Federal law determines your term of service in the army reserves. However, life changes sometimes occur that you weren't expecting when you made your commitment to the military. For issues such as unexpected hardships, the military allows for early discharge as long as the situation meets the definition of hardship as defined by the military code. These regulations are the same for a full-time member of the United States Army, as well as an Army Reservist.

Meet Criteria

In order to be considered for discharge from the Army Reserve due to hardship, you must meet elements of certain pre-defined hardship criteria. Discharge will be considered and most likely granted for reservists in one of two positions. First, you may be relieved of your duties if a sudden death or disability occurs within your immediate family that results in it becoming necessary for you to stay home, since being away would cause the family undue hardship. If a hardship is not caused by the death or disability within the family, the second possible criteria occurs when remaining in the reserves would cause a financial burden that would continue to produce a strain on you and your immediate family.

Leave and Document

When a hardship situation arises, an emergency leave should be requested so you can show that you are attempting to remedy the problem temporarily. If the leave is denied, then you should document your attempts to obtain a remedy. You should then file an application for discharge from the military and submit documentation from any reputable person from whom you have received advice. For instance, you may want to include a letter that is written for you by the base chaplain or another trusted adviser or co-worker.

Waiting Time

Ultimately, the decision will be up to the commanding officers to determine if your personal situation qualifies for discharge based on a hardship. As long as the documentation is provided and proof of the hardship is provided, you should be granted the discharge. Even if the commanding officers do not feel that your situation warrants a hardship discharge, many will allow reservists to be put in the Individual Ready Reserve. This allows you time to take care of your temporary family issues, while ensuring that you still complete your promised time of service with the military.

Source:

Guidelines for Unqualified Resignation Requests of Non-Obligated Officers

Hardship Discharge