Okay, about 3 months ago I decided that I would sign up for the military. I had thought about it and thought it would be a great decision! Well I went to MEPS and I signed some papers that said I was suppose to be in there for 6 years as and Operating Room Speacialist, and my ship out date is February 20th! Well I met this one girl who changed her mind after she went to MEPS....but i have asked several people if I can change my mind about going to the military and they say NO! I have only been to MEPS once, AND I have only been sworn in ONCE! I thought you had to sign the final papers and get sworn in the 2nd time in order for it to be "final"! Does anyone know anything about this? Because I know that I could go to college on my own and I don't need the military, because that was one of my main reasons for going into the service....was education!
2006-10-07 06:13:45 · 12 answers · asked by Heather 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
As a former Army recruiter, I know that your first oath was to enlist in the Delayed Entry Program. Although what you signed is a legally binding contract, the military is not currently enforcing the terms of it. (That is subject to change, however.)
What you can do is to write a letter asking for a discharge from the Delayed Entry Program, and it will be honored. (Again, subject to change.)
Here's a link with more information:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/f/faqdep.htm
2006-10-07 08:05:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Been there done that. I know all about it and so does my husband. He is currently in the army. When you go to ship out from MEPS you will swear in for a second time. I was pretty much in your situation with the Air Force. I went to MEPS and signed all of the papers and swore in. I decided to move away with a boyfriend instead. I told my recruiter and he threatened me with jail and all of that. I was really afraid but I didn't want to go. I called an army recruiter and told him the situation I was in. He told me that I didn't have to go. Just let your recruiter know that you are not going because it's not what you want. He will tell you that it's to late but here's a little secret...RECRUITERS LIE! They will say and do anything to get a recruite. They have a certain amount of people they have to recruite in a time frame and if they don't meet that quota they get into lots of trouble. Recruiting is a terrible life style. My friend's husband use to do it. You are fine. I had a day to leave and everything. I told my recruiter that I wasn't leaving and he got real mad. After several harrassing phone calls later he finally left me alone. And I did all of this right around Sept. 11, 2001! So if anyone would have gone to jail for skipping out then it would have been me. You're not officailly in the military until you step on the plane for basic training! Hope this helps.
2006-10-07 13:28:01 · answer #2 · answered by Wendy S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ive been in the Army for 6 years now..... I have heard the same thing were you have to be sworn in a second time.... that you have in between that time to change your mind but after the second sware in its finnal. I do NOT know if it is fact. If you do decide that you do want to join, the military will change your life forever wether you think you have changed or not. But thats not always a bad thing. It will open your eyes to the world and see how messed up everything really is and make you appreciate life more. Sorry I couldnt help more and good luck in life!
2006-10-07 13:26:46 · answer #3 · answered by drevain 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get out, I had an old roommate who signed up and for very similiar reasons opted out. The recruiter will try and intimidate you and act like you just sold state secrets to China, but unless they can show you in writing how they can legally send you to MEPS, stand your ground. Yet just think of the benefits that 6 years in the military will get you, how many more employers would be willing to hire you over the next guy. I'm an army medic and I love it.
2006-10-07 13:24:00 · answer #4 · answered by seantherunner 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Until you sign a piece of paper saying you're about to get on a bus, you are not in the military, and can come and go as you please. You can't sure the military because you already signed the paper saying that you wouldn't.
2006-10-07 13:21:43 · answer #5 · answered by DOOM 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You've signed your enlistment papers. Uncle Sam owns you for six years. If you're serious about avoiding military service, head for Canada before the military hears about it, and be prepared to stay there.
2006-10-07 13:25:18 · answer #6 · answered by ericnifromnm081970 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
There is a 6 month window to change your mind. If the military is telling you that you can't you can sue
2006-10-07 13:18:53 · answer #7 · answered by spyderman131 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
you cant sue them, but you can change your mind up until the day you leave for bootcamp. they will tell you that you cant, but you can. just stand your ground... although... what changed? the military can be great experience, especially in a non-combat MOS.
2006-10-07 13:44:26 · answer #8 · answered by whaaatthe 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should follow through with your decision to join.
2006-10-07 14:56:51 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to swear in and then get your orders to basic. Once that occurs they own you. They usually wont let you leave after this occurs either.
2006-10-07 13:21:16 · answer #10 · answered by HW2000 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋