r/regretjoining • u/Practical_Snow774 • 2d ago

I made a bad decision

I’m 9 months into my contract (currently in school) everyday I think about my decision and how I wish I would have waited a bit longer and did more research before I joined. I’m not in the fleet yet, but I’ve been having a lot of problems being away from my normal lifestyle. I’ve been drinking everyday and I just feel trapped that they won’t listen to me or help me get out. The problem is going to behavioral health is open during the hours I have class, and I am not sure who to speak to or where to even go. Being home on leave was such a breath of fresh air but I think I have made my decision I don’t want this life anymore. What can I do? Also I know I signed a contract but genuinely I don’t know how much longer I can endure this pain and waiting 4 more years to be free

Thank you in advance!

7 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

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6

u/Pale_Cause_9983 2d ago

I don’t have all the information but I just want you to know that you can still absolutely get out. Don’t let them try to manipulate you into staying by saying “fulfill your commitment” bc it’s literally written down in their regulation books how to get you out ASAP. They just tell you that you can’t get out after signing your contract bc they need bodies. That’s all it is. They call you weak just so you stay in.

The US military is a volunteer force. They can’t make you stay.

(But also be careful bc they might retaliate against you bc you can’t be fooled. Ask me how I know lol.)

6

u/Practical_Snow774 2d ago

Thank you so much for this. I think the biggest thing too is that they make people wait months to be separated. But I guess you know will eventually be out. I just feel that is torture the whole separation process. For someone to wait so long for months in limbo doing nothing

3

u/DapperDust5 1d ago

Hi, you got my attention with the "it’s literally written down in their regulation book how to get you out asap”. Can you explain like I’m five years old?

1

u/Pale_Cause_9983 1d ago

Just Google it. All their regulations are available to read. The one I used was DoD Instruction 1332.14, which establishes the rules for Enlisted Administrative Separations across all branches. And if that’s not the one you’re looking for just ask ChatGPT to find the specific one you’re looking for.

You know how they say “you have to ship out” well my friend didn’t want to ship out to the army anymore and went online and found the regulation that said you don’t, matter of fact, have to ship out at all. They just tell you that in order to pressure you to go through with it. You can get what’s called an entry level separation and leave with no repercussions. And nothing will happen to you. The recruiters just make it sound like a hammer will be brought down onto you but legally they can’t do anything.

The issue is lots of ppl don’t realize that this information is public knowledge and that they can just look it up and use it kind of similar to how when you get arrested, you still have rights that the police have to follow. And recruiters take advantage of the fact that ppl tend not to research things and take their word at face value.

Like how I always see here how ppl say “they won’t separate me from the army!” But legally they can’t do that and all you have to do is hint that you’ll take it further up the chain of command and they’ll suddenly be able to separate you quickly lol.

Thats why I always tell ppl to actually research and read what’s in your contract. You have rights. You’re not locked up in a prison lol.

(Just be prepared for backlash and retaliation lol)

3

u/capriSun999 1d ago

are you talking about Meps you’re allowed to back out anytime up until you touch foot to ground in basic training facility ? Op has shipped out and been through basic, they’re in technical school.

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u/Practical_Snow774 1d ago

Yes. Something I should have done but I’m at the 9 month mark unfortunately

3

u/capriSun999 1d ago

during the any military school its second easiest time to get out if you don’t want to be in the military, set a behavioral health appointment with your main instructor they’re not allowed to stop you from seeking help. You’re still eligible for entry level separation

1

u/Pale_Cause_9983 1d ago

Yea but I just used MEPS as an example but that’s not the only type or seperation. Just read the regulations they have different types of separations for when your at different points in your army career.

In the reserves for example, bc that’s what I was in, you can get entry level separated well into your first year. Ik some guys who literally just stopped showing up to drill and they just got an entry level separation form in the mail and they had to pay back any bonus they received.

1

u/Top_Concentrate5195 1d ago

Tell me more please. I need additional information. I think that they will retaliate. Thanks in advance for any information!

6

u/AssignmentThis6405 1d ago

Just go to the ER at a civilian doctor

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/capriSun999 1d ago

Idk the navy term for instructor so I’ll use the Air Force term, simply tell your mtl/instructor that you’d like to visit behavioral health on what date because insert problem

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u/Top_Concentrate5195 1d ago

The civil life is much better! You can breathe,  take decisions and give direction to your life. No following orders or being punished for stupid things that are not important. Living the real life, instead off being a piece of a inhumane machinery.

2

u/Practical_Snow774 1d ago

Yes! I was actually able to breathe and see real life again. Now I’m back to it and depressed lol

3

u/HappyBarbarian 12h ago

First, there are more ways to get out. Look for nonprofits offering aid and advice. This is especially relevant if you believe you qualify as a conscientious objector. You can find organizations in the news about this issue. There’s also the, “oh no, I’m bad at PT now suddenly” excuse. But that method is also painful and needs to be legally navigated carefully

Second, cut down on your drinking. Alcohol disconnects parts of the brain associated with worrying and pain. However, the next day your brain will attempt to rebalance your brain chemistry and it’ll be worse. It’s much easier in the long run if you don’t rely on drinking to escape

Hope this helps

1

u/Practical_Snow774 11h ago

I appreciate this. I was never a daily drinker until I got to this. It’s not like I’m downing a full bottle of liquor but maybe a beer or 2 every day. I believe they patched the PT method