Entry Level Performance and Conduct

If you cannot are in entry level status and cannot--or will not--adjust socially or emotionally to military life or cannot meet the minimum standards of your training program, you may be eligible for separation. Entry level status is the first 180 days of active duty (reservists who have recently completed training can call the GI Rights Hotline for information on entry level status for reservists.)

While there is no official way to apply for this separation, you and your counselor can bring your problems to your commanding officer's attention, in the hope that your commander will consider your separation to be in the best interest of the military. But you'll need to act fast. In order to get this discharge, your commanding officer must start the discharge process while you are still in entry level status.

Ask for a meeting with your commanding officer. Discuss your problems and present any poor test results or evaluations. If possible, see a civilian psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor who can report that military life is causing you anxiety and other troubles which affect your attitude and performance. Clergy members, even a friendly chaplain or medical officer, can write letters on your behalf. All of these will help to convince your command that the military should not spend one more dime to pay or train you.

Go to next page