How can I upgrade my military discharge?

Upgrading Your Military Discharge: A Guide

For many military veterans, receiving an undesirable discharge status can be a significant blow to their career and personal life. However, with the right steps and support, it is possible to upgrade your military discharge status. In this article, we will explore the ways in which you can upgrade your military discharge and improve your future prospects.

Why Upgrade Your Military Discharge?

Before we dive into the process of upgrading your military discharge, it is essential to understand the significance of having a higher discharge status. A better discharge status can open up new job opportunities, enhance your education and career prospects, and even increase your pension benefits. Additionally, upgrading your discharge status can also provide a sense of pride and closure, acknowledging your military service and its value.

Eligibility Criteria for Upgrading Military Discharge

Not everyone is eligible to upgrade their military discharge. The eligibility criteria vary depending on the type of discharge you received and the circumstances surrounding it. Here are the general eligibility criteria:

• General Discharge: You are eligible to upgrade to a Honorable discharge if you received a General discharge with an honorable character of service.
• Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge: You are eligible to upgrade to a General discharge with an honorable character of service or a Medical discharge with an honorable character of service if you received an OTH discharge.
• Medical Discharge: You are eligible to upgrade to a General discharge with an honorable character of service or a Honorable discharge if you received a Medical discharge.
• Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) or Dishonorable Discharge (DD): You are not eligible to upgrade your discharge unless you can demonstrate that you were the victim of administrative error or that the discharge was the result of unlawful command influence.

Steps to Upgrade Your Military Discharge

Upgrading your military discharge requires a comprehensive understanding of the process and the necessary documentation. Here are the steps to upgrade your military discharge:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

• Service Record: Obtain your service record, which includes your discharge paperwork, medals, and awards.
• DD Form 214: Obtain your DD Form 214, which is your discharge certificate.
• Personnel File: Obtain your personnel file, which includes your service history and performance records.
• Supporting Documents: Gather any supporting documents that may help your case, such as letters of recommendation, performance evaluations, or witness statements.

Step 2: Identify the Reason for Upgradation

• Error or Unfair Treatment: Identify any errors or unfair treatment that led to your original discharge.
• New Information: Gather new information that may have been unavailable during the original discharge process.
• Changes in Law or Policy: Identify any changes in law or policy that may have affected the outcome of your original discharge.

Step 3: Prepare a Statement of Facts

• Clearly Outline the Facts: Clearly outline the facts surrounding your original discharge, including the events that led to your discharge and any subsequent attempts to correct the discharge.
• Include Supporting Documentation: Include supporting documentation that corroborates your statement.
• Highlight Positive Qualities: Highlight any positive qualities or achievements that may have been overlooked during the original discharge process.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• DA Form 3822: Complete and submit the DA Form 3822, which is the discharge review board application.
• Include Supporting Documents: Include all supporting documents and a copy of your DD Form 214.
• Mail or Fax: Mail or fax your application to the appropriate discharge review board.

Step 5: Prepare for the Discharge Review Board Hearing

• Gather Witnesses: Gather witnesses who can attest to your positive qualities and achievements.
• Prepare a Statement: Prepare a statement outlining the events that led to your original discharge and any subsequent attempts to correct the discharge.
• Be Prepared to Answer Questions: Be prepared to answer questions from the discharge review board members.

Timeline for Upgrading Military Discharge

The timeline for upgrading military discharge varies depending on the type of discharge and the circumstances surrounding it. Here is a general timeline:

Conclusion

Upgrading your military discharge requires a comprehensive understanding of the process and the necessary documentation. By following the steps outlined in this article and preparing a strong application, you can increase your chances of upgrading your military discharge. Remember to stay focused, persistent, and positive throughout the process.