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What are the 5 types of military discharges?

What are the 5 Types of Military Discharges?

When a military member completes their service, they may be discharged from the military. The type of discharge they receive depends on their performance, behavior, and circumstances surrounding their departure from the military. There are five main types of military discharges, each with its own set of consequences and implications. In this article, we will explore each of these types of discharges and the factors that contribute to them.

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1. Honorable Discharge

An honorable discharge is the most desirable type of discharge, and it is typically awarded to service members who have completed their service without any major disciplinary issues. Service members who receive an honorable discharge have completed their service satisfactorily and have been honorably released from duty. This type of discharge allows the service member to reenlist in the military, and it is also often required for veterans to receive certain benefits, such as education and health care.

Characteristics of Honorable Discharge:

• Completed service without major disciplinary issues
• Service member has a clean record
• May reenlist in the military
• Eligible for veteran benefits

2. General (Under Honorable) Discharge

A general (under honorable) discharge is slightly less desirable than an honorable discharge, but it is still considered a positive discharge. Service members who receive a general (under honorable) discharge have completed their service, but they may have had some minor disciplinary issues or been discharged for medical reasons. This type of discharge may affect the service member’s ability to reenlist in the military or access certain veteran benefits.

Characteristics of General (Under Honorable) Discharge:

• Completed service, but with some minor disciplinary issues
• Service member may have had medical issues that led to discharge
• May have limited reenlistment opportunities
• Eligible for some veteran benefits, but not all

3. Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge

An Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge is considered a negative discharge and is often awarded to service members who have committed serious misconduct or have been found unfit for service. Service members who receive an OTH discharge have been deemed unsuitable for further service and have been released from duty with a negative discharge. This type of discharge can have significant consequences, including the loss of veteran benefits and difficulty finding employment.

Characteristics of OTH Discharge:

• Service member has committed serious misconduct
• Found unfit for further service
• May lose veteran benefits
• Difficulty finding employment

4. Dishonorable Discharge

A dishonorable discharge is the most severe type of discharge and is typically awarded to service members who have committed serious crimes or have engaged in egregious misconduct. Service members who receive a dishonorable discharge have been found guilty of a serious crime or have engaged in behavior that is deemed unacceptable by the military. This type of discharge can have significant consequences, including the loss of veteran benefits, difficulty finding employment, and potential legal issues.

Characteristics of Dishonorable Discharge:

• Service member has committed a serious crime
• Engaged in egregious misconduct
• May lose all veteran benefits
• Difficulty finding employment
• Potential legal issues

5. Bad Conduct Discharge

A bad conduct discharge is a type of discharge that is often awarded to service members who have committed minor misconduct or have failed to meet their service obligations. Service members who receive a bad conduct discharge have been found guilty of minor misconduct or have failed to meet their service obligations. This type of discharge can have consequences, including the loss of veteran benefits and difficulty finding employment.

Characteristics of Bad Conduct Discharge:

• Service member has committed minor misconduct
• Failed to meet service obligations
• May lose some veteran benefits
• Difficulty finding employment

Table: Comparison of Military Discharges

Discharge TypeDescriptionReenlistmentVeteran BenefitsEmployment Opportunities
HonorableCompleted service satisfactorilyYesYesGood
General (Under Honorable)Completed service, but with minor issuesLimitedSomeLimited
OTHSerious misconduct or unfit for serviceNoLimitedPoor
DishonorableSerious crime or egregious misconductNoNonePoor
Bad ConductMinor misconduct or failed to meet obligationsLimitedLimitedLimited

In conclusion, the type of military discharge a service member receives can have significant consequences, including the loss of veteran benefits and difficulty finding employment. It is essential for service members to understand the characteristics and implications of each type of discharge to ensure they receive the best possible outcome upon their departure from the military.

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