When serving in the United States Army, soldiers can receive different types of discharges based on various factors. While an Honorable Discharge is the one that most soldiers strive for, other circumstances can lead to different forms of separation from the military.
This guide will break down each type of discharge, what they mean, and how they can impact a soldier’s future career and benefits.
Honorable Discharge
This is the most desirable type of discharge. Soldiers who complete their service successfully and meet military standards will receive an Honorable Discharge.
🔹 Reasons for Honorable Discharge:
✔ Completing the required service contract (ETS – Expiration of Term of Service)
✔ Retirement after serving 20+ years
✔ Medical discharge due to injury sustained in combat or training
✔ Medically retired after years of service but deemed unable to continue
Benefits of an Honorable Discharge:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Veteran Benefits | Eligible for VA healthcare, disability, education, and housing assistance |
| Federal Job Preference | Many government agencies prioritize hiring honorably discharged veterans |
| Easier Civilian Transition | Looks good on job applications and background checks |
Most employers, especially in federal jobs, prefer hiring honorably discharged veterans due to their discipline, work ethic, and training.
Entry-Level Separation (ELS) Discharge
A soldier in their first 180 days of service who fails to adapt to the military lifestyle may receive an ELS discharge.
🔹 Common reasons for an ELS discharge:
✔ Failure to meet military standards (e.g., failing physical fitness tests)
✔ Not adjusting to military life
✔ Struggling in basic training
Important Notes:
⚠ Not considered dishonorable
⚠ Doesn’t affect future job opportunities
⚠ Some individuals may be allowed to re-enlist in another branch
This discharge is common in basic training when recruits realize that military life isn’t for them.
General Discharge (Under Honorable Conditions)
A General Discharge is given when a soldier fails to meet military requirements but has not committed serious misconduct.
🔹 Reasons for a General Discharge:
✔ Failing multiple PT tests
✔ Not meeting height and weight standards
✔ Repeated inability to meet expectations
Effects of a General Discharge:
| Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Some Veteran Benefits | Still eligible for VA healthcare and some educational benefits |
| Employer Perception | May raise questions with some hiring managers |
| Possible Re-enlistment | Some branches may allow re-entry under specific conditions |
Although a General Discharge is not bad, it can raise red flags for some employers, particularly in law enforcement or government jobs.
Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge
An Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge is considered the most severe type of administrative discharge.
🔹 Reasons for an OTH discharge:
✔ Serious misconduct (e.g., violence, drug use, insubordination)
✔ Security violations
✔ Conviction of adultery in a divorce hearing (under military law)
Consequences of an OTH Discharge:
🚨 No VA benefits – No healthcare, education, or disability assistance
🚨 Limited job opportunities – Many federal and private employers may avoid hiring
🚨 Difficult to re-enlist – Rarely allowed back into any branch of the military
Receiving an Other Than Honorable Discharge can make life after the military significantly harder.
Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD)
A Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) is worse than an OTH discharge and is usually paired with a military prison sentence.
🔹 Reasons for a BCD:
✔ Severe misconduct (e.g., theft, assault, drug distribution)
✔ Court-martial conviction
✔ Repeated disciplinary actions
🚨 Most veterans’ benefits are lost
🚨 Viewed as a criminal record by many employers
🚨 Federal and state jobs become nearly impossible to obtain
A Bad Conduct Discharge is career-ending for most soldiers and creates long-term negative consequences in the civilian world.
Dishonorable Discharge (DD)
A Dishonorable Discharge is the most severe type of separation from the Army and is equivalent to a felony conviction.
🔹 Reasons for a Dishonorable Discharge:
✔ Serious criminal offenses (e.g., murder, sexual assault, desertion)
✔ Severe violations of military law
✔ Conviction in a military court-martial
Consequences of a Dishonorable Discharge:
❌ No veteran benefits – No access to VA healthcare, education, or pension
❌ Federal Firearm Ban – Cannot legally own or carry a firearm
❌ Severely limits job opportunities – Many employers won’t hire someone with a DD
A Dishonorable Discharge is essentially the end of a military career, and it comes with lifelong consequences.
Officer Dismissal vs. Enlisted Discharges
Unlike enlisted soldiers, officers cannot receive a Dishonorable or Bad Conduct Discharge. Instead, they face a dismissal from the military, which has the same consequences as a Dishonorable Discharge.
🔹 Officers cannot be demoted to a lower rank
🔹 Dismissals follow a court-martial process
🔹 Same loss of benefits and legal restrictions as a Dishonorable Discharge
If an officer is dismissed, they lose all military benefits and face severe employment difficulties.
Can a Discharge Be Upgraded?
Some discharges can be appealed and upgraded if the veteran believes the separation was unfair.
✔ How to Apply for an Upgrade:
1️⃣ Submit DA Form 293
2️⃣ Must be filed within 15 years of discharge
3️⃣ Appeals process reviews circumstances and evidence
In some cases, a General Discharge or Other Than Honorable Discharge may be upgraded to an Honorable Discharge, restoring some or all veteran benefits.
Final Thoughts
Every soldier strives for an Honorable Discharge, but various circumstances can lead to other types of separation from the military.
✔ Honorable Discharge – Best possible outcome, full benefits
✔ General Discharge – Still decent, but some limitations
✔ Other Than Honorable (OTH) – Severe consequences, no VA benefits
✔ Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) – Military prison sentence included
✔ Dishonorable Discharge (DD) – Equivalent to a felony, permanently damaging
If you’re a veteran, what did you do with your Honorable Discharge certificate? Do you display it proudly, or keep it stored away? Let us know!
Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, he graduated from George State University with an MBA in Actuarial Science. His hobbies include beach volleyball, hiking, fishing, and lifting weights
George is also a certified nutritionist with a passion for health and fitness.
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