Can you quit the army during bootcamp?

Answer 1

If you are in the DEP, you can call your recruiter up any time, and give them written resignation. You can not be prosecuted, fined, imprisoned, etc. You will swear in again the day you "ship out" for boot camp, literally hours before you hop on the bus to the training facility.

If you are in the DEP (Delayed Entry Program, yes! If you are at MEPS and swear in the day you leave for boot camp, No.

Answer 2

Technically yes, but the circumstances in which they'll release you aren't exactly what you'd want.

Generally, the only way you can get released is if you offer information that contradicts your written entrance documents (which constitutes a fraudulent enlistment), are injured in a way that prevents you from serving, contract a disqualifying disease or other health problem, are arrested for a disqualifying crime (normally a felony), or you become the sole provider for your parents. In other words, once you've signed the contract and raised your hand, it's not easy to leave, and they're not willing to let you go without a lot of hassle involved for you.

Everyone deals with the issue of whether or not it's the right decision - even I did at one point before I left. In the end though, you'll find that BT isn't much harder than High School (easier in fact), and the fun you'll have, places you'll go, and people you'll meet are well worth it. Looking back, I wouldn't trade my experiences in the Navy for anything - it's also how I met my wife (she was a sailor too).

Something else to consider - remember that the decision to join only affects you; no one else should be a factor unless you're already married, and frankly in these times you're better off in the military if they'll take you. Recruiting is extremely tight right now, with only a small percentage being accepted due to the economy (Veterans tend to stay in when it's bad). It's your life, and no one else's. I guarantee you that if you find a way to get out of it, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.

Answer 3

No, not generally.

During the '80's the Trainee Discharge Program (Army Regulation 635-200) became an option in US Army BCT. However, this may not still be an option, and may never have been an option for other branches. And, if it is, this is a General Discharge Under Dishonorable Conditions. Not something you typically would want to follow you into civilian life.

Answer 4

The Army doesn't have Boot Camp - that's a term exclusive to the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. In the Army, you go through either Basic Combat Training (followed by Advanced Individual Training), or you go through One Station Unit Training... which you go to depends on your MOS (occupation) in the Army. Informally, it's all generally referred to as "Basic".

Answering your question, no, you can't just quit. You sign a contract for a specified duration of time when you enlist, and you'll be held to that. You can be kicked out of BCT/OSUT, but you can't just decide you want to quit and then leave. Well, technically you could, but then you'd be a fugitive and be facing criminal charges once you were caught.

Answer 5

Yes. You can refuse to train, in which case they will floor you and send you home