What is the real difference between an honorable, general (under honorable conditions), and under other than honorable discharge?

An Honorable discharge is the best a service member can receive. This characterization tells the world that you served your country and did so successfully. Upon receiving an Honorable discharge, you are eligible to receive all of the post-military and veterans benefits you earned and are eligible.

A General (under honorable conditions) characterization means that you served honorably. You weren’t perfect, though. You might have had military discipline issues, for example: frequently showing up for formation or muster late, or failed alcohol rehabilitation, or you received non-judicial punishment. There is nothing wrong with a General discharge per se, you served honorably. As for benefits, you are eligible to receive all of the post-military and veterans benefits that you earned, including disability compensation from the VA. However, you will lose the ability to use any Post-9/11 GI-Bill benefits you may have earned, and this can amount to a significant sum of money.

An Other than Honorable characterization of service is the most damaging discharge you can receive through the administrative separation process. Regrettably, you will lose your eligibility to receive all post-service military benefits, and all VA benefits but for access to health care for your service-connected injuries, illnesses, and diseases.

My gunny told me to agree to the “OTH” because he said that if I go to the board, the board will give me a worse discharge. Is that true?

Absolutely not! Only a court-martial can adjudge a punitive discharge, such as a BCD or a DD.

Why can’t I have a board?

The Military services have determined that only certain service members are afforded an opportunity to appear before an administrative separation board: (a) service members with more than six (6) years of active federal service (on active duty and in the reserves); and, (b) if the commander is recommending that you be discharged with an Other than Honorable characterization.

What are the pitfalls of an administrative separation?

First of all, when someone tells you not to worry, you can get your discharge upgraded automatically, or easily, that is simply not true. The process of upgrading your discharge at the military service Discharge Review Board is complicated, time consuming, and most assuredly, not guaranteed. You want to get the best discharge possible right when you leave the military. Why? Because until you get your discharge upgraded, you will suffer multiple prejudices and discriminations in the civilian sector and with government agencies. Your DD214 states your characterization of discharge and the reason for discharge. Potential employers may want to see your DD214, and it is required in USA Jobs. Generally, you will not be able to obtain Veterans Affairs (VA) health care if you have an OTH. You can’t be buried in a national cemetery. You may lose your Montgomery or Post 9-11 education benefits. You may not be able to receive VA disability compensation.

How will I know if the military is administratively separating me?

When your commander processes you for separation, you will be notified by your senior non-commissioned officer or a senior petty officer. The notice will tell you:

  • the facts supporting the commander’s recommendation;
  • the characterization of the discharge being recommended: Honorable, General, or Other than Honorable;
  • you have the right to have copies of the documents used to support the commander’s recommendation;
  • you have a right to submit a statement on your behalf;
  • you have the right to have an attorney assist you, either military or civilian;
  • if you have been in the military for more than 6 years, or are being considered for an OTH characterization of discharge, you have the right to appear before a separation board; and
  • if you are not otherwise entitled to a board, you are still permitted to submit evidence on your own behalf , such as a personal statement, character letters, medical evidence, etc.
  • Your understanding of this notice, and the proper execution and election in response is absolutely critical. Depending on the facts of the issues at hand, there may be a significant loss or reduction in post-service military or veterans’ benefits.

What is an administrative separation (Admin Sep)?

Administration separations are usually initiated by commanders because of some misconduct on the part of the Service member. This “misconduct” can range from failing to salute an officer, a positive urinalysis, a lost security clearance, even domestic violence. The process is straightforward, well defined, and often abused in order for commanders to rid themselves of “problem children,” particularly when there isn’t enough evidence to give non-judicial punishment or a court-martial. Military regulations permit a commander to recommend an (early) administrative separation when a Service member commits misconduct.  The commander has to provide documentation of the misconduct, e.g. Captain’s mast, reprimands, any negative counseling, positive urinalysis, an allegation of violence, and a recommendation for a discharge characterization: Honorable, General (under honorable conditions), or Other than Honorable (OTH). A service member can only get a Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) or a Dishonorable Discharge (DD) as the result of a court martial. Once the commander provides you the documentation of intent to separate, you will have the opportunity to respond as to why you should be retained. These documents and your response then go to the separation authority (usually the commanding general) for a separation decision. If the separation authority decides to discharge you, there is a good chance you will be out of the military in less than 10 days.