Rejoining the Military After a Dishonorable Discharge: Possibilities and Constraints

The military discharge process is complex and varies significantly based on individual circumstances. If a person is dishonorably discharged, their chances of rejoining any branch of the military of their home country are slim. Let's delve into the specifics of this situation.

Eligibility and Reenlistment

It is extremely unlikely that a person with a dishonorable discharge can reenlist in any branch of the military. A dishonorable discharge indicates a severe lack of conduct and a significant violation of military protocol, akin to a felony conviction in civilian life. This makes it almost impossible for the military to overlook such a record and trust the individual with military service again.

Some key factors contribute to this decision:

Reason for the Discharge: The specific reason for the dishonorable discharge, such as a criminal offense, desertion, or other serious misconduct, plays a critical role. Recruitment Policies: Different countries and military branches may have varying policies regarding the acceptance of dishonorably discharged individuals. Rehabilitation: If the discharge was due to a temporary incident that has since been rectified (e.g., a conviction overturned by new evidence), there may be more flexibility.

VA Benefits and Veterans Preference

Prior to reenlistment, individuals with a dishonorable discharge will forfeit VA education benefits. Additionally, they may also lose out on other benefits such as housing assistance or job placement services. For employment purposes, veterans with dishonorable discharges often do not qualify for veteran employment preference in civil service positions.

In the rare scenario where the discharge is overturned due to new evidence or changed circumstances, certain benefits might be reinstated, but reenlistment remains highly improbable.

Types of Military Discharges

There are several types of military discharges, including:

Honorable discharge: Indicates completion of service with no major violations. General discharge: Indicates a service member who did not meet the standards required for an honorable discharge but did not exhibit any conduct that would prompt an other than honorable (OTH) discharge. Other than honorable discharge (OTH): Reflects serious misconduct or failure to meet the standards required for a general or honorable discharge. Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD): Indicated by a court-martial conviction for a crime, resulting in legal action but not resulting in discharge from the service. Summary Discharge: Issued by commanding officers for minor infractions that do not rise to the level of a court-martial or BCD.

An important point to note is that an OTH discharge typically marks a significant incident or series of incidents that preclude further enlistment. However, in exceptional cases, if the continued service was for a reason that has since been reversed, there might be a chance to reevaluate eligibility.

Considerations for Future Service

For those seeking to rejoin the military, the following factors should be considered:

Age Requirements: Military branches have specific age limits for enlistment, and an OTH discharge may affect eligibility depending on why the discharge occurred. Country-Specific Policies: Policies vary between countries. Some countries may not consider previous military service, while others might see it as a stark indicator of a person's unsuitability for further service. Citizenship and Immigration Status: Most countries only accept citizens or official immigrants for military service. Dual citizens might have a better chance, but this varies by country.

Overall, while reenlistment after a dishonorable discharge is very unlikely, it is not entirely impossible. Individuals would need to work through the complexities of their past, demonstrate rehabilitation or new circumstances, and navigate the policies of the specific military branch and country they wish to rejoin. This process can be complex and may involve several layers of approval and review.