Does a Dishonorable Discharge Follow You Forever, or Can a Clean Civilian Life Upgrade It to General?

A dishonorable discharge from the military is a serious punitive discharge that carries significant long-term consequences for service members. Once given, this discharge does not automatically change to a general discharge, regardless of a person's subsequent civilian conduct.

Permanent Record

A dishonorable discharge remains part of a veteran's military record and can have far-reaching consequences:

Employment Opportunities: It can significantly impact employment prospects.
Professional Licenses: May affect the ability to obtain certain professional licenses.
Eligibility for Veterans Benefits: Leads to ineligibility for a range of VA benefits, such as healthcare and education assistance, which can negatively impact a person's quality of life.

Upgrading Discharges

While a dishonorable discharge itself does not automatically change to a general discharge, individuals can apply to a relevant military board for a discharge upgrade. This process typically requires demonstrating:

The circumstances surrounding the discharge were unjust. The individual has shown significant rehabilitation and positive contributions to society since the discharge.

It is important to note that achieving a general discharge through this process is extremely difficult and is not automatically granted based on civilian conduct or a clean record.

The Appeal Process

The only way to upgrade a dishonorable discharge is to appeal it in front of a board of active-duty officers. You must present strong, clear evidence that the facts of the court martial charges that led to the DD were incorrect. Having a clean record as a civilian does not hold any weight in this appeal. It is an extremely difficult and lengthy process, and I highly recommend anyone attempting this to hire a military attorney.

Impact on Family and Legacy

It is important to recognize that a dishonorable discharge affects not just an individual but also their family and future generations. In some ways, even death does not erase the stigma:

Children and Grandchildren: They will know that a family member had a dishonorable discharge, which can affect their reputation and the love and respect they receive. Family Honesty: The act of obtaining a dishonorable discharge is a clear indication of very serious actions while in the military, making it impossible to do so without significant implications. Personal Reflections: Reflecting on one's enlistment can be complex, as it may have been a product of doubts and missteps.

Each service member's experience is unique, but the respect and memory associated with a dishonorable discharge are often tainted by the actions that led to it. It is essential to acknowledge and address the challenges and motivations that led to such a decision.

Conclusion:

In summary, a dishonorable discharge does not convert to a general discharge based solely on civilian life. However, individuals can pursue an upgrade through the appropriate channels, though it is a challenging and often lengthy process.

Keywords: dishonorable discharge, general discharge, military record