Examples of actions that could lead to an other-than-honorable discharge include security violations, use of violence, conviction by a civilian court with a sentence including prison time, or being found guilty of adultery in a divorce hearing (this list is not a definitive list; these are only examples).

Is an oth a dishonorable discharge?

1 In this document, the phrase “other than honorable discharge” refers to specific the administrative military discharge “under other than honorable conditions.” Thus, this term does not encompass punitive discharges (dishonorable discharges, bad-conduct discharges, or officer dismissals), or other types of military …

What is an uncharacterized discharge?

Entry level separations, or uncharacterized discharge, are given to individuals who separate prior to completing 180 days of military service, or when discharge action was initiated prior to 180 days of service. This type of discharge does not attempt to characterize service as good or bad.

Can I get VA benefits with an OTH discharge?

Other than honorable discharge, or OTH discharge, falls under the umbrella of undesirable discharge. This character or service is also called a “bad paper.” However, individuals with this character or service may still qualify for certain VA benefits.

Can a OTH discharge be upgraded?

Upgrading your OTH Discharge is possible if you can show the Discharge Review Board or Board for the Correction of Military Records that your OTH Discharge was either improper or unjust.

Can you get a job with an uncharacterized discharge?

If you are a citizen of the United States or a special class non citizen, you can apply for any Federal Competitive Service position but you will not receive a Veteran preference as you were not separated with an Honorable Discharge.

Can you upgrade an uncharacterized discharge?

Soldiers discharged under Other Than Honorable conditions after 1 October 1982 while in entry level status (less than 6 months service) may request upgrade to an uncharacterized discharge. To do this, write in block 3c “Change to Entry Level Separation”.

Are you considered a veteran with a general discharge?

Under federal law, a veteran is any person who served honorably on active duty in the armed forces of the United States. Discharges marked “general and under honorable conditions” also qualify. They would be considered a veteran no matter how long they served.

Can I get a federal job with an other than honorable discharge?

You can still apply for federal jobs and be hired with an other than honorable discharge. Most federal positions have hundreds of qualified applicants and every bit of your application will matter, so it could make a difference for you, but it isn’t a dis-qualifier.

How hard is it to get a discharge upgraded?

It is very difficult to get a discharge upgrade, so you should submit comprehensive evidence and/or find an attorney to help you submit a complete package. Make sure to request and submit your military records and positive post-service history.

Does entry level separation look bad?

An entry-level separation occurs before a person completes 180 days of service to their branch of the military. In this type of administrative discharge, there is no distinction between the character of separation. Therefore, it is not ‘good’ or ‘bad. ‘

How long do you have to wait for a discharge upgrade?

15 years
How Long Do I Have to Request an Upgrade? You have 15 years from the date of your discharge to apply for an upgrade to your discharge status or the reason for your discharge through the Discharge Review Board (DRB).

What benefits do veterans get with a general discharge?

Veterans who receive general discharges under honorable conditions are entitled to all VA benefits, with the exception of GI Bill education benefits.

Does entry level separation go away?

Entry Level Separation for the Army The policy extends to those within the 180 days of continuous active duty. There may be a 90 day split between active duty in some cases, and a recruit may still meet the 180-day provision.

How long does entry level separation take army?

It will take roughly 1–2 weeks if you have your separation packet and all documents and can fill everything out immediately with the recruiters and they push it out.

Can you upgrade a bad conduct discharge?

Although a positive post-service history is not necessary to succeed, it’s important if you’re trying to upgrade a punitive discharge—a Bad Conduct, Dishonorable, or other discharge imposed after a court-martial. The only basis for upgrading a punitive discharge is clemency.