- Entry Level Performance
- Conscientious Objection
- Homosexual Conduct
- Hardship
- Disability
- Other Designated Physical & Mental Conditions
- Other Discharges
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Hardship or Dependency
You may request a separation if your family or dependents are suffering severe financial, physical, or psychological problems. A few examples are: death of or divorce from your spouse, leaving you the sole parent of a child; disability or death of a parent, leaving others dependent on you for support; or, a long-term physical or mental illness of your spouse which requires your presence at home. There are many other possibilities.
To get this separation you must show that the hardship or dependency is not temporary and has become worse since you entered the military. You must also show that you have tried all possible alternatives to discharge but these attempts have failed and only a discharge can solve the problem.
A "dependent" must be a member of your immediate family and may be your spouse, child, parent, stepparent, sister, brother, or anyone under your legal custody or who depends on you for primary financial support.
If your application is approved, you may receive a complete discharge. Or you may be separated from active duty and transferred to the inactive reserves. If your command decides you do have a hardship, but could probably solve the problem without separation, you may receive a "compassionate reassignment" or "temporary duty" closer to home.