You can't officially ask for a separation. The best way to go about it is to document proof that you're not good Army material – poor test scores, emotional stress, negative evaluations – and present them to the command. You can work through your chaplain, the base counseling center or a military psychiatrist.
Can you quit Basic Training? You can not quit or drop out of Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) after you have sworn in and your contract is signed. There will be many opportunities to stop your path to enlistment along your journey.
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.
If you change your mind about joining the military, you can request to be released from the delayed enlistment process—no matter what your recruiter tells you. Most enlistments into the military are through the delayed enlistment process (DEP). The DEP is a legal, binding contract.
The Army tends to view this as disobeying orders, adversely impacting the good order and discipline of the unit. As such it is a serious offense and is usually punished under the UCMJ. Depending on the offense it could result in confinement although this is rarely the case.
The most common reason why people fail basic training is that medical issues prevent them from doing so safely. If this situation arises, you'll be medically separated from the Air Force but depending on how long you serve, you may still be entitled to some veteran benefits.
The Navy, Army, and Marines have recruits drop out at roughly the same rate as each other, between 11 and 14 percent annually. Contrary to what many think, the goal of officers in basic training isn't just to push recruits to drop out.
In particular, the psychological effects of military training alter the personality, emotional stability, and social function of the individual. These alterations can cause anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health conditions, which often lead to substance abuse.
If you develop anxiety or depression while serving in the military, it may be grounds for a medical discharge or retirement. The outcome depends on factors including the severity of your symptoms and how they respond to treatment.
In specific circumstances, you can apply to leave the Permanent Forces without performing Reserve service. Many of the benefits you're eligible for are the same as if you transfer to the Reserves. If you're discharged from the Permanent Forces for disciplinary reasons, you won't get any benefits.
There is no way to simply quit the military once you are on active duty. You are contractually, and perhaps morally, obligated to see your commitment through. However, you could be discharged from duty early if you are physically or psychologically unable to perform your duties.
You have signed a legally binding contract obligating you to fulfil the terms of that contract and there are no provisions for early outs, quitting, or abbreviated tours unless the Defense Department decides it is in their best interest to let you go before your original date of retirement or separation.
At the end of the duty day, the drill instructor will enter the barracks, call out names and pass out mail. You're then usually granted about one hour of free time to read your mail. If you read fast, you may even have a few extra minutes to write a quick letter back.
Terms of Enlistment
You report for 10 week basic training, either directly or within a year. If you report to basic training under direct ship, that means you may head out within days.
If you enroll in boot camp, expect to be on duty seven days a week, though you might get several hours of personal time on Sunday since it's a day with lighter responsibilities.
Having a previously diagnosed mental health condition such as depression can actually be a disqualifying factor for service in the United States military, though individuals may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Although some of the services consider it only an involuntary (command initiated) discharge, members wanting separation can start the discharge process by obtaining a medical diagnosis of adjustment disorder with a doctor's recommendation for administrative discharge.
Untreated mental illness can, however, damage your career. If the symptoms are severe, your commanding officer may require duty limitations or recommend separation from the military for medical reasons.
Most mental health professionals aren't ready to say that boot camp causes PTSD, but some do. Research shows some psychologists and mental health professionals feel it is possible for recruits to have the “PTSD seed” before they enter the military.
Army Basic Training Red Phase
Red phase is the starting phase and is typically considered the hardest part of training. The entire phase, which is 3 weeks long, is devoted to constant calisthenic exercise and you will be spending much of your time in the push-up position.
IS BASIC TRAINING HARD? Basic Training is challenging and meant to push you to become the best version of yourself. It will help you develop mentally and physically to overcome things you didn't think possible. You'll also realize that the military and Drill Sergeants are not here to break you.
Among active-duty service members and veterans, it is generally agreed that the Air Force is the easiest military branch to enter in terms of basic training. This is because their programs are more spread out, and the duration is usually shorter.
How long is basic training in the U.S. Coast Guard? USCG Recruit Training, or “forming”, is the shortest of any military branch. All in all, it takes approximately 8 weeks to finish Coast Guard boot camp, including in-processing.