The United States military is known for its strict rules and high standards. Yet, there are times when a service member might be forced to leave the armed forces. This article will look at the ways someone can be removed from military service. We’ll also cover the different types of discharges and what happens with a dishonorable discharge.
Key Takeaways
- The military has specific procedures and reasons for discharging service members, ranging from misconduct to failure to meet performance standards.
- A dishonorable discharge is the most severe form of dismissal, leading to the loss of veteran benefits and potential legal consequences.
- Violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, criminal offenses, substance abuse, and insubordination can all result in a service member being kicked out of the military.
- Unauthorized absence or desertion can also lead to a discharge, with desertion potentially resulting in court-martial and imprisonment.
- Medical and psychological disqualifications can also be grounds for discharge, as the military requires its members to meet certain physical and mental health standards.
Understanding Military Discharge Procedures
Leaving the military is a big step that affects a service member’s future. The discharge process has different types, each with its own effects. These types of discharges matter a lot for the person’s future.
Types of Discharges
There are a few main types of military discharges:
- Honorable Discharge: This is the best kind of discharge. It goes to those who served well and showed great conduct.
- General Discharge: This is for those who did okay but had some small issues during their time in service.
- Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge: An OTH discharge is for those who broke rules or couldn’t meet service standards.
- Dishonorable Discharge: This is the worst kind of discharge. It’s for serious crimes found through a court-martial.
Consequences of Dishonorable Discharge
A dishonorable discharge is very serious. It’s a punishment for a big crime against the military code. This discharge can take away benefits, make finding a job hard, and even lead to federal criminal charges.
The dishonorable discharge stays on a record forever. It makes it hard for the person to adjust back to civilian life.
Violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice
Serving in the military means following the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) closely. This code is the main law for the military. Breaking it can lead to serious actions, like being kicked out of the armed forces. The military takes these offenses seriously because they hurt the trust and discipline needed for success.
The UCMJ lists many criminal acts and misconduct that can get a service member discharged. These include:
- Insubordination and disrespect towards superior officers
- Absence without leave (AWOL) or desertion
- Assault, battery, or other acts of violence
- Theft, fraud, or misusing government property
- Drug and alcohol misuse, including illegal possession or sharing
- Not following orders or rules
- Not doing duties or being careless in tasks
How serious the violation is and the situation can lead to different punishments. These range from non-judicial punishment to a court-martial. In the worst cases, a conviction might lead to a dishonorable discharge. This has big legal and social effects on the person.
All military members must know and follow the UCMJ closely. Not doing so can harm your military career and affect your life outside of work. If you’re facing a UCMJ violation, get legal advice to help you through the process and protect your rights.
Misconduct and Criminal Offenses
Serving in the military means you have special duties and expectations. Most service members act with the highest conduct. But, some do not and commit misconduct or criminal offenses. These actions can lead to serious consequences, like being discharged from the military.
Serious Crimes and Court Martial
For the most serious misconduct, like assault or drug trafficking, a court-martial might happen. In a court-martial, a military judge and peers review the case. They decide the punishment, which could be jail time, fines, or a dishonorable discharge.
Minor Infractions and Disciplinary Actions
Service members can also face punishment for smaller issues, like being late or disobeying orders. These cases might get a non-judicial punishment. This could be a reprimand, a lower rank, or being discharged, but not a full court-martial.
It’s crucial for all service members to know the risks of misconduct and criminal offenses. These actions can greatly affect their military career and future. Keeping high standards of conduct is key to serving in the armed forces.
Substance Abuse and Addiction Issues
Substance abuse, whether with illegal drugs or misused prescription meds, is a big problem for military service members. The military has a strict no-tolerance policy on it. This is because it can harm the health, safety, and readiness of the troops.
Soldiers caught using substances may face serious consequences. These include:
- Administrative separation from the military
- Court-martial proceedings and potential incarceration
- Loss of security clearances and career advancement opportunities
The military has rules to stop substance abuse and help those struggling with addiction. Service members who seek help can avoid harsher penalties. The military values rehabilitation and prevention.
But, if someone keeps using substances or doesn’t follow treatment plans, they could face a less-than-honorable discharge. This can affect their future job and personal life a lot.
The military’s tough stance on substance abuse shows how serious it is. It highlights the need for service members to keep up the high standards of conduct and readiness.
Insubordination and Dereliction of Duty
In the military, disobeying orders and neglecting duties are big no-nos. They can lead to serious consequences, like being kicked out of service. Insubordination means not following orders or disrespecting those above you. It’s against the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Dereliction of duty means not doing your job. This could be anything from not keeping your gear in check to leaving your post. Both insubordination and dereliction of duty are big problems in the military. They can lead to serious trouble for the person involved.
Disobeying Orders and Disrespect
Ignoring a lawful order from someone above you is a big deal. This includes not following through, ignoring orders, or questioning your commander’s authority. Showing disrespect, either with words or actions, is also a form of insubordination.
- Not following orders can get you court-martialed and might even get you discharged.
- Respecting a superior can lead to being demoted, locked up, or getting a bad conduct discharge.
Keeping discipline and following orders is key in the military. Insubordination and neglecting duties can really hurt the military’s structure. They can put everyone’s safety and success at risk.
How Can You Get Kicked Out of the Military?
Serving in the military is a noble and rewarding career. It comes with unique responsibilities and expectations. There are several ways a service member can be discharged or “kicked out” of the military. Knowing these can help active-duty personnel stay committed to their duties and avoid problems.
One main reason for discharge is breaking the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This set of laws covers all military personnel. Breaking these laws can lead to court-martial and dismissal.
Misconduct and criminal offenses can also lead to dismissal. Serious crimes like assault, theft, or drug trafficking can result in a dishonorable discharge. This can have severe effects on a person’s future. Even small infractions, like disobeying orders or neglecting duties, can cause disciplinary actions, possibly ending in a less-than-honorable discharge.
Substance abuse and addiction can also threaten a service member’s career. The military has a strict no-tolerance policy on illegal drugs. Using illegal drugs or abusing prescription drugs or alcohol can lead to dismissal.
Insubordination and neglecting duties, like disobeying orders or disrespecting superiors, are serious issues. These can cause a service member to be “kicked out” of the military.
The military also expects high standards in physical fitness and training. Not meeting these standards can lead to discharge. Unauthorized absences or desertion can also cause discharge.
To avoid being “kicked out,” service members should always uphold the highest standards of conduct. They should stay physically ready and committed to their duties and responsibilities. This way, they can have a rewarding and successful military career.
Failure to Meet Performance Standards
Serving in the military means you must be fully committed. You need to keep up with high performance standards. If you can’t do this, you might get discharged.
Physical Fitness and Training Requirements
Each branch has its own fitness standards. You must pass fitness tests and keep a healthy weight. You also need to be able to do important combat tasks. Not meeting these standards can lead to disciplinary actions or even a dishonorable discharge.
- Regular physical fitness assessments, including tests for cardio, strength, and endurance
- Achieving and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage
- Demonstrating proficiency in essential combat-related skills, such as marksmanship, land navigation, and combat maneuvers
If you don’t meet these standards, you might get extra training and counseling. But if you still can’t improve, you could be discharged from the military.
Unauthorized Absence or Desertion
Leaving your post without permission or not returning from leave is a serious offense. This is known as unauthorized absence. If a service member does this on purpose and stays away for a long time, it’s called desertion.
Consequences of Desertion
Desertion is a very serious crime in the military. It can lead to harsh punishments. These include:
- Court-martial and possible imprisonment
- Punitive discharge, such as a dishonorable discharge or bad conduct discharge
- Forfeiture of pay and allowances
- Potential loss of veterans’ benefits
The punishment for desertion depends on the situation. But, the military takes it very seriously. Desertion can ruin a service member’s career and affect their life after the military.
Service members need to know how serious unauthorized absence and desertion are. They can face big legal problems if they leave their post. It’s important to follow military rules to have a successful career.
Medical and Psychological Disqualifications
Serving in the military is not just about being strong physically. It’s also about being mentally and emotionally fit. The military has strict rules for the health of its people. If someone has certain health issues, they might not be able to stay in the military.
Checking if someone is fit for the military is a detailed process. Service members get regular check-ups to make sure they’re up to par. Issues like serious mental health problems, drug use, or physical issues that make it hard to do their job can lead to being discharged.
- Mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and PTSD can stop someone from serving if they can’t do their job well.
- Using drugs or alcohol too much can also lead to being discharged if the person can’t stop or meet the military’s standards.
- Physical problems, like constant pain or issues that need ongoing medical care, can stop someone from serving if they can’t keep up with their duties.
Deciding to discharge someone for health reasons is a big decision. The military wants to help its people and give them the support they need. But sometimes, the military’s needs come first, and discharging someone is the best choice.
Dealing with health issues that could lead to discharge is tough for service members and their families. Knowing about the process and what might happen can help people plan for the future. It can make leaving the military easier if that’s what happens.
Conclusion
Serving in the military means you must act with honor, integrity, and discipline. Being “kicked out” or discharged can hurt your reputation and lead to losing benefits and chances. We’ve looked at why people might leave the military, like breaking rules, substance abuse, or not meeting standards.
To avoid being separated, it’s key to know and follow the military’s rules and expectations. Staying true to military values helps you stay in good standing. Remember, being discharged is a big decision. It’s important to always put your duty and professionalism first.
As you move through your military career, always be alert and aim for the best. Never forget the honor and duty that come with your uniform. This way, you’ll stay in the military and make a positive difference for your team, community, and country.