I've been in the Air Force for almost 1 year. I really don't feel like I'm contributing to the war on terror or making a difference at all. Bascically, in a nut shell, I want out with an honorable discharge. Does anyone, who is in the military, (preferably Air Force) know if this is possible. I just want to move on with my life and maybe try college again and just work some simple production job. Anything but this. I thought it'd be fun and interesting, but I can't stand almost every person I work with. They only care, because they have to. My job seems like it would be really cool if I had the right people showing me how to do things the right way. People always ask why'd you do it that way or why you doing it that way, instead of showing me the right way. The training is absolutely rediculous. How many rape classes and briefings do we have to go through! This is just the tip of the iceberg.
2007-03-27 13:09:38 · 20 answers · asked by Tim A 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Hmm. I was in for 20 years and 24 days and I just retired in November...I'd say my experience is recent enough to help.
Is it possible to get out with an honorable discharge? Yep. Quickly, even, and with no criminal sanctions of any kind.
Am I going to tell you how? Nope. Not even if you paid me.
I hate to be a nag, but don't you remember raising your right hand and swearing (or affirming) to a 4-6 year enlistment? What's your word worth, anyway?
When someone questions how you're doing a task, ask THEM questions (nonconfrontationally):
"How would you do it? I thought the way I was doing it was the way they taught me in tech school, did I get something wrong?"
"Is that what the AFI/tech order/other pub says? Let's go check it."
How were those CDC scores, anyway? Did you get a 90-plus? How are you doing on your qualification training for your 5-level upgrade? Who's signing you off? Is he/she happy with your work? Are you doing things the way he/she trained you?
I also find it hard to believe that all your coworkers and leadership, well...sucks that badly. Any assignment is going to have people with issues, but all of them? Which is easier to believe: That they ALL have a problem, or that you do?
I never cared about people "because I had to." I just did. The system operates on a great deal of trust. Your seniors trust you to perform within the scope of your training and responsibility. You trust your seniors to perform within their greater scope of training and responsibility.
I spent my last day of duty pulling every string I had to get a young NCO the counseling she needed to cope with a rather traumatic incident. She didn't even work for me anymore, but that wasn't the point. She needed help, I was in a position to make that happen, and it happened. I followed up with her while I was on terminal leave, just to make sure she's okay.
Is that a "yay, me" story? Nope. Stories like that are far from unique. They happen every day. If you stick around, you may get to make that difference you're looking for.
If you don't, you'll just be that guy who bailed.
Choose, Airman. Thanks for your service to date, and I hope you continue to serve out your commitment. Good luck.
2007-03-27 13:36:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Getting out is not really an option for you. About the only option that you would have (as far as a discharge) would be medical. And trust me when I say that you would have to jump through hoops to make that happen!!
Your best bet is to talk to your supervisor, first Sgt, or CO, and request a transfer. There are also some situations that will allow you to retrain to a new career.
If you remain silent, then it will be a long 3 years!! Because they will not let you out, you need to make the best of what you have. Instead of complaining about the current situation, make the best of it. On the bright side, you have already done a year.
Good Luck!!
PS, I was in the Air Force, and 4 months into it, retrained to new career.
2007-03-27 20:15:37 · answer #2 · answered by pnk517 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It actually sounds like you are just a complainer and a quiter, but on the off chance that isn't true I will tell you about what I happened to me.
Basically I pretty early on I realized that even though the Air Force was a career choice for my father (30 years), it wasn't for me, just because cared little about things like pressed slacks and trimmed mustache, and I got pretty bored after the 4 year (I signed up for 6 years), but I signed up for 6 years I that is what I was going to do. BTW I was tops in what I did and my school alone was 1 year, and the minimum on job training was 6 months, which actually finished in 4 months, but had to wait for the required time. Bottom line I had great people to work with, but I doubt I would have given up like you have, I would have found a way to learn.
Anyway in my 5th year I had a personality conflict with my supervisor. Neither of us were bad we just didn't see eye to eye. It escalated to the point were I was sent to a councilor, and still he basically told me that it was I that was making myself angry and he was right(We tend to believe others cause us to do things when it us not them), he also told me that if I was release after 4 years I would get an honorable discharge, so I went to the CO, and you know what? Before I said anything the CO, said "You are not getting out". And that was the end of it.
Anyway you know what fixed the problem? Something I really hated. See I always worked night shifts because I didn't like the fact that day shift had the brass running around and making them happy was more important then doing my job. But in the end I went to day shift, and the problem was solved. After 6 months I went to midnight shift.
Bottom line, clean up you act some, and then ask to get on another shift with different people. If you get that and find those people aren't to your liking, then most likely you need to look a bit closer to your chest to find the problem.
2007-03-28 04:00:32 · answer #3 · answered by Bulk O 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way to get out with an Honorable Discharge is to (honorably) serve out your enlistment.
The only other discharge you might be able to get is the General Discharge. Given for hardship, inability to adapt, etc.
You DON'T want any other discharge:
Medical Discharge (that includes a "Section 8"...in other words you're mentally unable to serve.) Medical Discharge can keep you out of some job markets.
Bad Conduct Discharge. (Conduct that is not criminal but still not suitable to military life.)
Dishonorable Discharge: (Conduct that often includes criminal conduct, drug addiction, etc.)
Good luck.
P.S. Put in for a transfer. You might find another unit that is more amenable.
2007-03-27 20:23:23 · answer #4 · answered by Albannach 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that you are stuck in there unless you get sick and get a medical discharge or maybe you can claim that you are a homosexual. Otherwise your only other option is to get thrown out. Sorry when you signed that contract you were stuck. My husband is a civilian and works for the Air Force and tells me everyday about all of the B.S. that goes on, I feel for you.
2007-03-27 20:15:29 · answer #5 · answered by mom of twins 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is part of the program. If I am you, I will just do my time. On my off duty, I will be taking any college classes. Also, I will save as munch money possible to make a smooth transition to civilian life.
Good luck.
2007-03-27 21:17:25 · answer #6 · answered by c1523456 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With your mindset, you are headed for a discharge under Other Than Honorable at best. Better shape up and bear it, soon your four year hitch will be over. Then you can go on your merry way.
2007-03-27 20:17:35 · answer #7 · answered by furrryyy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
sure you can get out...all you have to do is be a man and complete the time you said you would and then you can leave...please tell me you didn't join and not think you'd have to go to war...you just wanted to collect some money see some places right?? sounds like you have some growing up to do...
2007-03-28 02:47:23 · answer #8 · answered by me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just go tell your commanding Officer that you are not fit to be a soldier. Tell him you want out, honorably, becasue you are a quitter. I am sure you have hundreds of excuses. Let's face it, you aren't a finisher, chances are you quit in the middle of everything, especially if you are bored or scared.
You really do need to get out though, we don't need soldiers who are unable to carry out an order.
2007-03-27 20:14:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
well as far as i know you have 2 choices suck it up and deal or try for somthing other then an honerable dischare maybe medical but hey life could be worse you could be a marine personally im happy in the army
2007-03-27 20:16:59 · answer #10 · answered by Mitch C 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋