My son just graduated from Marine boot camp. He did earn his…

Thanks for the chance to help. I am an attorney with over 12 years military law experience.

So you ask the age old question...how do I get out early?

Answer...there is not an easy way. With our all volunteer service, the Marine Corps spent a good deal of money to find and train your son...the last thing they want is to let him out before they get a return on their investment.

That said, if your son wants out prior to the end of his contract, it will need to come from an administrative separation


There are 2 types of Administrative Separations...Voluntary and Involuntary. You want, if at all possible, voluntary. If you can fit your circumstances into a voluntary separation you will typically rate an honorable separation.

Some examples of reasons for voluntary separation include:
Conscientious objector
Hardship
Pregnancy
Early release to further education


While not voluntary, a "convenience of the government" discharge may also get you where you want to go. As the title says, its for the government's convenience, not your sons..but if you can convince the command to support you this is also a way out.

If you can not find a voluntary separation reason that fits your son's circumstances, I would urge himto finish his term, since if he attempts an involuntary separation, this will typically result in a less than favorable characterization of discharge, a loss in veterans benefits and difficulty going forward in a job search. Still, if you can not find a voluntary separation that fits, he can look closely at the different involuntary methods, as one or more may apply

Here is the Marine Corps Regulation that applies

http://www.usmc.mil/news/publications/Documents/MCO%20P1900.16F%20W%20CH%201-2.pdf

Either way it is very important that someone in your son's command is "on his side" If there is a Staff NCO or better who can speak to the command on his behalf this will help quite a bit. In the end it is the Commanding Officer who will make the decision whether or not to discharge and if so, how. You want someone in the command who can advocate your son's case.