In general, there are five different types of discharges from the Army: Honorable; General, Under Honorable Conditions; Under Other than Honorable Conditions; Bad Conduct; and Dishonorable.

What type of discharge is medical?

7 – A medical discharge may be given to service members who become sick or injured to the point where military duty is no longer possible based on a medical evaluation of the medical condition. This process can be lengthy and may or may not be appealed depending on a variety of factors.

What is general discharge?

General discharge means that you met the requirements of service, likely with some minor disciplinary actions, or failure to meet certain standards. However, overall, your military performance was considered satisfactory.

What is worse than a dishonorable discharge?

Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge

An other-than-honorable discharge is the most-severe administrative discharge a service member can receive. Security violations, trouble with civilian authorities, assault, drug use or possession and other problems can motivate an OTH discharge.

Is a general discharge considered honorable?

A general discharge under honorable conditions means that your service was satisfactory, but did not deserve the highest level of discharge for performance and conduct. Many veterans with this type of discharge may have engaged in minor misconduct.

Doctor Answers Top 5 Discharge Questions

What is the difference between honorable and general discharge?

Recipients of General Discharges usually have engaged in minor misconduct or have received nonjudicial punishment under Article 15, UCMJ. While the “under honorable conditions” terminology is slightly confusing, there is a clear disadvantage to receiving a General Discharge in contrast to an Honorable Discharge.

Can I rejoin the military with a general discharge?

There are several types of discharges that can keep you from re-enlisting in the service, including a bad conduct discharge, an "other than honorable discharge" and a dishonorable discharge. On the other hand, if you received a general or honorable discharge, you may qualify for re-enlistment.

What is an OTH discharge?

An other than honorable discharge is an administrative discharge where your command can essentially kick you out. You sign off on it and say in lieu of court martial, et cetera. It can be for something like failing a drug test, lapses in military good order and discipline.

What benefits do you lose with an other than honorable discharge?

But those who receive other than honorable discharges often bear the stigma of a 'bad paper' discharge and the potential loss of veteran benefits, including health care, disability compensation and education benefits like the post-9/11 GI Bill.

What are the military discharge codes?

There are 6 types of “discharge of character” listed on military discharges: (1)”Honorable” or “Under honorable conditions”, (2) “General under Honorable Conditions”, (3) “Other than Honorable” (OTH), (4) “Bad Conduct” (BCD), (5) “Dishonorable” (DD), (6) “Entry Level (ELS) or Non-Characterized ” The DD 214 must have a ...

Is a section 8 an honorable discharge?

Because Section Eight was not an Honorable Discharge from the Army, the people who received them faced consequences. The stigma associated with the blue slip of paper made it difficult for Section Eight soldiers to find jobs following discharge.

How does an OTH discharge affect you?

If you received an OTH discharge, you cannot get education benefits under the G.I. Bill, nor can you receive a military pension or apply for a VA home loan. It may be difficult or even impossible to get a federal job because you lose your veterans' preference rights in the hiring process.

How do you get an honorable discharge?

To receive an honorable discharge, a service member must have received a rating from good to excellent for their service. Service members who meet or exceed the required standards of duty performance and personal conduct, and who complete their tours of duty, normally receive honorable discharges.

How long does a general discharge take?

A general discharge can be completed in as little as 30 days but could take up to six months. Separation from the military can take longer than six months. It's vital that you don't procrastinate on starting the process.

Is a medical discharge bad?

A medical discharge is typically a general discharge under honorable conditions, but the severity and circumstances under which the medical condition began can impact the type of discharge you receive.

What causes medical discharge?

Medical discharges take place when a service member becomes ill or is injured during their military service and are now unable to perform the duties required of a productive member of the military. These separations are based on a medical evaluation.

Can you get disability with OTH discharge?

If you received a discharge under conditions "other than honorable," you ordinarily are not eligible for most VA benefits.

Can I buy a gun with a OTH discharge?

Section 922(g)(6) of the GCA makes it unlawful for persons who have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions to receive or possess firearms.

Can you get other than honorable discharge changed?

Types of Military Discharges

General Under Honorable: You are eligible for VA health care & disability benefits. Other Than Honorable: You will need to ask for a discharge upgrade (federal) or Character of Service determination (local VA regional office) in order to be eligible for health care & disability benefits.

What kind of discharge do you get for failing a drug test?

Failed drug test come with different complications. The usual outcome is a dishonorable discharge but their has been cases that lead other forms of discipline.

What benefits do I get with honorable discharge?

Accordingly, veterans with an Honorable Discharge are entitled to all VA benefits, including applicable disability compensation, educational, healthcare, and vocational benefits.

Can you get a federal job with a general discharge?

Eligibility for Federal Job Preference

Veterans must generally have served during a period of war to qualify for preference for federal jobs, and must have been discharged under honorable conditions. This means you must have either a general or an honorable discharge.

How long do you have to be in the military to get VA benefits?

To be eligible for most veterans benefits, a minimum period of active duty of 24 continuous months or the full period for which a person is called or ordered to active duty must be completed. This rule has been in effect since October 16, 1981 for new enlistees.

How bad is a dishonorable discharge?

A Dishonorable Discharge is reserved for truly reprehensible crimes such as murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, and desertion. Those who receive a Dishonorable Discharge will lose all of their military benefits and are forbidden from owning firearms as civilians.

Do all veterans get VA benefits?

All veterans, regardless of priority group, are generally entitled to the same medical services after enrollment. Visit the VA website for a comprehensive description of the medical benefits provided, including doctors' visits, mental health care, emergency care, in-patient hospital services, and more.