Take a minute to understand the different types of discharges.

There are two primary forms of discharge.

  1. Administrative - This discharge form is given by the discharge authority, often a commanding officer of high rank.

  2. Punitive - A court-martial imposes this form of discharge.

    *The term “less-than-honorable” is an umbrella term used to describe all discharges below an honorable discharge.

Administrative Discharges

For those who receive an administrative discharge, there are four types.

  • An honorable discharge is the most common type of military discharge. This discharge shows that a military member did not leave the service under dishonorable conditions, like bad conduct or committing a crime. An honorable discharge allows a military member to receive VA benefits, such as a pension, VA home loan, and health insurance.

    To receive an honorable discharge, a service member must have completed their service or have a legitimate reason for not doing so and followed the armed forces' rules and expectations. This administrative discharge does not require the military member to go through the court system.

    Service members who get honorably discharged from the military may also have a medical reason for not continuing their duties. Such is the case with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, pregnancy, or a disability occurring while on duty.

  • A general discharge is another form of administrative discharge, but it is not counted the same as honorable. However, a general discharge does not come with the undesirable discharge characterization of a dishonorable discharge.

    Military members who receive a general discharge often do so because their branch of service considers them to have served honorably. Still, they may have some marks on their record that prevent them from receiving an honorable discharge, but it's not considered a "bad discharge."

    Veterans with this service determination do not have misconduct issues that would not require a judicial punishment, as with a dishonorable discharge. Still, a service member's DD Form 214 may denote why a general discharge was given, and the reasons can be very specific. When this happens, a person may be unable to reenlist in the military, depending on the reasons for discharge. In addition, veterans with a general discharge may not receive GI Bill benefits, which require an honorable discharge.

  • An entry-level separation (ELS) is not technically considered an honorable or dishonorable discharge but is a form of administrative discharge. This discharge characterization is given to military members who must leave the service within the first 180 days of joining.

    This often happens because of a medical issue or failure to meet the demands of the military, such as being unable to keep up with basic training.

    For an entry-level separation to occur, an individual's command must take proper steps before serving the separation. For instance, opportunities like one-on-one meetings with the individual or written notices can prove that the individual's command attempted to solve a problem before taking other measures.

    In many cases, these opportunities may be enough to get the servicemember back on track. If not, their command can initiate a discharge through the ELS process.

  • An Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge is an administrative discharge that is not viewed as favorably as an honorable or general discharge. This "bad discharge" characterization is usually reserved for military members who have not withheld the integrity expectations of an armed services member. Some situations that could lead to this type of discharge include being found guilty of adultery while in the service or receiving a conviction in civilian court.

    The military often gives this discharge to service members who break the rules or exhibit negative behaviors but their actions don't warrant judicial intervention, as is the case with a dishonorable discharge. Because of the circumstances surrounding it, it is rare for veterans with an OTH discharge to be eligible to receive VA benefits.

Punitive Discharges

A punitive discharge can only be imposed by a court-martial. Summary courts do not have the authority to impose a punitive discharge.

  • A Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) is one of the forms of a punitive discharge, meaning that it must go through the military justice system to happen. This type of discharge is for a military member who exhibits bad conduct in some way, but it's a less severe punishment than a dishonorable discharge.

    Some potential reasons for a BCD include alcohol or drug abuse or repeatedly failing to follow orders. Often, people who receive a BCD are imprisoned beforehand, either through the military or as a civilian. The discharge leaves a negative mark on a person's record and will prevent them from getting veteran benefits. A DD214 will also likely note the reason(s) for the discharge.

  • A dishonorable discharge is the type of military discharge that carries the most consequences. This discharge typically comes from behaviors or actions that go entirely against military rules, such as rape, murder, or missing from military service. The punitive discharge stems from a court-martial process and remains on a service member's permanent record like other types of military discharge.

    With this discharge, not only will a service member not receive VA benefits, but they also are unable to have firearms or ammunition. The discharge can show up on federal background checks, making it challenging for a veteran to find employment.

    Veterans with this determination may also not be able to vote, work for the government, get a loan, or receive government assistance.

  • Commissioned officers who need to be discharged from the military undergo a different process than non-officers. Although they still may receive a negative discharge, they do not receive a BCD or a dishonorable discharge for wrongdoings. Instead, they may receive what's known as a dismissal or officer discharge that relieves them from their service.

    Although the names aren't the same, an officer discharge carries the same weight as a BCD or dishonorable discharge in terms of the officer's record and their ability to claim veterans benefits later. With an officer, discharge can come with a lowered rank set to the last rank the officer completed without issue and the inability to receive benefits. This happens if the officer has been court-martialed.