Types of Armed Forces Discharges
The armed forces of the United States issue discharges to all service members upon completion of their service. Discharges are characterized as either administrative or punitive in nature, and the type of discharge is based on the individual's conduct while he served. This characterization of their service will have a direct impact on whether they can return to military service at a later date and the benefits they are entitled to through the Veterans Administration.
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Honorable
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An honorable discharge is assigned to all separating service members that have conducted themselves in an honorable manner during their time of service. Minor disciplinary actions will not preclude a veteran from receiving an honorable discharge. Receiving an honorable discharge will entitle the veteran to full benefits offered by the Veterans Administration.
General, Under Honorable and Other Than Honorable Conditions
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Under Honorable Conditions:
A general discharge, under honorable conditions, is issued to all separating service members who have served their entire enlistment but have not conducted themselves to the level required for an honorable discharge. This type of discharge could have a negative impact on future veterans benefits.Other Than Honorable Conditions:
This is the worst type of discharge a member of the military can receive without being convicted of a crime in a courts-martial. This type of discharge is given to separating service members that have shown a history of misconduct. This type of discharge will have a negative impact on reenlistment and future veterans benefits. -
Bad Conduct
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This type of discharge can only be issued for a service member as the result of a conviction in a special or general courts-martial. A courts-martial is the military equivalent of a civilian criminal court. This type of discharge is usually accompanied by reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay and allowances, and confinement for up to 45 days. This type of discharge will usually disqualify a veteran for any type of veterans benefits.
Dishonorable
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This is the worst discharge a member of the military can receive. This type of discharge can only be issued as the result of a criminal conviction in a general courts-martial. This type of discharge is usually accompanied by reduction in rank, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement at hard labor for up to life or a sentence of death. This type of discharge will disqualify a veteran for any type of veterans benefits.
Medical
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Medical discharges are issued to service members who suffer a disabling injury as a result of their military service. Veterans that receive a medical discharge will also qualify to receive disability benefits from the Veterans Administration based on their level of disability.
Reenlistment Codes
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In addition to a discharge classification, a reenlistment code is also assigned to each separating veteran. Reenlistment codes are classified from RE-1A to RE-4. RE-1A is the best code a veteran can receive and makes him eligible for reenlistment or enlistment in another branch. An RE-2 through RE-4 can disqualify a veteran from reenlistment, but can be waived by the branch that the veteran is applying to. Separating veterans may receive an honorable discharge, but because of minor issues regarding their conduct or job performance, also may receive an unfavorable reenlistment code.
Military Review Boards
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Veterans can appeal the character of their discharge to a Records Review Board. Each military branch has its own review board and can change or modify the character of any discharge with the exception of discharges as a result of a general courts-martial or a medical discharge. Eligible veterans or their surviving spouse or dependent may apply to the respective board for consideration.
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