Expert: Rod Powers - 8/2/2006

Question

-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
My son has been having problems while in basic training.  He loves what he is doing so far.  He keeps getting dehydrated, pneumonia and more.  I can tell by the tone of his letters that he is depressed and not healthy.  If he is able to get an Entry Level Discharge, what is involved in the process and how long does the process take?

Answer -
Hi Donna,

You didn't say for which service?

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com


He is in the Army.

Answer
Hi Donna,

Okay, it seems as if he has one or more medical conditions which are interfering with his completion of training, and/or would interfere with his performance of military duties.

This means that the service (in this case, the Army) will will make a determination (based on his medical records), whether or not he can continue in the military.  If they decide that a discharge is the best procedure, it will most likely be an entry-level discharge.

You can see the discharge process by reading my article at:  http://usmilitary.about.com/od/justicelawlegislation/l/aadischarge1.htm.  As you can see, the process is quite involved and is designed to protect the rights of the military member.  It's hard to say how long the process would take.  It depends on whether or not he decides to "fight" it (ie, appeal), and/or how many other discharge cases are processing at the same time, and/or how "complicated" the diagnosis is (ie, if they keep asking for further examinations or medical expert opinions).

I've seen discharges in basic processed as fast as two weeks, and I've seen other cases take as long as 4 months.  In any event, during the entire process, he will continue to be paid.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com