Can I cancel my contract before going to bootcamp?

Question

I passed the asvab and I went to meps for medical exam and passed I did the oath there and I signed the marine reserve contract and It said my ship date on it. But I changed my mind now and I don't want to do it anymore because of family reasons that just occurred. What should I do? I have a week until I ship to boot camp? What happen if I dont go?

Answer 1

"I did the oath there and I signed the marine reserve contract"

Answer 2

You can still get out of it.  Be firm with the recruiter and don't let him pressure you or lie to you.  They will discharge you from the Delayed Entry Program.  It doesn't reflect good or bad or prevent you from future military service.  You don't even have to go into details about what's going on, just tell him you changed your mind and can't go at this time.  

Answer 3

Tell you're recruiter you've decided a different way. you'll have to hear him try and keep you in and make you feel guilty about wasting his time but in the end if its what you want, then don't join. your contract is only binding once you start in a week.

Answer 4

They own you now. You could TRY something like a Compassionate Action Request. Your "family reasons" would have to be VERY strong, though.

Answer 5

Nothing will happen if you don't go, just tell your recruiter what happened with your family and you'll get discharged from the DEP

Answer 6

All that you need to do is contact your recruiter and tell them that you've decided you longer wish to go to boot camp. You need to write a letter to the head of the recruiting station saying that you wish to be discharged from the DEP.

You will not face any consequences other than the Marines possibly not taking you back if you decide later that this is something you want to do. You could also have a lot of trouble if you try to get into other branches.

Answer 7

Yes, I agree not a problem here.  You dont owe anything untill they train you.  As the previous poster said, your recruiter will try and convince you otherwise, just be firm with him and tell him you wont be leaving to boot camp.

Good Luck

Answer 8

Roarman is correct, Thumbs up to him. It was a reserve contract, different from DEP active Marine duty. Talk to your recruiter, it will be AWOL if you don't show up, it will be a discharge. Either do this, or just go and be a man of your word.

Answer 9

You've signed a contract with the government, too late to back out now.  

Answer 10

you can't do anything, if you really want to do something head to the military police AS-SOON-AS-YOU-CAN. sorry about that but its serious, YOU SIGN the contract, you fulfill it, if you don't, you will be tagged with a dishonorable discharge to your name.  

Answer 11

There is one thing you said that is crucial - "Marine reserve contract".  This means you are not in the DEP - that is for active duty.  If you are Guard or Reserve "I did the oath there and I signed the marine reserve contract" means you are officially in.  There is nothing short of going AWOL that you can do.  DO NOT listen to the other people who say you can just get out and not show up - that is for active duty only.  The Guard and Reserve is different.  The moment you signed the contract you are in.  You should have thought more about your decision before making it.  Your property of the Marine Corps now and if you decide not to shoe up you will be AWOL and the military police will come find you.  Man up to your decision.

Answer 12

Just go to your recruiter and tell him, he is going to try to convince you but make you dont report to MEPS on your shipment date. Unless you step foot in Parris Island you can back out ! even if you run after you get off plane and dont get on the bus. you still dont owe nothing !

Answer 13

As a member of the millitary I assure you that you have no commitment with the millitary until you leave for boot camp (i.e. go to meps for final processing) you can simply tell them you dont want to go. They can try to persuade you (and trust me they will) to stay but if you are already having doubt I would advise you NOT to go. And dont let anyone tell you otherwise.