Get out of the Marine Corps
These days, with never ending wars, under-payed Marines, and tighter restrictions, getting out of the U.S. Marine Corps is on top of every Marine's mind. Many find it to seem an impossible task. It is actually quite simple, if you are careful.
What you do not want to do, is do something blatant and rash that would simply cause you to get N.J.P.'d or court-martialed and make your life even worse. Do not punch your C.O. or call your First Sergeant a name. This will only cause you trouble.
The simplest way to get out is to do drugs. Find out when the next urinalysis is and smoke marijuana the night prior. The Marines usually don't test for anything other than THC, so be sure you smoke only marijuana, chronic, or something similar. Depending on your unit, you may have to spend a few nights in the brig and the type of discharge may even be dishonorable, but you will be released from your enlistment contract in most cases. Do some research within your unit and fin out their policies. If you do not want a dishonorable discharge (which you shouldn't be worried about unless you plan to run for office) do not use this method. Bear in mind, you will not be eligible for veteran's benefits if you use this method.
For females the best way to get out is to get pregnant. You will likely get the option to get out of the service, no questions asked, with an admin discharge. If they don't offer you the choice, request it. Request Mast if necessary.
Another option is to say that you are homosexual. This can be difficult because Marines are generally homo-phobic and you will be discriminated against while you wait for your discharge. Also, you will have to invent a very convincing story, because no one will believe you at first. You can pull-off an honorable discharge using this method, but it will take a lot of work, a lot of acting, and a lot of conviction to do it.
Getting fat is the most difficult option, because most Marines are not built for gaining massive amounts of weight. This option may work better in the Army or Navy, but as a Marine you will be run into the ground in an attempt to slim you down. Your life will be horrible as they make you do 2 or 3 P.T. sessions per day. This method should only be used if you are already big-boned and on the verge of failing your weigh-in anyway. Eat as much as you can and get a chit for P.T. Your corpsman should eventually give you the option to get out of the Marines.
Conscientious Objection may work in the other branches of the military, but Marines will never let this slide. If this method was possible, Marines would be getting out left and right. There would be no retention at all. You will have to prove that somehow your religion or personal belief forces you to not be a member of the military, and that you had this belief before you joined. You will have to research and plan and prepare your religious statements and beliefs. Basically, you will have to lie through the teeth to everyone in your chain of command while keeping your story straight. They still won't let you out. You will need a lawyer to pull this off. Good luck.
Self-mutilation is the most extreme method, but highly effective. Jumping in front of a moving vehicle, shooting yourself in the leg, and accidentally diving off the 3rd floor of the barracks seem to be the most popular methods. You have to have a lot of guts to do something like this, but they won't keep you around if you are missing a finger, or have a physical or mental handicap.
Of course, there are other ways to get out that are just variables. If you are the only remaining sibling in your family that hasn't been killed in war, if they discharge you instead of a court martial, hardship and dependency, grievances of a loved one. These are uncontrollable factors and are just luck of the draw.
Decide which method is best for you and give it a shot. But, I highly recommend that you don't try anything unless you seriously plan to go all the way. Have a good, solid plan, and tell your close friends, who will help and give you advice. Read up on the military regulations as well as your unit's. Good luck.
Discharge regulations are available at the following URLs:
http://www.objector.org/helpingout/discharge-regulations.html
or...
http://www.andersonenvy.com/usmc
About the Author
Kenneth Anderson was a U.S. Marine for 5 years. He now runs the website www.andersonenvy.com to help military members get out as quickly as possible before their contract ends.
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here