As a former marine (Beirut / Grenada / Panama):
I believe anyone who joins the military VOLUNTARILY is taking a very serious risk with their future and their freedom. For example, if many of us had thoroughly investigated the WTBS, its policies, history, procedures, we might not have been seduced. It is the same with joining the american military. I would advise anyone to research the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice), the JAG Manual (Judge Advocate General) and learn what the rules and policies are in writing BEFORE making a long-term commitment.
Although in basic traiing, recruits are taught the code of conduct (abbreviated) and other credos, they are designed to prepare for war. They do not cover in detail, the rules for everyday life in the "service". Therefore, until a situation occurs, (trouble, violations, etc) a military person finds themsleves unprepared and without advance proactive guidance to conduct themselves in administrative situations.
A marine corporal appeared on ABC this morning. Her husband is in Kuwait. She has a five month old infant, and no available family to take temporary custody while she deploys to the gulf. So, she refused to be deployed. The "corps" told her she can place her infant son up for adoption in the meantime or accept an admiistrative discharge and end her career. How's that for sacrifice, patriotism, and all the "rah-rah rally-round-the-flag" and "support-the-troops" rhetoric?
If you enlist, and you remain uninformed, and you are surprised with wartime situations, facing deployment, and you have a change of heart, I feel sorry for you. It is your responsibility to thoroughly research and understand before you sign the dotted line. Once you give up civilian rights under the Bill of Rights and accept the UCMJ, you are now second class citizens and property of the Department of Defense.
That is why they do not simply "cut" your time short and let you "off the hook" with a favorable discharge when your "conscience" is suddenly awaken. They have the right to do so and no one can force you to join. Once you commit, it's too legit to quit!
I agree that the DOD should not lose the thousands of dollars spent in special training, post-term college benefits if someone deviates from their original position. But, I don't agree with applying bullish administrative pressure, humiliation tactics, and coersion to force compliance when an individual changes their mind. Just reassign them, work with them in a different capacity or let them out gently without publicity.