Military Discharge Types Defined

A military discharge characterization of service is a designation assigned to a  service member upon separation.  The characterization is based on the service member's performance while in the military. This characterization is a "discharge."  A military discharge usually falls into one of six categories:

1. Honorable Discharge

2. General Discharge – Under Honorable Conditions

3. Other Than Honorable Discharge

4. Bad Conduct Discharge

5. Dishonorable Discharge

6. Uncharacterized Discharge

An unfavorable discharge is a discharge characterization less than an Honorable.  All damaging discharges negatively impact post-service benefits.  The military will not automatically upgrade your negative discharge after some time following your separation.  Service members who do not have an Honorable discharge – and fail to apply for one -  are forfeiting the opportunity to access post-service benefits. As discussed below, each discharge characterization affects eligibility for post-service benefits in distinct ways.

Honorable Discharge

Only an Honorable discharge ensures access to medical, housing, financial, and educational benefits.  The Honorable discharge guarantees the service member Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical benefits for a lifetime.  VA access provides medical treatment, dental care, substance abuse, and outpatient and inpatient mental health services.

Additionally, qualifying service members with an Honorable discharge can access educational funds through the Montgomery G.I. Bill or the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.  In addition to tuition assistance, the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill can provide a housing allowance to offset the cost of education.  A service member can transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to a qualifying spouse or dependent. Service members with an Honorable discharge also enjoy post-service employment benefits, retention of security clearance status, burial honors, and benefits related to VA housing.

General – Under Honorable Conditions Discharge

A General Under Honorable Conditions (GUH) characterization of service is also known as a "General Discharge."   The GUH discharge is assigned when a service member's level of service is satisfactory but does not warrant an Honorable discharge.  Service members with a superior service record can be given this discharge because of non-judicial punishment(s). Sometimes viewed as the "second best" discharge, a General Discharge causes a loss of educational benefits.  Service members who receive a General Discharge cannot access the Montgomery or the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.  Due to the stigma associated with a General discharge, service members who receive the discharge are not qualified to access specific Government jobs.  A service member with a General Discharge will usually have access to VA medical and dental care and home loans offered by the VA. 

Under Other Than Honorable Conditions Discharge

The "Under Other Than Honorable Conditions" is also known as "Other Than Honorable" or "OTH" discharge.  An OTH is the worst administrative discharge available.  It results in a severe loss of military service benefits and may cause hardships in post-service civilian life. Firstly, the armed forces prohibited future enlistment in the armed forces to the service member with an OTH discharge. Secondly, VA medical benefits are not guaranteed to the service member with an OTH discharge.  Additionally, an OTH may impact a service member's employment opportunities, even among civilian employers. 

Bad conduct discharge

A bad conduct discharge, or "BCD," can only be imposed by a special or general court-martial.  A BCD is a punitive discharge for a grave offense.  Only enlisted service members can receive a Bad Conduct Discharge.

This type of discharge forfeits all VA and post-military veterans' benefits.  Even civilian employers will likely look unfavorably on a job candidate with this discharge. A discharge for bad conduct bans a service member from future enlistment.  Additionally, depending on the service member's court-martial conviction, a BCD may prevent a service member from owning a firearm as a civilian after separation. 

Dishonorable discharge

A dishonorable discharge, or "DD," is the worst military discharge available.  Only a general court-martial can award this discharge if the Manual for Courts-Martial authorizes it following conviction of an offense.  A prison sentence accompanies many dishonorable discharge cases. Federal law prohibits service members with a dishonorable discharge from owning a firearm.  In many jurisdictions, a service member who receives this discharge loses the right to vote.  A dishonorable discharge generally prohibits a service member from receiving any governmental assistance.

Uncharacterized

Service members assigned an uncharacterized discharge are in an entry-level position. Generally, entry-level is the first 180 days of military service.  An uncharacterized discharge is not harmful.  However, it will not permit access to veterans' benefits. If you have questions about your discharge, contact Crisp and Associates, LLC today for a free consultation.