Military Counseling Network The Military Counseling Network is a non profit, non military organization that provides free information and help regarding military discharges and military regulations.

In the age of quick of access to great quantities of information, it can be hard to know what information is accurate. For a soldier looking into his or her rights in the military, it can be difficult to find out the difference between truth, opinion and myth. With all of the sources of information, from asking Google or About.com to asking a buddy or a superior, the range of answers regarding a given question can be completely contradictory.
Take discharges, for example. In browsing the web, and in having talked with a good number of soldiers, one of the common answers given to someone asking about the possibility of a discharge before their ETS date is that such a thing simply does not exist. Some of the answers belittle the person for asking such a question. "You signed up for this, you can't get out now!" or "Suck it up, man up, and do it!" are common responses, often followed by accusations of cowardice or treason. It is because of this false assumed knowledge that many soldiers feel trapped in their current situation, and that they have no right or ability to find the information and help they need.
While this information is false and there are discharges available, the idea behind the information has some truth to it, which is that it is not simple or easy to be discharged early from military service. Such an answer would also not be accurate. Important here is finding an honest and accurate source of information, such as the Military Counseling Network and the GI Rights Hotline, where help can be found to see what the military regs have to say about a specific situation. A soldier may have more options than they think, and may have more options than even their command is telling them.

For instance, did you know..
..that you can be honorably discharged before your ETS date?
Regulations cover every type of discharge that exists, and these are regulations that your superiors are required to follow.

..you don't need to be a pacifist to be discharged as a conscientious objector?
The Supreme Court case of Gillete vs. US stated that "use of force in defense of home and family, or in defense against immediate act of aggressive violence toward other persons in the community" does not disqualify applicants for conscientious objection.

..you can be discharged if you have a persistent medical or psychological condition that makes service difficult? A disability or the inability to perform duties is obviously not helpful for the person who is disabled, but it is also a hinderance, and sometimes downright dangerous, for the Military to need to depend on injured soldiers to complete the mission.

..you are allowed to consult with a congressional office, lawyer or civilian counselor? Outside help can be very important, and let your command know that their are people on the outside who care and are concerned about your situation.

Information is truly empowering, and can help you or a soldier you know take more control of their situation. To find out more and to get informed, contact the Military Counseling Network in Germany and the GI Rights Hotline in the States.