When can you pull out of the Military, is it right before leaving for bootcamp?

Question

I haven't picked a job yet and I'm going to MEPS soon. If I'm not satisfied with anything they give, can I still pick one after MEPS and before I go to bootcamp? If they do not give a MOS I want, can I backout before bootcamp? This is 4 years we are talking about!

I'd prefer answers from people who actual KNOW, not civilians who think they know what they're talking about! Thank you!

Answer 1

Your not committed or obligated until you sign your final enlistment papers.

The military can and will guarantee a MOS, but you are not guaranteed to be working in your trained MOS.

Answer 2

OK Adam here is the low down... I was in for 9 yrs... While you are at MEPS pick something that you think you will like or learn to like... If you just agree without picking a job they will pick one for you and that would be whatever they are short on at the time... I personally was a cook and not to bad always had 1st dibs on food... But some of the best jobs for promotion if not into fighting to much is supply or transportation.. these jobs are in high demand as well as cooks and infantry.. but usually from my experience these people get promoted quicker.. After you intial contract ends and if you re up if there is availabilty you may or may not be able to change your mos. so pick something that you will really be into dont worry about if you know it or not if interested by the time you get done training and a yr under your belt you will feel right at home... You will have 1 more swear in after you pick your job and right before boot camp... the 1st swear in is just red tape you can still back out.. After the 2nd one you are in and no backing out... And its 8 yr not 4 the 4 is you intial active duty and the government still owns you the next for reserves or they can keep you active... I hope this helped you out some and good luck...You are doing a good thing...

Answer 3

Here is the deal...I recently went to MEPS and sat with the Career Consuelor after ALL of the other BS was taken care of...I qualified for 199 out of 200 jobs in the Army (94 asvab) i went in there knowing what I wanted. They offered me something else and I declined and told my recutier that when they have a slot for what i want Ill sign the contract.End of story.

Answer 4

Adam,

You can back out while you are in the DEP program. You have to write a letter to the Recruiting Command asking for your release. They will probably be angry. IF you report to MEPS and sign a contract and ship to boot camp then you are officially in the military. While in DEP is when you want to change your mind if you want to join another service and pick a different job. Do not sign up for something you don't want to do and do not sign up for a "targeted" MOS or any other program that doesn't ship you directly to school upon bootcamp completion.

Answer 5

There's plenty of slots for the Infantry! take your pick Marines  or Army?!

Answer 6

Read your contract.

Answer 7

Do as well as you can on your ASVAB. Seriously, your ASVAB score is a big deal. Get a GT score of 110+. The higher your ASVAB, the more likely they are going to work with you. DON'T TAKE A JOB YOU DON'T WANT! You probably won't be able to change it.

Also, things might be tight until October 1st, the new fiscal year. Don't be impatient to leave right away because it ain't gonna happen!

You can back out, but instead, take time to see if this is really what you want.  

Answer 8

Do yourself a big favor..If you do not get the job you want then dont accept it and do not sign anything.

Dont accept a job you didnt want just because you are told you can change it later on..And dont have the attitude of "I can back out whenever I want"..Why decide to join if your thinking about backing out??

Just wait until your job choice is available then you sign..Dont sign for something you dont want no matter what they try to pressure you with..

To answer your question..Until you step into boot camp you can and have the right to re-negotiate your contract and any time, and this includes backing out..