This discharge is usually given after administrative separation board based most commonly for failure of a drug or alcohol urinalysis test, but also can be based upon other misconduct. The next type of discharge is an Other Than Honorable or an OTH. Also the myriad of veteran's benefits described above is not generally available to an individual with this type of discharge. While a veteran can say they received a general discharge under honorable conditions, the type of misconduct, for example drug abuse, clearly delineated on the discharge is not particularly impressive to future employers. This code is on a scale from 1-4, with 1 being acceptable for further service, 2, or 3 acceptable for future service with waiver(s) and 4 being ineligible for future reenlistment. Also included is a separation code in line 26 of the form, which corresponds to the narrative reason for separation. Often this can be stated as simply as misconduct (drug abuse) in line 28 of the DD 214.

The problem with this type of discharge is several-fold, first the narrative reason for separation is explained. This can include drug or alcohol abuse or another of a long list of reasons. This type of discharge is given for a veritable laundry list of reasons. The next type of discharge is a General Under Honorable Conditions.

These benefits include, but are not limited to, educational grants and loans, home grants and loans, business loans, and job preference benefits. This type of discharge also is key to being eligible for a host of veteran's benefits provided by federal, state and sometimes even local governments. Most individuals and employers want to see an Honorable Discharge indicated in line 24's Character of Service in the DD 214. The holder of such a discharge cannot expect to receive any veteran's benefits. This ELD is called a non-characterized discharge because the type of service is not characterized. An ELD is given to Soldiers within the first 180 days of an initial enlistment, and is given for any number of reasons … failure to conform, participate, mental health issues, physical issues, or others. This sixth type of discharge is called an Entry Level Discharge.

My experience has shown that there are actually six. These would be in descending order from most favorable to least favorable Honorable, General (under Honorable Conditions), Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct Discharge, and Dishonorable Discharge. Many sources claim that there are five levels or grades of discharges. This article attempts to give you some basic information that you can review prior to asking more questions or seeking more guidance. From time to time I am asked by commanders, Non-Commissioned Officers, Soldiers, and others entitled to legal assistance, about DD Form 214 and the effects various types of discharges can have.

Blank dd214 usmc