Opting Out
- Thread starter swissmann
- Start date
usna1985
15-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2006
- Messages
- 7,853
Until you begin classes at the beginning of your 2/C (junior) year, you are essentially free to leave at any time for any reason, once you have completed your outprocessing.
A couple of caveats:
Once they've completed I-Day, plebes typically must wait about 2 weeks before being allowed to leave. If you indicate a desire to leave, you are transferred to "Tango" Company, which is the outprocessing company, and given some time to reconsider. If you don't change your mind, you'll be sent on your way.
The actual timing of your "committment" 2/C year may have changed ever slightly. I've heard it is the day of signing a commitment document and also heard that it is when you start classes. I'm sure 2/C are well informed of the actual date.
As noted, there is a process involved in a voluntary separation that includes meeting with successively higher officers to ensure you have thought through your decision and also turning in uniforms, etc. This process takes about 2 weeks.
If you leave within your first two years, you don't owe the USN anything for the cost of your education. However, you will need to repay the money that was loaned to you to purchase uniforms, books, etc. If you leave within the first year, this amount can be substantial (several thousand dollars). You can get some of it refunded by selling back your uniforms, but you will likely still owe something.
If you attended a Foundation school and leave USNA voluntarily, you/your family will be asked to repay the amount the Foundation extended to you as a scholarship. I don't know the repayment details but I'm sure they are spelled out in detail to Foundation students.
A couple of caveats:
Once they've completed I-Day, plebes typically must wait about 2 weeks before being allowed to leave. If you indicate a desire to leave, you are transferred to "Tango" Company, which is the outprocessing company, and given some time to reconsider. If you don't change your mind, you'll be sent on your way.
The actual timing of your "committment" 2/C year may have changed ever slightly. I've heard it is the day of signing a commitment document and also heard that it is when you start classes. I'm sure 2/C are well informed of the actual date.
As noted, there is a process involved in a voluntary separation that includes meeting with successively higher officers to ensure you have thought through your decision and also turning in uniforms, etc. This process takes about 2 weeks.
If you leave within your first two years, you don't owe the USN anything for the cost of your education. However, you will need to repay the money that was loaned to you to purchase uniforms, books, etc. If you leave within the first year, this amount can be substantial (several thousand dollars). You can get some of it refunded by selling back your uniforms, but you will likely still owe something.
If you attended a Foundation school and leave USNA voluntarily, you/your family will be asked to repay the amount the Foundation extended to you as a scholarship. I don't know the repayment details but I'm sure they are spelled out in detail to Foundation students.