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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Can I quit the navy?
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Question
I have been in service since August. It is not what it is cracked up to be, by my recruiter. I want to be back home with my family. If I simply not go back after leave time what can they do?
Jesse -
The military is not like working for McDonalds ... you can't just give them two weeks notice, or simply not show up. You have enlisted in the U. S. Armed Forces and, when you took the oath of enlistment, you agreed to all the regulations of the Navy, along with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Not returning from leave makes you AWOL. If you stay away long enough, you may be charged with desertion. You could face an Article 15 at the least, a Courts Martial and jail time, including a Dishonorable Discharge, at worse.
I'm sorry the military isn't what you thought it would be, but you took an oath and you need to follow through with your commitment.
I hope I answered your question.
James Bell
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Answers by Expert:
James Bell
Expertise
I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.
Experience
Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager
Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.
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