Legal Question in Military Law in Pennsylvania

Army basic training discharge

Hi, my name is--name removed-- I have a question about shipping to basic training. I recently was getting some options set up for my up coming graduation and I decided that I should have a military �safety net� set up in the event I could not find a college to attend in the 2005-6 school year. So I visited the area recruiter and talked about my options. I was told that if I went to the MEPS center and signed up I could �drop out� and be discharged so that I could attend the collage. On this I went and signed up for the army and was sworn in at the MEPS center. Recently I have gotten a full scholarship to a collage and went to talk to my recruiter to find the guy who I originally talked with was now in another area and a new guy had taken over. I told him of my plans and he told me that I could not get out for that reason. I don�t know what to do I don�t really trust either recruiter but it�s a bit late now. My question is, can I get out of shipping to basic. If I can�t for that reason is there any other ways to get out? I don�t really mind going and all but this very important to me. I have to find out soon so if you can help me out I would really appreciate it. Thanks.


Asked on 4/12/05, 3:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Donald G. Rehkopf, Jr. Brenna, Brenna & Boyce, PLLC

Re: Army basic training discharge

Your recruiter lied to you, plain and simple! Were you 18 at the time that you signed? If not, did one of your parents co-sign for you? It might be possible to get this fixed BEFORE you have to report... but, if you do not report for basic training, you will be committing the crime of AWOL - Absence Without Leave - you can be arrested, put in jail and if convicted, you have a "federal conviction" on your record for life! But, there may be a way to avoid it all. I recently got someone out after he did 6 weeks of basic in your type of situation. Check out my webpage at http://www.donaldgrehkopf.com/ and send me an email or give me a call to discuss your options.

Don Rehkopf

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Answered on 4/12/05, 4:45 pm


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