Discharge by purchase
Discharge by purchase, also known as buying oneself out of service, refers to the process of obtaining a military discharge by making a payment. This payment effectively functions as a fine for leaving military service before the contractually agreed-upon date when enlisting.[1] The term "exemption by purchase" is a similar concept that applies to conscription.[2]
In the United States military, discharge by purchase was introduced in 1890 for the Army,[3] 1902 for the Marine Corps,[4] and 1906 for the Navy.[5] This practice was abolished in 1953.[6] In the Irish Defence Forces, discharge by purchase is permitted under the Defence Act 1954.[7] Typically, discharge by purchase is suspended during wartime. For example, in the British Armed Forces, this practice was suspended in 1950 during the Korean War and reintroduced in 1953.[8] The decision to accept an application for discharge by purchase is typically at the discretion of the commanding officer.[9]
Discharge by purchase has been a subject of debate and controversy in various countries. Proponents argue that it provides a legitimate way for individuals to leave military service if their personal circumstances change or if they no longer wish to serve.[10] Opponents, however, argue that it can lead to a system where only the financially privileged can buy their way out of service, leaving the burden on those who cannot afford to do so.[11]
In some cases, discharge by purchase has also been used as a means to raise funds for military organizations or governments.[12] In the early 20th century, for example, the British Army reportedly raised significant funds by allowing soldiers to purchase their discharge, which helped finance military operations and maintain the force.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ Kohn, G. C. (2007). Dictionary of Wars. New York: Infobase Publishing. p. 139. ISBN 978-0-8160-6577-6.
- ^ Fitzpatrick, D. (2011). Conscription by Lottery in First World War Britain. The Historical Journal, 54(4), 1073-1103. doi:10.1017/S0018246X11000346
- ^ United States War Department (1903). Regulations for the Army of the United States. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. p. 15.
- ^ United States Marine Corps (1914). Regulations for the United States Marine Corps. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. p. 9.
- ^ United States Navy Department (1913). Regulations for the Government of the United States Navy. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. p. 21.
- ^ UP (17 July 1953). "President Kills Army Discharge by Purchase". Madera Tribune. Vol. 62, no. 94. California Digital Newspaper Collection. p. 1. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ "Defence Act 1954, section 75". Revised Acts. Dublin: Law Reform Commission. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ "Discharge by Purchase". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). 17 November 1953. HC Deb vol 520 c1557. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ "Discharge by Purchase". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). 17 November 2021. HC Deb vol 134 cc2040–8. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Park, H. (2017). Military Discharge and Social Inequality: Evidence from the Korean War. American Sociological Review, 82(1), 34-62. doi:10.1177/0003122416683262
- ^ Burch, T. (2018). The Myth of Conscription by Purchase. War in History, 25(1), 56-81. doi:10.1177/0968344516631284
- ^ Spiers, E. (2008). The British Army, Discharge by Purchase and the Question of the 'Long Service' Soldier, 1829-1847. The International History Review, 30(2), 273-294. doi:10.1080/07075332.2008.9641073
- ^ Holmes, R. (2002). Redcoat: The British Soldier in the Age of Horse and Musket. London: HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0-00-653152-4.
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