do you think you made a terrible mistake? Do you think you are going to die, or did your girlfriend threaten to leave you if you join?



Anyway, if you are going active you can get out of the Delayed Entry Program anytime prior to leaving for Boot Camp. However, that would really make you look like a quitter.



What do you plan to do instead? The economy isn't looking too good right now and if you don't have a plan then you'll probably be coming right back.

Answer 4

If you have been in the DEP program for more than a year than your contract is void. If you havnt reached your year mark yet and you only have a couple months left you can always tell them you can't ship out yet for some reason to delay the process and then as soon as your year mark hits they have to do the whole contract over and if you dont sign it there's nothing they can do.

Answer 5

They don't officially have you until you repeat the Oath of enlistment for the last time at your basic graduation or so ive been told, I was told before I was going to basic for the army that I could be a fire fighter for the city of houston and i was like aww damn it I leave tomorrow, come to find out I didn't to go.. I just though I did. Other than that Claim your gay, or claim "failure to adapt" in basic, Fake crying at night about how much you miss your mommy. seriously this stuff works.. IF your a female you can get pregnant umm lets see Pop Hot on a piss test gets you Other than honorable which isn't that bad considering you'd be saving 4 years :D..



Other than that Ive been in the military for 5 going on 6 years and don't believe what they all say its not all that bad at all.. especially if you have a family you are very well taken care of Im in germany and and E-4 and I get paid 2600.00 dollars a month. which isn't bad at all when you stop to think about all the free entitlements I have such as Medical, housing, electricity, water & waste, dental, 60days out of the year paid vacation and every opportunity to better yourself. I say stop fretting and stick with it believe me your not going to regret it .

Answer 6

Despite the fact that you have signed the contracts, you can still get out of the Navy if you haven't left for basic yet. Your recruiters may or may not give you a hard time, because if you don't go to basic they don't get their recruiting bonus.



I've heard stories of recruiters threatening people in your position with prison time and thousand dollar fines for not going through with their contracts. However, these are just some bogus intimidation tactics that usually work on most kids who don't know any better. Explain to your recruiters in a polite way that you are not going to go through with enlisting and that is final. If they decide to play a game and not listen to your requests, then talk to your parents about getting a lawyer or something.



They'll probably try to coerce you into staying at all cost, because that is the nature of their job. However, if you don't want to be in the Navy, we don't want you in our Navy.

Answer 7

This is so easy!! I just retired from 26 yrs of service and was a highly successful recruiter for 4 yrs. You have nothing to worry about. Even though you went through the DEP process you are UNDER no obligation to go to your recruit training. If you dont want to go you dont have to. Your recruiter will try to apply pressure and say this and that to change your mind, just remember that you do not have to go until you swear in for the second time (the day you are scheduled to fly) to the Great Lakes. Your set and if you dont want to go then you are not under any obligation to go. If you have any other questions about this reply back. Have fun looking for another career.

Answer 8

Technically, you are still in DEP, so the navy does not "own you" until you have taken the oath of enlistment just before you ship to basic training at Great Lakes RTC in Chicago. I must say though that it is a bit cowardly to sign and then back out. You should hang your head in shame!

Answer 9

Your are only in DEP that means you can get out. All you have to do is tell your recruiter. They might give you a hard time and lie about a few things, but don't listen to them. The only thing that will happen is that you can't reenlist with the Navy again, unless you get a waiver. Good luck!

Answer 10

I don't know if this still applies nowadays, but if you're DEP, just simply do not show up when it comes time to ship out. But, to play it safe, talk to your local recruiter who took you through the whole enlistment process. That way you don't risk the chance of being deemed AWOL and the local authorities don't come to your house and arrest you.

Answer 11

I joined the army years back and realized I made a huge mistake right after I signed the contract. Fortunately for me they messed up one of my tests so all I had to do is refuse to redo it. However, when they wanted me to fill out a form stating why I was backing out they had me list school as my reason (which was half right). So, there has to be something to that.

Answer 12

I joined in Jan. Thinking maybe I made a mistake I never really wanted to join the army.. Now that I've been in for about a year its brought so many benefits for me.. I'd stick with it man it only gets better..

Answer 13

if its something personal listen to the other guys and follow their instructions. but when its something with you don't like the service, let me tell you something kid, the navy has the most enjoyable jobs there is. you can see things regular army guys don't see. if your good enough you can be one of the best there is a navy seal and the navy seals are the premiere units in all engagements, around the world.

Answer 14

Weak sauce man. But you can just tell your recruiter you aint shippin'. Then request a formal separation from the DEP programs in writing and you should be good to go.

Answer 15

you are not IN the Navy yet so you cannot GET a BCD or OTH discharge. . all you have to do is tell your Recruiter you want a DEP discharge.

Answer 16

no you can still get out because your only in the DEP. but thats kind of weak on your part. really think about what your doing before you make that decision

Answer 17

NOPE you sind the contract right?? now the navy owns you for 4 whole years eat it man you chose for it you and why would be serving your country be a mistake?????

Answer 18

i could tell you but not in mixed company think about it you will get it....

Answer 19

just do it. you'll be a better person when you get out.