Military discharge

Military discharge refers to the release of a member from their obligation to continue service in the armed forces. A discharge can be voluntary or involuntary, and can have varying degrees of severity depending on the circumstances.

Types of Military Discharge

There are several types of military discharge, each with its own set of criteria and implications for the service member.

Honorable Discharge

An Honorable Discharge is the highest form of discharge a service member can receive. This type of discharge is given to those who have met or exceeded the conduct and performance standards of the military.

General Discharge

A General Discharge is given to service members whose performance is satisfactory but is marked by a considerable departure in duty performance and conduct expected of military members.

Other Than Honorable Discharge

An Other Than Honorable Discharge (OTH) is given to service members who have conducted themselves in a way that reflects discredit upon the armed forces, or who have engaged in conduct that constitutes a significant departure from the conduct expected of a service member.

Bad Conduct Discharge

A Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) is a punitive discharge that is imposed by a court-martial. It is often given to service members who have been convicted of serious misconduct, such as theft or assault.

Dishonorable Discharge

A Dishonorable Discharge is the most severe type of military discharge. It is given to those who have been convicted of very serious crimes, such as desertion or murder, by a general court-martial.

Implications of Military Discharge

The type of military discharge a service member receives can have significant implications for their post-military life. For example, those who receive an Honorable Discharge are typically eligible for all veterans benefits, while those who receive a Dishonorable Discharge are ineligible for most, if not all, veterans benefits.

See Also

• Military law
• Court-martial
• Veterans benefits