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^{[citation needed]}.

In the United States military, discharge by purchase was introduced in 1890 for the Army,^[2] 1902 for the Marine Corps,^[3] and 1906 for the Navy.^[4] This practice was abolished in 1953.^[5] In the Irish Defence Forces, discharge by purchase is permitted under the Defence Act 1954.^[6] 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.^[7] The decision to accept an application for discharge by purchase is typically at the discretion of the commanding officer.^[8]

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.^{[citation needed]} 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.^[9]

In some cases, discharge by purchase has also been used as a means to raise funds for military organizations or governments.^[10] 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.^[11]