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.Kohn, G. C. (2007). Dictionary of Wars. New York: Infobase Publishing. p. 139. ISBN 978-0-8160-6577-6. The term "exemption by purchase" is a similar concept that applies to conscription.
In the United States military, discharge by purchase was introduced in 1890 for the Army,United States War Department (1903). Regulations for the Army of the United States. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. p. 15. 1902 for the Marine Corps,United States Marine Corps (1914). Regulations for the United States Marine Corps. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. p. 9. and 1906 for the Navy.United States Navy Department (1913). Regulations for the Government of the United States Navy. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. p. 21. This practice was abolished in 1953. In the Irish Defence Forces, discharge by purchase is permitted under the Defence Act 1954. 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. The decision to accept an application for discharge by purchase is typically at the discretion of the commanding officer.
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. 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.Burch, T. (2018). The Myth of Conscription by Purchase. War in History, 25(1), 56-81. doi:10.1177/0968344516631284
In some cases, discharge by purchase has also been used as a means to raise funds for military organizations or governments.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 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.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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