How does someone get out of the Air Force early? A guy I work with is about to get out 2 years early?

Question

I just found out Friday afternoon that a guy in my section is getting out 2 years into his contract already. Something about opting out early. I can't ask him until Monday how and where he went to get the ball rolling because I think I want to look into it. so I'm hoping someone here will know.

Answer 1

Hmm, interesting, my 10 yr old just read this, and said "The only thing you can do is sneak out... and that's dumb..."

I'm so proud.

Listen to the children, they often have more integrity than us seasoned adults!

Good luck in not Honoring your Commitment.

Answer 2

tell them u are really depressed with your job and u are thinking about topping yourself. suicide is a sure fire way to leave and it wont haunt your career for the rest of your life.

Answer 3

Ive heard if they say that they want to go to college they can get out a little early...2 years is a little more than I thought though...Usually 6 months to a year early is the max

Answer 4

He could be transferring the rest of his contract to gaurd duty to attend college full time.  Or, if his career field is on currently being phased out or turned over to civilian employees, he may be able to opt out because of limited career options for his rank.  It is also possible there may be issues in his life you are unaware of and that he is getting a humanitarian discharge.  Speak with him but know that what ever reason it worked for him does not garuntee your being able to do the same thing..a lot of it is decided on a case by case basis, with the command having the final say.

Answer 5

I would think he has some extenuating circumstances that could opt him out of his contract with the Air Force. This could be due to a medical condition or family circumstances, other reasons could be he disobeyed orders enough to cause a problem but not enough for him to be brought up for court martial.  I know of guys that got general discharges for a number of things, none of them were good.

Answer 6

He may be going ASCP program .The ASCP allows enlisted personnel to separate from active duty and receive a scholarship worth up to $15,000 per year while pursuing their commission through Air Force ROTC.

The Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) Professional Officer Course - Early Release Program (POC-ERP) offers active duty Air Force enlisted personnel an opportunity for an early release from active duty to enter AFROTC and receive a commission as an Air Force officer.

Or he may have something he is facing like perhaps an infraction of the UCMJ and is about to get a court martial, or early release for medical reasons.

Answer 7

I've heard about 'buying' out your contract, in which you pay a sum of money and they pull back on your contract and show you the door, but I'm not sure about wether that'll work

Answer 8

basically, the AF alone is doing this.. they are severely overmanned and you can always request it.  just doesn't mean they will let you.   but overmanned fields are the most likely to be approved.  

also if you are not that great an Airman,they would rather get rid of you  than have you take up space and waste their time and money.