Types of Military Discharge

When your military career comes to an end, each service member is issued an official discharge. There are several types of discharges that apply to all military personnel, each with its own implications and consequences. This is the case whether your service years lasted four years or forty, or the discharge was your choice or not. Many people may assume that being discharged is just a formality, but that’s not the case. The status of your military discharge can have a lasting impact on a veteran’s access to benefits, ability to pursue government jobs, and potentially even their reputation with civilian employers. That said, taking the time to understand the different military discharges can help active-duty service members and veterans make sense of how their status affects their lives moving forward.

What Is a Military Discharge?

A military discharge is an official release from a branch of the armed forces. It marks the end of a service member’s duty and includes a classification that reflects how they performed during their time in the military. The terms and obligations outlined in a service contract play a significant role in the discharge process and can affect the outcome of a service member’s separation. These five different discharge classifications fall into two major categories: administrative and punitive.

Administrative discharges are the most common and include honorable, general under honorable conditions, and other than honorable (OTH) discharges. Punitive discharges, like bad conduct or dishonorable, are typically the result of court-martial proceedings.

Each branch of the military issues a discharge certificate, most commonly the DD-214 form. The DD-214 is a key part of a service member’s military records and documents the service member’s discharge status and service characterization. This document includes a separation code and narrative reason for discharge, both of which may affect eligibility for VA benefits or civilian opportunities.

So, what do each of the different types of military discharge mean? Let’s break each one of them down.

Honorable Discharge Explained

First, there is an honorable discharge. Honorable discharges are the highest standard a service member can receive. In short, it means that the service member completed their time in the military with good conduct. They met or exceeded expectations and followed the rules and regulations laid out for them. Generally speaking, most service members who fulfill their contracts and complete their enlistments without any serious disciplinary issues will receive an honorable discharge.

Good conduct and meeting duty standards are essential for this status. Honorable service is recognized and respected, distinguishing it from other types of discharges. An honorable discharge is a positive service characterization, reflecting the service member’s fulfillment of their obligations.

When a service member receives this type of discharge, it ensures full access to all veterans’ benefits. Honorably discharged veterans are eligible for all the benefits provided by the VA. This includes education assistance through the GI Bill, VA healthcare, home loans, and preference for federal employment. Certain benefits are only available to those with an honorable or general discharge.

Employers often view an honorable discharge as a sign of reliability, discipline, and character, appreciating the honorable characterization of service.

General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions

The general discharge under honorable conditions is still a positive characterization of service, but it usually means that the veteran had some minor disciplinary issues or failed to meet certain expectations. This can include things like failing a physical fitness test or being repeatedly late to formation. The service member still performed adequately overall, but not at the standard required for an honorable discharge.

Veterans with an honorable conditions discharge are eligible for most VA benefits, including VA healthcare and education, though some programs like the full GI Bill may be limited. The availability of these programs typically depends on the reason for separation. Many benefits are available to those with an honorable or general discharge, while other types of discharge may restrict eligibility. The impact on employment is typically mild, though some federal and civilian employers may ask for clarification on why the veteran didn’t receive a fully honorable discharge.

Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge

An Other than Honorable discharge is the most severe form of administrative separation. It represents a significant departure from expected military conduct and performance standards. It is typically given when a service member commits misconduct that does not rise to the level of a court-martial. Examples can include drug use, fighting, repeated unauthorized absences, or security violations. An OTH discharge may occur when a service member fails to meet standards of integrity or conduct.

The other-than-honorable discharge meaning is often misunderstood. While not a criminal conviction, it can have serious consequences. Veterans with an unfavorable discharge, such as OTH, are generally not eligible for most VA benefits unless their discharge is later reviewed and upgraded. Civilian employers may view this classification negatively, especially if they associate it with serious misconduct.

That said, there are cases where an OTH discharge was issued unfairly or under outdated policies. Veterans in this situation may be eligible to apply for a discharge upgrade or seek a review of their unfavorable discharge.

Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD)

Following an OTH discharge is a bad conduct discharge, or BCD. Bad conduct discharges are issued to an enlisted service member as a result of serious offenses, such as assault, theft, or repeated violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. A BCD can only be issued by a special court martial or general court martial, both of which are presided over by a military judge.

Veterans with a BCD face significant consequences. They may not receive benefits unless the VA determines that their service was otherwise honorable, which is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The bad conduct discharge consequences also extend to civilian life, where such a discharge may appear on background checks and limit job opportunities.

Dishonorable Discharge and Its Consequences

A dishonorable discharge is the most severe type of military separation and is only handed down through a general court-martial. It is typically reserved for the most serious offenses, including desertion, sexual assault, or murder. A dishonorable discharge is considered equivalent to a felony conviction in civilian terms.

Veterans with a dishonorable discharge lose access to all veteran benefits and government assistance, including healthcare, disability compensation, education assistance, and burial honors. The federal government does not recognize individuals with a dishonorable discharge as veterans, making them ineligible for any federal benefits or support. In many states, they are also barred from owning firearms, voting in federal elections, or applying for federal jobs.

This classification carries a lifelong stigma and can be extremely difficult to overcome. However, like other discharge types, it may be subject to upgrade if there is evidence of procedural error, discrimination, or extenuating circumstances.

Can You Upgrade a Military Discharge?

It is possible to apply for your discharge to be upgraded. Each branch of the military has its own Discharge Review Board (DRB). The DRB considers requests for changes to military discharge classifications and conducts a service determination to assess the service characterization of your discharge. They will take time to review if the discharge was issued fairly and in accordance with policy. Post-service rehabilitation or merit is also taken into consideration.

Veterans might pursue an upgrade for a variety of reasons, including outdated policies (such as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”), untreated mental health conditions like PTSD, or simply because they believe their discharge was the result of unfair treatment or administrative error. A successful upgrade may restore eligibility for disability benefits.

FAQs About Military Discharge Types

Because the status of your military discharge can have a profound impact on your life after service, it is important to know the ins and outs of your discharge type. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the discharge types.

1. Does an other than honorable discharge affect VA benefits? Yes. Most veterans with an OTH discharge are not automatically eligible for VA benefits, but they may apply for a benefits eligibility review.
2. Can you appeal a dishonorable discharge? Yes, but only under very limited circumstances. Dishonorable discharges result from general court-martials and require legal or procedural grounds for appeal or upgrade.
3. What is the difference between an administrative and punitive discharge? Administrative discharges include honorable, general under honorable conditions, and other than honorable. Punitive discharges, such as bad conduct and dishonorable, are issued as a result of court-martial proceedings.
4. How long does it take to upgrade a military discharge? The process can take several months to a year, depending on the complexity of the case and the reviewing board’s backlog.
5. Can a general discharge be changed to honorable? Yes. If a veteran believes the reason for receiving a general discharge was unfair or no longer applies, they can request an upgrade to honorable status.
6. What is an entry level separation? An entry level separation occurs within the first 180 days of service, often because the service member is unable to adapt to military life or complete basic training. This type of separation is not considered a negative mark on the service member’s record.
7. What is a medical discharge? A medical discharge is a non-punitive separation that happens when a medical evaluation finds a service member unfit for duty due to illness, injury, or a medical condition. Medical discharges can qualify veterans for medical retirement and disability benefits.
8. What is a medical evaluation? A medical evaluation is the process used to determine if a service member is fit for duty. It assesses health conditions and is a key step in deciding eligibility for a medical discharge.
9. What is medical retirement? Medical retirement is granted to service members who are permanently unfit for duty due to a service-related injury or illness. Those medically retired receive specific benefits similar to other military retirees.
10. What are education benefits? Education benefits, such as the GI Bill, are provided by the VA to eligible veterans. Discharge status affects eligibility for these programs; generally, an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions is required.
11. How does discharge status affect health care benefits? Discharge status directly impacts eligibility for VA health care. Veterans with honorable or some general discharges may qualify, while those with dishonorable or certain OTH discharges may be ineligible.
12. What is the role of Veterans Affairs in discharge status? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines eligibility for veterans benefits, including health care, education, and disability compensation, based on the type of discharge and other factors.
13. Are there differences in discharge procedures for the Air Force or Marine Corps? Yes. The Air Force and Marine Corps have branch-specific discharge procedures and policies. For example, the Air Force may have different reenlistment codes and eligibility criteria compared to the Marine Corps and other branches.
14. How did World War II affect military discharge practices? During World War II, discharge practices, recognition, and benefits for veterans evolved significantly. Uniforms, insignia, and the process for discharge upgrades have changed since that era, impacting how veterans are recognized today.
15. How does personal conduct affect discharge type? Personal conduct, including adherence to military rules and standards, plays a major role in determining the type of discharge a service member receives. Poor personal conduct can result in less favorable discharge characterizations, affecting benefits and reputation.
16. What are military duties during the discharge process? During the discharge process, military duties may be suspended or maintained depending on the type of discharge and the stage of the process. For example, those on appellate leave after a punitive discharge are relieved of duties but remain on active duty status.
17. What is basic training and how does it relate to discharge? Basic training is the initial phase of military preparation, teaching essential skills and discipline. Failure to adapt or complete basic training can lead to early separations, such as entry level separation.
18. What is an officer discharge? An officer discharge is a separation specific to commissioned officers, often following court-martial proceedings. It can be similar to other undesirable discharges and may impact eligibility for veteran benefits.

Your Discharge Doesn’t Define Your Future

When you receive your official discharge classification, understanding how it can impact your life is important. It will affect your access to benefits. More than that, understanding the different discharge types will help you be aware of your rights and allow you to seek out justice where needed. 

Whether you received an honorable discharge or you have a less favorable discharge type, there is still a path forward for you. As mentioned above, if there is evidence, you can submit to a review board to have your discharge type upgraded. If you feel like your discharge does not reflect your service, you can explore your options.  

At Allveteran.com, we seek to help veterans connect with resources that may make all the difference. To find out your disability rating, take our free medical evidence screening today!