Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 8/15/2008

Question
Ma'am i recently joined the Navy and was contracted EOD, i was told by MEPS i had a hearing problem, they said it would be no problem dealing with my job. when i went through boot camp they disqualified me and changed my rate to corpsman with a 5 year contract, it ruined my future plans. i was wanting to ask if there was any way possible that i could get out or switch to reserve's after serving 1-2 years maximum so i could further my education, and start my civilian carrer, without getting a dishonerable discharge?

Answer
Dear Joey --

What were your original contract terms?  Generally they cannot extend your enlistment obligation unless you agree.  

Since they made you a corpsman, your training is quite long. You pay the Navy back for the specialty training by service, so your obligation would be extended.

You could have asked for a less prestigious specialty, and not extended your service obligation.  However, as a corpsman you are a member of the medical profession, and can get a lot of jobs once you get out of the service.  Further, you could apply for physician's assistant training, or Nursing school given that you qualified to be a corpsman.

You must serve the terms of your enlistment contract or you will not leave the service with an honorable discharge.  If you request a different rating, with shorter schooling and shorter service obligation, before you start your corpsman school you might be able to get back on your original service schedule.

Another idea, is to take online college classes while you are serving, and then apply for "degree completion" after two years of service.  You can go to school full time, with the military paying your tuition.  You would incur another service obligation.

Good luck to you.  Please write back if you have additional information that brings additional questions.