From: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel)
Subject: Getting out of the military's delayed entry program (autopost)
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: PACH
Date: Fri, 25 Dec 1992 09:30:05 GMT

/** military.draft: 16.0 **/
** Topic: Getting out of the Delayed Entry P **
** Written  3:03 pm  Nov  8, 1990 by wrlmilitary in cdp:military.draft **
IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND:
GETTING OUT OF THE DELAYED ENTRY PROGRAM (DEP)
 
Copyright ) 1990 by Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
 
Printed booklet available from CCCO, 2208 South St., Philadelphia,
PA 19146.  $3.00; 10/18.00.
 
Have you changed your mind about going into the military?  Perhaps
you've had a change of heart, and decided you don't want to learn
to fight.  Or your career plans have changed, or you've applied to
college.  These are all legitimate reasons for leaving the Delayed
Entry Program (DEP).
     If you signed up for military service through the DEP and
now you've changed your mind, you can get out.  This pamphlet will
take you step-by-step through the separation process.  The process
isn't difficult.  But you must act soon.  After you report for
active duty it will be very difficult to get out.
 
What Is the DEP?
 
     The DEP is a sign now pay later plan for military
service.  The way it works is simple.  When you enlist in the DEP
you sign an enlistment agreement, take an oath, and get assigned a
reporting date.  Usually this date is several months after the day
you sign the contract.  During these months you are officially a
member of the DEP. Being in the DEP is nothing like being on active
duty.  You don't have a boss, you aren't required to attend drills
or meetings, and you don't have to follow orders .  You don't even
have to contact your recruiter.  But you can bet your recruiter
will keep close tabs on you.
 
You Can Get Out of the DEP
 
     Getting out of the DEP is safe and legal.  Many people
just like you do it every year.  Once you are released from the
DEP you will have no further military obligation.  And, you won't
receive a bad record.
     To get out of the DEP you simply write a letter to your
recruiting command saying that you want to be released (separated)
from the DEP and the military.  This letter is called your
separation request.  In your request you will explain why you want
to be separated and give evidence to support your reasons.  Next,
you might be asked to fill out forms or to go through an interview
with your recruiting command.  Then, you will probably be
separated.  If you are not separated right away, there are a few
more steps you can take.
     It's just that easy.  And practically fool-proof.  So keep
reading, and we'll tell you how will work with you.  Ask this
adult to be your advocate.  This person can help you write your
separation request, contact the recruiting command, and go with
you to any interviews or meetings. p4@0
     You can ask anyone, but pick someone who is responsible
and who wants to help you.  It should be someone you
trustQpossibly a teacher, a youth group leader, a school
counselor, a relative, or a friend of the family.
     If you don't know anyone who can help, you can work with a
trained counselor or attorney.   Names of the DEP counselors and
attorneys near you are listed with the agencies at the end of this
pamphlet.  e your mind.  So it's better to avoid your recruiter
until after you submit your separation request.
     Some recruiters will lie about how to apply for a
discharge, or make it hard for you to go ahead with the process.
Some may hassle you, tell you a discharge is illegal, or tell you
to just try bootcamp.  Others may threaten you, or use abusive
language.  Recruiters have been known to do each of these things.
     But don't be intimidated by what your recruiter tells you.
Your recruiter doesn't have the power to keep you in or separate
you from the military.  So avoid talking to your recruiter about
your separation until after you hand in your request.  This will
give you time to prepare what you want to say.
 
PUTTING YOUR CASE TOGETHER
 
     Once you've decided that you reaposition who has the power
to separate recruits from the DEP.   This person is your main
contact within the recruiting command (not your recruiter).  So
you will send your request directly to him or her.
     To locate the person with Rseparation authorityS in your
command, check the following list.  Each branch gives this
authority to a specific level in the chain of command:
     +Air Force:  U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service squadron
     commander; +Army:  Commander of the recruiting battalion;
     +Coast Guard:  Regional Commander (commander of your Coast
     Guard region); +Marine Corps:  Commanding Officer of
     recruiting station; +Navy:  Commanding Officer of the Navy
     Recruiting District.  Now that you know the title, find
     the correct mailing address.  You can locate
the address in one of two ways:  either look it up in the
telephone book under U.S. government, or have your adult advocate
call up the recruiting command directly.   If your advocate calls
the recruiting command, be sure he or she does not mention your
name.
     Now that you have the correct title and address of your
Rseparation authorityS you are ready to prepare your separation
request.  Choosing Your Reason(s) for Discharge
     Your next step is to decide on your reasons for wanting
out of the DEP.  These reasons provide the basis of your
separation request.
     Each military branch lists the reasons which qualify for
separation.  These range from specific reasons (such as medical
problems) to vague, catch-all categories  (such as RpersonalS
problems).  Just remember:  If your plans, circumstances, or
beliefs have changed since the date when you signed the enlistment p4@0
agreement, you can qualify for separation.
     Review  APPENDIX 1 for a listing of reasons for
separation.  Note all the reasons that apply to you.  It is good
to use several reasons in your request because this gives the
military more reasons to separate you.  If no reasons fit your
situation, then write down your own reasons, and provide any
evidence that supports these reasons.
     Once you've decided on your reasons write them down.
Think over which letters or documents you are going to include as
supporting evidence.  Then discuss your reasons with your adult
advocate and figure out how long it will take you to prepare your
request (including writing the request letter and collecting your
evidence).
 
If Time Is Running Out...
 
     If your reporting date is soon (within 4 weeks), you may
want to take a break from preparing your request in order to ask
for a delay in your reporting date.  This can give you more time
to work on your request.  Turn to APPENDIX 2 if you want more
information.
 
Writing the Letter
 
     Now you are ready to write the letter.  Follow these
steps.  You can also use the sample letter in the back as your
guide.  (See  APPENDIX 3.)
1)  Address your letter to the Rseparation authorityS of your
recruiting command.  See the above section titled RFinding Your
Separation Authority.S
2)  In the first paragraph write your name, address, the place
where you were recruited, and the name of your recruiter.  State
that you arerequesting a full separation from the DEP and the
military.
3)  In the next paragraphs, explain your reasons for requesting a
separation.  Take as many paragraphs as you need to explain your
situation.
4)  In the last paragraph, ask to have your reporting date delayed
while the recruiting command decides on your request. This is a
simple precaution which should be included in each letter.
5)  Sign your name to the letter.
6)  At the bottom of the letter indicate that you are sending a
copy of your request to your recruiter, and a copy to your
Congressmember.
     Enclose all letters and documents which support your
request.  Keep your documentation simple and clear.  You can also
ask a member of your family, a teacher, counselor, pastor, or
other member of your community, to write a letter supporting your
request.  Include all letters with your request.  Review by an
Adult or Counselor
     After you've put your separation request together, have an
adult or a DEP counselor check it over.  He or she can make sure p4@0
that it is clear and complete.
 
Make copies of your Request
 
     Next make four copies of the entire request, including the
cover letter and all of your documents.
 
Submit Your Request
 
     1)  Submit your original request and documents to the
     Rseparation authority.S Send these by certified mail with
Rreturn receipt requested,S  from your local post office.
     2)  Next, send a copy of your request to your recruiter.
     Your recruiter's address is at the recruiting command
where you enlisted.
     3)  Send a second copy of your request to your
     Representative in Congress.  Explain in a short cover
letter that you are requesting a discharge from the DEP.  This is
a routine step so that if you need help later on, his or her
office will already have a copy of your request.  Address your
cover letter either to the Washington, D.C., or local office of
your Congressional Representative.  Letters going to Washington,
D.C.,  should be sent to:
     Representative (name) House of Representatives House
     Office Building Washington, D.C.  20515
     4)  Finally, keep the last two copies of your separation
     request for your own records.  Give one to someone you
trust.  And keep the other one for yourself.
     Now you have completed your separation request.
Congratulations!  You don't have much farther to go in the
process.  So, relax and prepare for the next step.
 
AFTER YOU SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST
 
     As soon as the recruiting command receives your letter,
you will be contacted.  Below are tips on how to talk with
officials in the recruiting command.  Interviews and Forms
     Your recruiter will probably call you to set up an
interview with the recruiting command, or ask you come in and fill
out forms.  Or, your recruiter may want to talk with you alone.
This is when you really need to stand your ground.
     Recruiter will use these meetings to try to convince you
to stay in the DEP program.  Your recruiter might try to frighten
you, tell you it's illegal to break your contract, or lay a guilt
trip on you for changing your mind.  Your recruiter may turn on
the charm, or he may threaten you.  But the regulations say that
if you still insist on wanting out of the military, even after
meeting with your recruiter, then you qualify for full
separation.
 
Meeting with Recruiting Authorities
     To help you stand your ground when meeting with anyone in
the recruiting command, follow these guidelines.  + Call up a DEP
counselor before any interview or meeting with recruiting
authorities.  Get briefed on what may happen in the interview.  +
Always take an adult with you to any interviews or meetings.
Having someone with you can increase your confidence.  It can also
ensure that the recruiting authorities will be on their best
behavior.  + Carefully look over all military forms before you
sign anything.  Be sure you don't mistakenly sign a waiver of your
rights, or sign into another job specialty, or into the Reserves.
Only sign forms which are part of the separation process.  + Be
firm about wanting a discharge.   Repeat that you want out of the
military and keep telling this to the recruiting authorities.  Be
courteous, but make it clear that you will accept no alternative
to discharge from the military.
     Sometimes people don't get called for an interview.  If
you aren't scheduled for an interview, and you feel that your
request is being ignored, you can request an interview.  If you do
this, be sure to follow the advice above.
 
Getting Help from Your Congressional Representative
 
     Hopefully, things will go smoothly for you.  To help the
process along you can contact your Congressmember for additional
assistance.  Every member of Congress has a RcaseworkerS who
handles the problems of military people in their district.
Generally, caseworkers can:
     1)  Help you get a delay of your reporting date;
     2)  Check up on the status of your separation request,
     once you have submitted
it to the recruiting command;
     3)  Receive your complaints if you are harassed or
     threatened by your
recruiter; and
     4)  Help you if your claim is improperly denied.  If you
     are thinking about working with your Congressional office,
     first contact
a DEP counselor or your adult advocate.  Together the two of you
can work with your Congressmember's caseworker.
     You've made it this far!   If you followed these steps,
you probably did an excellent job of preparing your separation
request.  And you made it through the personal interviews.  Now
the process is almost finished.  Soon you should be separated from
the Delayed Entry Program.
 
IF YOUR REQUEST IS TURNED DOWN
 
You've done a lot.  You've put together your request letter and
completed your claim.  Probably you're about to be discharged.
Most people are separated after their first try.
     But some requests are denied, and some are stalled until
the reporting date arrives.  If either of these things happens to p4@0
you, don't give up trying to get out.  Contact a DEP counselor
right away, and follow these next steps.
 
Sending an Appeal
 
     If your case is denied, submit an appeal.  The appeal is a
cover letter which explains your situation, and includes a copy of
your separation request.  Send the appeal to the branch of the
military you belong to:
     ARMY:   Department of the Army United States Army
     Recruiting Command Attention: Chief, Enlistment Standards
     Division Ft. Sheridan, IL  60037 (312) 926-3915 NAVY:
     Department of the Navy
Commanding Officer, Navy Recruiting Command
     (Code 017) 4015 Wilson Blvd.  Arlington, VA  22203 (202)
     696-4848 MARINE CORPS:   Department of Navy
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (Code MR)
     Room 4102, Pentagon Washington, D.C.  20350 (202) 694-2608
     AIR FORCE:      Department of the Air Force Commanding
     Officer
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service (RSOPA)
     Randolph AFB, Texas 78148 (512) 652-1110 If your appeal
     fails, or if your reporting date comes up before you are
separated, you have one final option:  You can refuse to report
for active duty.
 
What If You Don't Report ?
     If you are considering not reporting, contact a DEP
counselor immediately!  A counselor can tell you the most current
military policies, what you can expect, and how you can protect
yourself.
     If you don't report on your active duty date, the military
may simply discharge you from the DEP.  That's the current
practice.  But this could change at any time.
     Because your enlistment contract is legally binding, the
military could decide to make things hard for you.  For example,
you could be charged for failing to report for active duty.  This
isn't likely.  But just in case, it is always best to apply for
official separation first.
 
GETTING A SEPARATION @)@0
 
When You're Discharged...
 
     When your claim, or appeal, is accepted, you will be
separated from the DEP and from your military obligation.  You
might receive a letter stating that you have
been separated.  The letter will describe your separation as
Rentry level separation,S or ELS.  Each service branches gives
different separation papers:
     + Air Force:  You may receive an Air Force form which is a
request and authorization for separation.  It will describe the
type of separation you are gettingQfor example, discharge, entry
level separation , or release from void enlistmentQ and will say
that the separation is uncharacterized.
     + Army:  The army Recruiting Battalion at Ft. Sheridan,
Illinois, sends out separation orders for DEP members.  The
document might not state the reason for your separation, but it
may give a code number stating which regulation was followed.
     %+ Coast Guard:  You will receive an entry level
     separation for the
Rconvenience of the government.S
     %+ Marine Corps:  The Marine Corps will send you a letter
     stating that you have
received an entry level separation for the Rconvenience of the
government.S
     %+ Navy:  Separation from the Navy DEP is an entry level
     separation.  The Navy
records the reason for your separation on Rpage 13S of your
military service record and will send you a copy.
 
CONGRATULATIONS !
 
     Now you're ready.  After reading this pamphlet you know
everything you will need in order to apply for and win a
separation from the DEP.  It's quick, it's easy, and it's legal.
Just follow these steps and you should be out of the DEP in a
matter of weeks.
     If you have any questions, there are many people qualified
to help you.  Call one of the numbers at the back of the pamphlet
for further assistance.
 
APPENDIX 1
 
 
A Guideline to Reasons for Separation from the Delayed Entry
Program (DEP)
 
     Listed below are various reasons which will qualify you
for separation from the Delayed Entry Program (DEP).  These
guidelines are taken from the military's regulations.  Follow them
when applicable.  As you look through the listing of reasons for
separation remember: p4@0
 
+ Use this guideline to develop your separation request; + If one
or more of the reasons applies to you, use them all in your
separation request; and +If your situation doesn't fit neatly into
any of the categories listed, go ahead and use your own reasons.
 
Conscientious Objection
     A conscientious objector (CO) is a person who believes
     that it is wrong to take part in war.  Even though you
have already enlisted, it is not too late to become a CO.
     Many people have never thought about killing another human
until after they enlist in the military.  Then they realize that
they object to killing and war, and they cannot be a part of the
military.  These people apply for conscientious objector status,
and are often discharged from the military and from the DEP.
     You can be a CO for religious or moral reasons or both.
Whatever your fundamental beliefs are, you must know that you
can't take part in war because you think it is wrong.
 
     Documentation:  To apply for conscientious objector
status, write a letter requesting discharge as a conscientious
objector.  Describe your beliefs and explain why you feel you
can't participate in war.  Keep your statement short and simple,
but make your beliefs against war clear.
     Explain how your beliefs have changed since you signed the
enlistment agreement.  Describe what helped you think more deeply
about being in the militaryQfor instance, a book, a film, things
you have learned about the military since you enlisted, or even
signing the enlistment agreement.
     Then get two or three letters of support from friends,
family, teachers, rabbi or minister, employer, counselorQanyone
who can say that you are honest and can describe the changes you
have been going through.
 
Dependents
 
     If you're legally required to provide financial support
for several dependents, you will be discharged.  A dependent can
include your children, parents, or
close relatives whom you are solely responsible for.  Each service
branch has its own rules about the number of dependents you may
have.  Contact CCCO for more information.  (Remember that if you
do go into the military with a
dependent child, you will be asked to sign away the legal custody
of that child.)
 
     Documentation:  To support your claim present documents
which show that you have the number of dependents you say you
have. These can include birth certificates, adoption papers, or
other legal documents.
 
Drug Abuse or Civil or Criminal Conviction p4@0
 
     If between your enlistment and reporting date you cease to
meet the military's RmoralS standards, you can be discharged.
This includes drug or alcohol abuse; being charged with or
convicted of a crime; having a court case pending; or being on
probation or parole.
     Only use this reason in conjunction with other reasons,
because this reason can be waived by the military.  Never apply
for this discharge unless you have already been charged with or
convicted of a crime.  If you call attention to a crime for which
you have never been arrested or convicted, you may get a bad
record.
 
     Documentation:  Court documents showing your conviction,
probation, parole, or
a pending court case would serve as documentation if you are
requesting discharge for this reason.
 
Erroneous Enlistment or Recruiting Error
 
     It is your recruiter's job to find out whether or not you
meet the  standards for entering the military.  If you do not meet
these standards you are not qualified to enlist.  If your
recruiter knew that you did not meet the standards, but enlisted
you anyway, this would be Rerroneous enlistmentS  (or recruiting
error).  Some examples of this include enlisting you even if you
did not meet the physical or mental criteria for enlistment.
 
     Documentation:  To show that you were enlisted in error,
write a statement requesting discharge and describing the error.
Check the military regulations or contact someone who knows what
the regulations say.  (You can call one of the groups listed at
the back of this booklet.)  Then, collect as much evidence as you
can.  For examplagreement; medical records; or agreement; medical
records; or your enlistment school records.
~% If your Jrecruiter lied or broke the rules, you might
submit statements from witnesses or statements from people you
spoke with right after you enlisted.  Or, you can submit
statements from friends or counselors who have had problems with
this recruiter or heard the recruiter lie to you.
 
Failure of High School Senior to Graduate High School
 
     If you enlisted for a program which requires high school
graduation and you do not graduate, you may be discharged.
Remember that this reason may be waived by the recruiting command.
So you should always use it in conjunction with a second reason.
For example, you can explain that your future plans have changed
since you did not graduate from high school.  You may decide to go
back to school to finish your degree, or to study for the GED.
State that the military no longer fits into your career or
educational plans.  (See below:  RCareer ChangeS for more p4@0
discussion.)
 
     Documentation:  A letter from a school official to the
recruiting command stating that you have dropped out or did not
complete the program is usually enough to prove that you did not
complete high school.
 
Failure to Report (or Refusal to Enlist)
 
     The military usually separates DEP members who do not show
up at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) on their
reporting date.  However, some recruiters may go to your house or
place of work in order to RescortS you to active duty.  Or,
failure to report for active duty or refusal to enlist may result
in punishment.  See RIf Your Request Is Turned Down,S in this
booklet, page #, for a discussion.
 
Hardship
 
     The military may discharge you if a member of your family
depends on you for financial, physical, or psychological support.
This could be a parent, stepparent, wife or husband, child
(including stepchild or adopted child), sister, brother, or anyone
under your legal custody.  This person is called your
Rdependent.S
 
To prove hardship, you must showQ
     + that the condition is severe and not temporary.  This
means that it           will last a year or more;
     + that it began or became worse since you enlisted; and +
     that you have tried to deal with it, but discharge is the
     only way to                 solve
the problem.
 
     Documentation:  You and your family members can prepare
written statements describing the hardship.  Get supporting
letters from a clergy member, doctor, social worker, or other
person who knows your family and its problems well.
 
Homosexuality
 
     The military considers homosexuality and bisexuality to be
Rincompatible with military service.S  If you told your recruiter
that you are gay or lesbian, the recruiter should not have
enlisted you.  If you discover your homosexuality after  you enter
the DEP, you must tell your recruiter.  Either way, you can get a
discharge for homosexuality or bisexuality.
 
     Documentation:  A simple statement that you are homosexual
should be enough for
a discharge.  Prepare a statement describing your homosexual
feelings and desires.  You can talk about your previous dating p4@0
experiences, or thoughts ordaydreams you have had.  Also, people
who know you can write letters stating that you are homosexual or
have expressed homosexual desires.
     To protect yourself oagainst possible prosecution under
state, local, or military laws, don't discuss or provide evidence
that you have engaged in homosexual acts.  If you have questions
about this discharge contact a trained counselor who can help you
prepare your statement.
 
Marriage
 
     If you get married, or set a date for marriage, after you
enlist in the DEP, you qualify for a discharge.
 
     Documentation:  To support your claim, present a marriage
certificate or some validation of the planned date, with your
request for discharge.
 
Medical or Psychological Disqualification
 
     A medical or psycho You Youcal problem can disqualify you
from military service. will need to check the military
regulations, and get medical evidence of the disqualification.
 
     Documentation:  Obtain a doctor's report which states your
medical or psychiatric problem.  The doctor should say that you
are unfit for military duties.  He or she should also describe the
conditions which make it impossible for you to go into the
military.
 
Minority (Under 18 years old)
 
     If you are under 18 years old there are various discharges
that may apply to you.  Read the list below to find out which age
category you fall under, and what is needed to document your
separation request.
 
Under 17 years:  If you were under 17 years old when you signed
up, your enlistment is invalid.  It is against the law for the
military to enlist you if you are under age 17.  In this case,
simply present a birth certificate or other proof of age to the
recruiter.  Your enlistment will be erased from the record.
 
Over 17 but under 18:  If you were over 17 but under 18 years old
when you enlisted, the recruiter must have signed permission from
your legal guardian or
both parents (if both are your guardians) to enlist you.
     If your parent(s) or guardian never gave written
permission for you to enlist, they should state in writing that
they never allowed you to enlist.  And, that they wish you to be
discharged.  Attach this statement and a copy of your birth
certificate to your request for discharge. p4@0
     If your parent(s) or guardian gave written permission, but
did not realize at the time that they were consenting to your
enlistment, you may be able to get a
discharge.  For example, if they thought they were merely agreeing
to let you take a military physical examination.
     Also, your parents can withdraw their consent to your
enlistment even if they both signed the forms and understood what
they were signing. The military does not have to accept these
reasons but often will.   In this case, submit written statements
from your parents.
 
No longer qualified for enlistment option and refusal to accept an
alternative option
 
     When you enlist in the DEP, the military may offer you a
specific job option and training.  If you become disqualified, or
if that training is no longer available, your recruiter must offer
you an alternative.  However, you are under no obligation to
accept this alternative.  If you refuse the offer, you will be
discharged.
 
Personal Problem (or Apathy)
 
     This is one of the vague categories.  It is listed as a
reason for discharge, but military rules do not say exactly what
it means.  It probably means that you have no desire or energy to
serve in the military.  Or it can mean that personal or emotional
changes in your life make it impossible for you to serve in the
military.  Use this reason to explain what changes you have been
going through.  Explain that because of these changes you no
longer want to participate in the military.
 
     Documentation:  Write a letter that describes the changes
you have been going through.  Explain how your interests have
changed since you decided to enlist, or describe the problems you
have been going through.  Then, tell the separation authorities
that you have no interest in serving in the military.  Make it
clear that it would be useless for them to spend any money or
energy on you.
 
Pregnancy
 
     You may not enter the military if you are pregnant.
 
     Documentation:  To prove your claim present a doctor's
     report which states that
you are pregnant and gives the estimated date of birth.
 
Pursuit of Higher Education (or Acceptance of Scholarship)
 
     You can get a discharge if you plan to go to a junior or
community college, university, vocational or other school after p4@0
high school, or if you accept a scholarship toward your education.
You don't have to receive a scholarship in order to qualify for
this discharge.
 
     Documentation:  Present a copy of the letter of acceptance
from your school or of the letter awarding you the scholarship, or
both.  If you can't get a letter of acceptance you might try using
your transcripts, class schedule, or a letter from a school
official or teacher.
 
Religious Training or Appointment as Ordained Minister
 
     If you become a minister, plan to enter a religious order,
or are ready for taking of vows, you are eligible for discharge.
 
     Documentation:  Your request for discharge should include
a statement from an official of your church or religious group.
This statement should say one of the following:
 
+ that you have been ordained a minister; + that discharge is
necessary so that you may pursue further training   or processing
into the order; or +  that discharge will make you eligible for
ordination on or around a particular date.
 
Other Reason
 
     This list of reasons for discharge comes directly from the
military's regulations.  But these are not the only legitimate
reasons for requesting a discharge.  The military will frequently
accept other reasons for discharge, if they are compelling.  Some
examples of other reasons are listed below.
 
Job Offer
 
     Getting a civilian job offer can be a good reason for
wanting out of the DEP.  If you've been offered a job after you
enlisted, you can use this as a reason.
 
     Documentation:  Your request letter should then explain
what the job is, why you want this job, how it fits into your
future plans, and why the military nolonger fits into your career
plans.l
     Then, ask your employer, or potential employer, to write a
letter to your recruiting command.  The letter should be written
on business letterhead, and should describe the job you've been
offered.  You can also ask your employer to
explain why you were chosen for the job, and why he or she prefers
to hire you over other people.  This will be your supporting
evidence.
 
Career Change
 p4@0
     A change in career plans can be grounds for discharge.  If
     your career goals have changed since you signed the
enlistment agreement, and military service no longer fits into
your plans, you can request a discharge on these grounds.
 
     Documentation:  Write a letter explaining how your career
plans or goals have changed.  To demonstrate that your plans have
changed you might include college transcripts of courses you are
taking, or a letter from a potential employer, or you can explain
the steps you are currently taking toward your new career.
 
     These are a few suggestions for additional reasons for
separation.  Supply any other reasons that you can think of.  If
you are still having a hard time coming up with a reason for
separation, then contact a trained counselor.  A counselor can
help you think about other possible reasons.
APPENDIX 2
 
Delaying Your Reporting Date
 
     Requesting a delay in your reporting date has its pros and
cons.  For one, your request may not be granted.  But if it is, it
will give you a little extra time to plan, prepare your claim, and
gather evidence.
 
     1)  You can base your request for delay on a temporary set
     back you may have experienced.  For example, if you have
had recent medical problems, been in an accident, or are suffering
from an unforeseen hardship, you may qualify for a delay.  Since
any of these circumstances would make it hard for you to report
for active duty, they will qualify for a delay.
 
     2)  Another reason for delay is your unfinished separation
     request.  If you use this reason, your request for delay
should explain that you are putting together a formal separation
request.  Explain your reasons for wanting a separation from the
DEP, and ask for a delay in order to gather together evidence.
But remember that this will alert your recruiter about your
separation request.  To prepare yourself, read the section titled,
"After Submitting Your Request," on page
_______ .  Review this carefully before using it as your reason
for requesting a delay.
 
     If you decide to request a delay:   Write a letter to the
"separation authority" of the recruiting command.  This is the
person who has the authority to separate you.  For details of
where to send this request see "Finding Your Separation Authority"
on page ___.  Explain in your letter why you need a delay.  You
can use either reason above.
 
** End of text from cdp:military.draft **
 
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