Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/31/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear Colonel Bedell,
I had a question regarding my contract with the Army. I enlisted back in November of 2007, and at that momoment I felt compelled to have a plan set out for after high school. The thing is that now I have recieved letters of acceptance from my first college choice and a scholarship for $20,000 from that college. Also, the rest of the remaining tuition and fees will be taken care of by FAFSA. So my question is, can I get out of the contract completely and study as a full time student in college? Just so you know, I was accepted to the University of Texas at Austin in the College of Cockrell Engineering for Aerospace Engineer. I have all the paperwork taken care of for college all I need now is to register for classes and pick up my dorm keys. One other thing, my recruiter told me that the only way of getting out is through a full-ride scholarship and no way else, but I believe myself to have been under duress while enlisting. November 16, 2007 was my 18th birthday and on the 27th my recruiter took me to MEPS. This choice I made was mine but under the influence of only my recruiter, so I felt compelled to do it because I didn't know what to do. I would appreciate your help and thank-you for taking the time to read this.

         Sincerely,
         William

ANSWER: Dear William --

You signed a contract into the delayed entry program.  Depending on the details in your contract, you might be able to "get out of" your contract.  You might also be able to get out of your contract, by signing a non-scholarship ROTC contract at UT.  That would commit you to Army service as a commissioned officer after graduation from UT, but would allow you to pursue your education now.

Do any of your scholarship sources require you to work for a specific company or agency when you graduate?  If not, I recommend talking to the ROTC commander at UT and then to the commander of the nearest recruiting center.

Please write back, if you are having difficulties getting released from your contract and getting a discharge so you can go to college.

Good luck to you.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Colonel Bedell,

What details are you referring to and what do you mean by "get out of" my contract, a discharge? See, my MOS is 15-Tango as a UH-60 Blackhawk repairer. I understand what you mean by the ROTC program but in my case, I want out completely. The scholarship I receieved has no obligation for after college, but I intend on applying to work at NASA. I know the army has a Space Program but, honestly, I'm interested in doing my own thing. I know my recruiter is going to want concrete evidence of the things you have told me, so I would really appreciate it if you could give me a little more details as to the steps I would need to take. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read and answer my questions.
         Sincerely,
         William


Answer
Dear William --

Usually changes in family situation or health, can get you out of your contract.  Acceptance to college is not usually a criterion for release from your contract.

However, you should make an appointment with the recruiter station commander, and explain your situation to him.  I would expect the commander to release you, based on these new circumstances.  However, he is not compelled to release you from your contract.  

I do not recommend talking to your recruiter.  He will not have the authority to release you from your contract.

Good luck to you.