Isabella Carter
A dishonorable discharge is a type of punitive military separation that is considered the most severe form of discharge a service member can receive. It is given as a punishment for a felony-level offense during service, whether in the military or civilian jurisdiction, and results in the loss of certain rights and benefits. This discharge status can be handed down by a court-martial or, in the case of officers, through a dismissal from service, which is considered the officer equivalent of a dishonorable discharge. The offenses that lead to this discharge include murder, treason, espionage, drug distribution, sexual assault, and desertion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Punitive discharge |
| Issuing Authority | General Court-Martial |
| Nature | Most severe form of discharge |
| Offenses | Felonies, homicide, fraud, desertion, treason, espionage, sexual assault, murder, drug distribution, etc. |
| Benefits | Ineligible for VA home loans, federal benefits, and civilian government benefits |
| Right to Bear Arms | Lose the right to possess firearms |
| Employment | Limited career opportunities |
| Re-enlistment | Not possible |
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What You'll Learn
A dishonorable discharge is a punitive discharge
Dishonorable discharges are rare, accounting for about 0.1% of discharges, and are generally based on murder, treason, or espionage. They are also given for other serious offences, such as felony-like crimes including desertion, drug distribution, sexual assault, and fraud. These are considered the most reprehensible conduct by the military.
The consequences of a dishonorable discharge are significant. The U.S. government does not legally recognise those with a dishonourable discharge as veterans, and they are generally ineligible for most veteran benefits, including federal and state benefits. They are also disqualified from certain civilian government benefits, such as unemployment benefits and federal student loans. Their post-military career opportunities may also be limited, especially in fields such as law enforcement, government, or defence, where employers pay close attention to discharge status.
While there are negative consequences, there are still resources available to assist those with a dishonourable discharge in their transition. Organisations such as Zero8Hundred provide services and resources to all veterans, regardless of discharge status. Additionally, individuals with a dishonourable discharge can still enrol in programmes and seek transitional assistance.
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It is the most severe type of discharge
A dishonorable discharge is the most severe type of discharge a military service member can receive. It is a type of military separation given as a punishment for a felony-level offence during service, whether in the military or civilian jurisdiction. In the military, it is handed down by a court-martial and is considered the worst form of discharge. It is often given along with a stint in military prison.
A dishonorable discharge is a punitive discharge that can only be handed down at a general court-martial after conviction(s) of serious offences by a military judge. These offences are considered the most reprehensible conduct, including murder, treason, espionage, homicide, fraud, desertion, and drug distribution.
The consequences of a dishonorable discharge are significant. The U.S. government does not legally consider a person with a dishonorable discharge a veteran, and they generally cannot receive most veteran benefits, including federal benefits and many state-level benefits. They may also be disqualified from certain civilian government benefits, such as unemployment benefits and federal student loans.
In addition, a dishonorable discharge can limit post-military career opportunities, particularly in fields such as law enforcement, government, or defence, where employers may pay close attention to the type of discharge. Under federal law, those with a dishonorable discharge lose their right to possess firearms or ammunition.
While resources are available to assist with the transition after a dishonorable discharge, it is essential to understand the severe and far-reaching implications of such a discharge on a person's life and their ability to access benefits and services.
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It is given for felony-level offences
A dishonorable discharge is a type of military separation that is given as a punishment for a felony-level offence during service. It is considered the most severe type of military discharge and can be handed down by a court-martial or a military judge.
The specific offences that can result in a dishonorable discharge vary but can include murder, treason, espionage, homicide, fraud, desertion, and drug distribution. These are offences that would be considered felonies in the civilian world or military offences that warrant severe punishment. For example, a service member who goes absent without leave (AWOL) or turns themselves in after going UA (Unauthorized Absence) might have received a dishonorable discharge in the 1970s, but today they are more likely to receive an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge.
A dishonorable discharge can have significant impacts on a person's life, including the loss of certain civilian rights, such as the right to bear arms, and the inability to reenlist in the military. It can also limit career opportunities, particularly in fields such as law enforcement, government, or defense, and disqualify individuals from receiving certain benefits, such as federal student loans, unemployment benefits, and VA home loans.
It is important to note that officers cannot technically receive a dishonorable discharge. If an officer is convicted in a court-martial, they may be dismissed from the service or resign for the good of the military, which has a similar impact.
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It results in the loss of certain civilian rights
A dishonourable discharge is a type of military separation given as a punishment for a felony-level offence during service. It is considered the most severe type of military discharge and is handed down by a court-martial. Those with a dishonourable discharge are not legally considered veterans and are therefore ineligible for most veteran benefits, including federal and state-level benefits.
A dishonourable discharge results in the loss of certain civilian rights. For example, under federal law, those with a dishonourable discharge lose their right to possess firearms or ammunition. They may also be denied civilian government benefits such as unemployment benefits and federal student loans.
In addition, a dishonourable discharge can limit post-military career opportunities. Employers in fields such as law enforcement, government, or defence may pay close attention to the type of discharge on a candidate's record. However, some states have laws that prevent employers from asking about an applicant's type of military discharge.
It is important to note that a dishonourable discharge is different from a dismissal for officers, which is effectively the same as a dishonourable discharge. Officers cannot be reduced in rank by a court-martial, nor can they receive a dishonourable discharge. Instead, they receive a Dismissal Notice, which has a similar impact.
Finally, while a dishonourable discharge can result in the loss of certain civilian rights, there are still resources available to assist with the transition. For example, individuals with a dishonourable discharge can enrol at Zero8Hundred to access transitional assistance.
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It is different from a dismissal for officers
A dishonorable discharge is a type of military separation given as a punishment for a felony-level offence during service, whether in the military or civilian jurisdiction. It is considered the most severe of the military discharge types. It is handed down by a court-martial and is accompanied by a stint in military prison. It results in the loss of several benefits and rights, including the right to bear arms, and impacts career opportunities.
Officers, however, cannot receive a dishonorable discharge. If an officer is convicted in a court-martial, they may be dismissed from the service or resign for the good of the military, which is effectively the same as a dishonorable discharge. This is referred to as a "Dismissal Notice" and is considered the "officer equivalent" of a dishonorable discharge. Officers are not discharged from the service; they are relieved from active duty.
While a dishonorable discharge is a form of punitive discharge, handed down by a court-martial, an administrative discharge may be voluntary or involuntary, depending on the type and nature of the offence. The majority of service members exit their service with an honorable discharge, which indicates diligent and competent service, adherence to rules, and obedience to the law.
There are various types of discharge characterizations, including Honorable, General Other Than Honorable (GOTH), Other Than Honorable (OTH), and Bad Conduct, in addition to Dishonorable. Those with a dishonorable discharge are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law and are not considered veterans, resulting in the loss of veteran benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
A dishonourable discharge is a type of military separation given as a punishment for a felony-level offence during service, whether in the military or civilian jurisdiction. It is considered the most severe type of military discharge and results in the loss of certain benefits and rights.
A dishonourable discharge is given to service members convicted of serious offences that would be considered felonies in the civilian world, or of military offences that warrant severe punishment. These include murder, treason, espionage, homicide, fraud, desertion, and drug distribution.
Individuals with a dishonourable discharge are not legally considered veterans, and therefore generally do not receive veteran benefits, including federal and state benefits. They may also face limitations in post-military career opportunities and be disqualified from certain civilian rights and benefits, such as the right to bear arms, unemployment benefits, and federal student loans.
