Military discharge

Other types of discharge are based on factors such as the quality of their service, whether their service had to be ended prematurely due to humanitarian or medical reasons, whether they had been found to have drug or alcohol dependency issues and whether they were complying with treatment and counseling, and whether they had demerits or punishments for infractions or were convicted of any crimes.

Army officers and other ranks must be interviewed by at least one of the following: Individuals in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines who are not due for compulsory retirement but who wish to leave the Service, for whatever reason, before reaching the end of their Commission/Career/Engagement may apply for Early Termination, provided the conditions outlined in Chapter 54 of BR 3 - Naval Personnel Management are met.

For officers of the trained strength, recommendations for termination of a commission must generally be reviewed by the Admiralty Board.

[15] Enlisting in the US military generally entails an eight-year commitment, served with a combination of active and reserve service.

However, this type of discharge often attaches a reason such as pregnancy, performance in training, or medical issues.

During the drafting of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, the House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Elaine Luria's amendment to accompany H.R.6395 that required the United States Armed Forces to report on the number of service members subject to the misuse of the uncharacterized discharge since 2001.

For instance, service members rendered physically or psychologically incapable of performing assigned duties normally have their service characterized as honorable, regardless of whether they incurred the condition or disability in the line of duty, provided they otherwise met or exceeded standards.

The service member is normally required to sign a statement acknowledging receipt and understanding of the notification of pending discharge memorandum.

In the case of drug-related offenses, the person is also advised of the right to seek counsel and present supporting statements.

In addition, service members are required to sign documents acknowledging that "substantial prejudice in civilian life" may be encountered under a general discharge.

[22] Federal and state laws, such as Illinois through the Illinois Human Rights Act,[23] prohibit discrimination against a veteran from housing or employment on the basis of unfavorable discharge from military service, as long as a veteran does not receive a dishonorable discharge.

A UOTHC (often further abbreviated and referred to as a "UO") discharge represents a significant departure from the conduct and performance expected of all military members, and is issued for more serious or repeated misconduct, such as assaults, security violations, excessive trouble with authorities, and illegal possession, use, or sale of drugs.

In some cases, certain statutory and regulatory bars may not apply, and a servicemember may still be allowed access to VA benefits and services.

Veterans with Other Than Honorable discharges who are deemed "Dishonorable for VA Purposes" because of a regulatory bar may still qualify for health care, but only for service-related condition or injuries.

In most states, a dishonorable discharge is deemed the equivalent of a felony conviction, with the concomitant loss of many civil rights.

[28] Per the Gun Control Act of 1968, being dishonorably discharged is also a disqualifying question on ATF Form 4473, which must be completed and signed to purchase a firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee, and in most cases will result in a denial by the Brady background check that must be performed and passed to allow a sale.

Most appeals are rejected,[33] however, and changes are authorized only if it can be proven the service member was unfairly denied an honorable characterization.

Any punitive discharge adjudged by a court-martial is automatically reviewed by a military appellate court for each respective branch.

The member is considered on active duty and is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice while on appellate leave.

If more than 15 years have passed since discharge, appeals must be directed to the Board For Correction of Military/Naval Records of the respective service.

The BCM/NR hears a wide array of appeals and correction requests, and can be utilized by Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, retired and discharged veterans alike.

The Individual Ready Reserve does not drill or receive pay; however, a member in IRR status can be recalled to active duty during time of war or national emergency until the 8 years have expired.

Most members separating with an honorable discharge after completing a single term of service (typically 3–6 years) are transferred to the IRR for the remainder of the 8-year MSO.

It can be denied, especially if the "long" version references facts that violate the right to privacy or could be used in a discriminatory fashion (such as non-relevant psychological, medical, or disability issues) explicitly cited as illegal by federal or state hiring laws.

[34] The Freedom of Information Act has made (limited) records of military service available to the public, on request.

During wartime the American military have often issued special insignia to honorably discharged veterans to wear on their uniforms, in order to distinguish them from local service personnel or deserters.

The Army issued red Discharge Chevrons during and after World War One (1917–1919) that were worn point-up on the lower right sleeve of the tunic or overcoat.

Just before and just after World War Two (September 1939 – December 1946) the Army issued the Honorable Discharge Insignia (or "Ruptured Duck").

It was an eagle in a circle badge sewn in yellow thread on an olive drab diamond that was worn over the right breast pocket on the "Class A" dress tunic.

Since 1916 the Marine Corps has issued an Honorable Discharge Lapel Button that is meant to be worn with civilian clothes.