Quitting the Marines is not as simple as just walking away or not showing up anymore. The Marines, like other branches of the U.S. military, require a certain commitment from recruits and have a process in place for early separation or discharge. There are a few ways a Marine may be able to leave active duty before their contract is up, but it depends on the specifics of each situation.
Can You Quit Before Bootcamp?
Once you sign the enlistment contract and swear in at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), you are considered to be in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). This means you are obligated to report to bootcamp on the date specified in your contract. Failure to report at that time without a valid reason could potentially lead to negative consequences.
During the DEP, your only options to get out of your enlistment before bootcamp are:
– Request your enlistment contract be voided. This is only granted in rare cases with extenuating circumstances.
– Fail to meet the eligibility requirements before shipping out. For example, becoming severely injured.
– Request an entry level separation up to one day before shipping out to bootcamp. This still requires approval.
So in short, quitting the Marines and not showing up to bootcamp after signing your contract and swearing in can be considered fraudulent enlistment if done without proper approval through official channels. Simply not wanting to go anymore is not a valid reason for separation at this point.
Can You Quit During Bootcamp?
Once you arrive at Marine Corps Recruit Depot for bootcamp, quitting becomes even more difficult. At this point, you are considered on active duty in the Marines and are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Going absent without leave (AWOL) by leaving without permission would be punishable under the UCMJ.
During bootcamp, there are a couple potential options for requesting separation from active duty:
– Request an entry level separation up until the first 180 days of service. Requires approval from the chain of command.
– Request separation for a physical/medical condition that arose after enlisting. Requires evaluation and approval.
– Seek a discharge for hardship/dependency reasons. Challenging to get approved.
Outright quitting by walking away or refusing to train is not an option. Refusing orders can result in punishment to include confinement, fines, and discharge conditions other than honorable. Bootcamp is designed to be highly stressful and challenging. It is normal to have doubts and struggle at times. Speaking with your drill instructors, chaplain, or seeking mental health treatment are better routes than simply quitting.
Can You Quit After Bootcamp?
Once you graduate from bootcamp and report to your first permanent duty station in the Marines, the options expand slightly but remain limited. At your first duty station and beyond, you have the following main options:
– Request an administrative separation if you have served less than 180 days on active duty. Still requires command approval but is slightly easier after bootcamp.
– Seek a discharge for a physical/medical condition. Requires evaluation and approval from medical staff.
– Apply for a hardship/dependency discharge if you have dependents that require your support/care. Approval is case-by-case.
– Do not reenlist when your current contract ends.
The most straightforward way to leave active duty is to simply not reenlist once your contractual obligation is fulfilled. This is usually 4-6 years depending on your occupational field. Failing to reenlist does not require any special action. Your contract will expire and you will be discharged.
Going AWOL, disobeying orders, or outright quitting after bootcamp remains punishable under UCMJ. Working with your chain of command to request separation through proper channels is the only recommended way to leave active duty early.
Punishments for Unauthorized Early Separation
Marines who try to quit without authorization, especially by going AWOL or deserting, can face significant consequences both during their service and after:
– Punishment under UCMJ during service – confinement, fines, rank reduction, discharge status downgrade
– Ineligible for veterans benefits after discharge
– Potential federal prosecution
– Difficulty finding future civilian employment
– Social stigma
UCMJ Punishments
Under the Manual for Courts-Martial, Marines who go AWOL or desert can be punished as follows:
| Charge | Max Punishment |
|---|---|
| AWOL 30 days or less | Confinement of 1 month, forfeiture of 2/3 pay for 1 month |
| AWOL over 30 days | Confinement of 18 months, forfeiture of all pay and allowances |
| Desertion | Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay, confinement of 5 years |
Additional administrative punishments often include:
– Rank reduction
– Loss of privileges
– Extra duty
Discharge Status Effects
Marines separated early without authorization often receive a discharge status of Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, or Dishonorable. These statuses can result in loss of veterans benefits, difficulty finding civilian jobs, and social stigma.
An Honorable discharge is required for:
– Full education benefits from the GI Bill
– VA home loan eligibility
– Some veteran hiring preference programs
How to Formally Quit the Marines
The proper way to seek early separation from active duty in the Marines is through administrative channels by communicating directly with your chain of command. There are two main types of discharge packages you can submit:
Entry Level Separation
You may request an entry level separation within your first 180 days of service if you enlisted directly onto active duty. This must be approved by your commanding officer.
Hardship/Dependency Discharge
For Marines past the 180 day mark, the most common path is to apply for a hardship discharge by demonstrating that there are extreme circumstances requiring your separation from service. Examples include:
– Financial hardship due to family debts
– Need to support dependents/family due to loss of job, illness, death, etc.
– Disabling medical/mental health conditions arising after enlistment
Proper documentation and evidence is required for consideration. The Marine must prove that the circumstances arose or worsened since entry into service and that separation is the only viable option.
Conclusion
While the option to simply quit the Marines does not really exist in most cases, there are proper administrative processes in place to request separation when there are justifiable reasons. Working with your chain of command and submitting the correct discharge package gives you the best chance at an honorable separation. Going AWOL or deserting active duty can result in severe consequences that follow you long after your service ends. For any Marine considering leaving service early, speaking with a legal advisor should be a priority to understand all options and risks.