Military discharge ends a person’s period of service in the armed forces. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States receive one of five types of discharges: (1) honorable, (2) general, (3) undesirable, (4) bad conduct, and (5) dishonorable.
Honorable discharges are issued to all those whose military behavior has been proper and whose performance of duty has been “proficient and industrious.” A person holding such a discharge is entitled to all benefits available to veterans.
General discharges are given to those whose military records do not entitle them to an honorable discharge. A general discharge may be issued if a person has been found guilty by a general court-martial. Veterans with general discharges are eligible for the same benefits as those holding honorable discharges.
Undesirable discharges are given to people considered unfit for military service. They cancel many veteran benefits and prohibit reenlistment in any service.
Bad conduct discharges are given for reasons such as absence without leave, insubordination, and destruction of private property. A bad conduct discharge deprives the holder of all veteran benefits and certain citizenship rights.
Dishonorable discharges may be given for such reasons as theft, desertion, and destruction of government property. They cancel all veteran benefits and some citizenship rights.
