Should I get out of the army?

Question

I'm currently on a year tour overseas, and I'm getting really jaded with a lot of stuff. I love the Army, I feel really proud to be doing what I'm doing, and at such an early age (21). But the thing is, I can't pass my APFT. I haven't since I left AIT a year and a half ago -- and when I did, it was by one second on the run. I've tried to push myself, and work to pass it, but the "It's all in your head!" comments keep coming. Whether it is or it isn't, I've got three failed APFT's in my OMPF, back to back. I want to move on with my life -- I'm really into video editing, and I have a natural gift with it. I want to pursue an education, and if I get out on a General under Honorable Conditions or better, then I qualify for the Hazelwood Act in Texas (paid tuition). I'm ready to move on with my life, but my NCO/CO support channel here don't want me to get out -- Apparently I'm some really great asset, offered to forge DA-31's -- Should I push for seperation, or stick for 2 more years?

It's not that I do or don't want to get out -- I'd love to stay in, but I'm stuck as a PFC until I can pass the PT test -- I haven't passed one in over a year and a half. I can't reclass until I'm done with this year tour, and even then, I have to have a current APFT in order to do so. It's a whole catch-22 situation, so far as I see it. I've thought a lot of what y'all are saying before, and it's a really rough decision. I want to stay in, I want to finish this -- but I also feel trapped, because I want an Honorable Discharge, or the $1200 that I paid into the GI bill back. Also, I mis-spoke -- it wasn't my DA-31 (leave form), it was the DA-705 (APFT Scorecard).

Oh, wow, that one part reads completely wrong... Should say "They offered to forge..." other way makes it sound like I was doing it! I really couldn't live with myself if they'd forged my scorecard -- I wouldn't ever have a clean conscience.

I've had good NCO's helping me ever since I was first flagged. I've been flagged for almost a year and a half now -- Even while I was deployed. I was denied a Joint Service Commendation medal for my time there, because of the flag, while the rest of my team was given ARCOMs or better. I don't mean to *****; I could care less about awards. I've always had a problem with running, I was sent to FTU before basic with a 9:30 one-mile -- And was pushed through there and managed to pass the one out of basic with a 16:33 (three seconds to spare). The problem hasn't ever been on my NCO's not pushing -- It's with me. There's not a lack of desire on my part - it's just /not/ happening. As much as I try, I can't get it down.

Answer 1

2 years will go by so fast it is phenomenal.

As one who left early with very legit reasons, I would urge you to finish it. Good reasons or not...it will haunt you if you don't finish what you started. You will think back to all the reasons you joined in the first place and recall how good you were at this or that and work yourself into a world of regret.

Good luck with your decision.

Answer 2

Couple of things.

If you run every day, you'll improve. Simple. Problem is, you probably don't have an NCO there willing to dedicate his time to help you accel. NCO's are comming up young and as a result, more selfish.

Your failed APFT does not go into your OMPF. Only Letters of reprimand, various civil violations and Non-judicial / Judicial punnishment. Since you have failed three PT tests and nothing has been done (did they counsel you?) you are fairly safe to stay in. Since they did not follow the standard, they have tied their own hands. Right now you are most likely flagged, if they even flagged you. If they didn't, well, it's as if you never failed anyway.

Should you get out? Well, sounds like you barely got started. If you bail early, regardless whether you are under Honorable or not, you lose your GI bill because it was contracted for one term. Chapter is not one term.

If you really want to stay in, get out of your room and on the pavement. Run. You don't have to be a marathon runner, just get your two mile time to 15 minutes and your ok.

The choice is your Hero.



Everyone telling this young Soldier to get out, Your all Cowards and I'm ashamed your an American.


Edit -

golfer,

The soldier will NOT be able to do an inter-service transfer as the Out-Calls are all at NO. You don't know what your talking about, so don't give advice.

Answer 3

First you have some sorry NCO's for offering to forge your APFT card, if they were in my unit I would chapter them out. It is up to your commander to chapter you out, he has to review your flag every 180 days so you should have had three reviews by now. If you are as good as you say in your skills, you should go see if you have a medical issue that prevents you from running and try to get a P3 profile with an alternate event like the 2.5 Mile walk or the bike ride.

Answer 4

Don't wait two years of your life. You volunteered to this outfit so just tell them you are unable to fulfill your obligation. There is a section eight you could try for or the Maxwell Klinger method but that is time consuming and expensive as you have to buy a lot of extra clothing.
So get some good advice from a legal advisor for the USMJ is your friend also. They will not give you a dishonarable dischare but a discharege without honor which is a lot better then going AWOL or disobeying a direct order.
Its your life. I spent four years in the Air Force but thats because Viet Nam was going on and I was in the upper pennisula all that time...so do yourself and the army a favor and do whats best for your future. Good Luck..See the Chaplain of your Faith..they can help too

Answer 5

The Royal Green Jackets

Answer 6

STOP. you can put in for what is called an inter-service transfer to another
branch or the Armed Forces. Your MOS and experience would be evaluated
as ?"tranferableMOS/skills"?transferable experience? You'd be better off than
getting out then enlisting in the Air Force,etc. You could get out and join the
Guard/Reserves of an Armed Forces Branch. You could stay in the Guard
or Reserve.
Consider your civilian aspirations and be JUST as REALISTIC -- what
education/skills/experience do you have?
Now, consider a MOS change in light of the above and one which would
give you what you want! Is it available in the Army?AirForce?Navy?Marines?
Can you qualify?Can you continue your civil education at your job assignment? YOU Decide. Remember, it will affect your entire lifetime.

Answer 7

I find it hard to believe that you are having that much trouble passing your pt test. Your NCO's and leaders should do all they can to make sure you get your pt to a level where you need it to be. Continue to push yourself, ask for help and you will be alright. Two years is nothing, just a walk in the park in military time.

Answer 8

Running is 40% mental, its just a big mind game in my opinion. I use to be a shitty runner too but now i can do 14 minutes in 2 miles. But yea if you dont like the ARMY, get out when you get the chance. Whats your MOS? Im trying to reclass to one that will give me time to do part time school. But if you want a military job because its stable then join the Air Force and get treated like real professionals.

Answer 9

Do what you want. If there is a medical reason why you can't pass it then you'll want to get out on a medical [which is both Honorable and provides retraining assistance]. Otherwise if you want to stay in tell the "chain" no thanks to the DA-31 and get out twice a day and do the "run". You'll make it eventually.

Answer 10

You should honor your commitment to the Army. The four years I spent in the Army were well worth it. I had the same thoughts about trying to get out early but I am glad that I stuck it out. I would have regretted quiting for the rest of my life.