Expert: Rod Powers - 9/18/2006

Question
I'm a minor and joined the ARNG under the split option program. I already went to basic traning and now since I'm home, I've realized that I joined for all the wrong reasons after being kicked out of my home. Now I want out of the army and i was wondering if there is any way to get out since I'm still a minor? Someone told me that the army can't hold me to any contract since I'm underage, but my parents signed the papers to get me into the army. Help me please! I want to go to college and do different things with my life and I feel that I signed up too young.  

Answer
Hi Teila,

I'm afraid that your parent's signature is all that's required to make your commitment legal.

It cost (about) $15,000 to send you though basic (this includes the cost of pay you received, the cost of processing your enlistment, your medical examination, the cost of your room & board, the cost of your training time, etc.).

The Army National Guard had to pay for all of this out of the funds allocated to them by Congress. If you get out, they don't get their money back. It's wasted money.

See it from their point of view?

In exchange for this, they are entitled to you fulfilling the contract you agreed to.

Your only option is to request a discharge through your command. Chances are, it will be disapproved, but there is always a chance.

I'm sorry I don't have better news. But, military service is not like getting a job at McDonalds (you don't take an oath of enlistment or sign a binding contract to work at McDonalds).

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com