Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 5/20/2009

Question
Hello!
I have a question about the ELS process. My boyfriend is currently going through the process of getting an ELS, due to his severe depression. He told me that it is being expedited, and that tomorrow he has a meeting with his commanders..

I've spent hours researching the process, but have found nothing to be helpful. What is the process that he is going through, and why does it take 4-6 weeks to come home?

Thank you so much for your time,
Veronica

Answer
I'm assuming you mean Entry - Level Separation and the answer is to that effect. If you mean something else, please let me know and I'll revise this.

Severe depression is a kind of special case due to the fact that your boyfriend will need that as a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist.  They need to assess his entire mental fitness.. Then he will be advised that he is being recommended for separation, he will have to get a physical, his packet will go for a legal review, and he'll be separated from the military.  It takes a while simply because the military is a large bureaucracy and it takes a while to gather all the necessary signatures to separate him.  If your boyfriend's depression is really severe, trust me, the cadre will do as much as they possibly can to get him out of there as soon as possible. Hope this helps.