I'm getting a special court martial with a bad conduct discharge for a dirty UA. How will this effect me when I get out? How long is it on my record for and how is it looked upon?

It will never "go away". When you're discharged from the military, you will get a paper called a DD214. This paper is very important, you will need to keep it for life, it is what releases you from your obligation to the military. The DD214 states all important factors of your service-when you enlisted, when you were released, the condition of your discharge, any honors/medals you earned and any schooling you completed. It is your proof of accomplishment in the military and it will be your proof that you are no longer obligated to the military, it is what is expected (an absolute standard) of you to turn over when proving your military experience/service and that your service is terminated. So... if you are applying for a job, you may have to provide your DD214 to prove that you are no longer obligated to the service, and the potential employer will see that your discharge was less than Honorable. If you want to use your military experience and education for the purpose of getting a job, the employer will want the DD214, as it is basically a "transcript" for your education/training and your "job reference" for your military career. When you use your military career as part of your resume, the DD214 is your proof and reference-the military isn't like a typical job reference in which they will call your boss, the DD214 takes care of that. It's probable that anytime a background check is done (for a job or an apartment for example), they will see this information.

When you process out, all this and more will be explained very thorouhly. You'll go through some classes and have a lot of instruction and you'll be given tons of paperwork, your medical records etc.. And you'll be guided on the transition back to civilian life. There are a lot of military publications on the subject of transitioning back to civilian life, you'll likely be given a virtual library on it.

A Dishonorable Discharge is, honestly, VERY bad.

You have made yourself completely ineligible for nearly every single benefit afforded to veterans.

Don't listen to him. I have a Bad conduct Discharge (it was in my 2nd enlistment) and I still get all of my Va benefits. These clowns wish you didt get anything but if your first enlistment was good then your locked in for your Gi bill, Home loan, etc.

I'm having a hell of a time getting the ball rolling on my GI Bill and am seeking some advice from people who have gone through some of the same problems. I was discharged September of last year with a BCD from the Marine Corps after serving almost 7 years, my first enlistment was honorable but because it was continuous service I can't get a DD214 for the first enlistment. The VA is saying that I need a DD214 from my first enlistment to receive my benefits but the Marine Corps says they can't get me one, anyone have any suggestions on how I go about fixing this?

That sounds strange. Personally it shouldn't matter when you got your BCD. The main thing is you had to have received an favorable discharge. Example. First discharge is good. You reenlist then get BCD. You will still get benefits because you did your part on the first contract to get your benefits. If you were in less than 3 years though you can have problems. The dd 214 I gave to VA said BCD but I met the obligations because of the first enlistment so theirs nothing they can do. . I've been getting the GI Bill for over 2 years now.

Under the law, you must make your application for discharge upgrade within 15 years of discharge. If your discharge is older than 15 years, you must apply for a change to your military records. Application is a simple process. You should use a DD Form 293, Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of the United States. In addition to downloading the form, The DD Form 293 is available at most DoD installations and regional offices of the Veterans Administration, or by writing to:

You will need to get this form and do everything on it says to try to get dicharged upgraded.

In 1990 I received a bcd for having sex with two men who wanted out of the military. I refused to confess so I had an informant take me to a hotel, while I was drunk and he undressed me and that night I spent 59 days in Jail.I appealed my discharge and with a 3 week notice had to appear in Georgia on an Army base. I was one vote shy of an upgrade. I need my va benefits I am HIV, I have lost everything, I have no Top Secret clearance so my options for employment have been well, I am ready to just cuit my wrist. Does anyone care> Clinton states she will help other countries. I have had this since 1990 help me remove this. I did nothing wrong. But I have suffered for way to long. [email protected]

My son has a BCD instead of getting medical care for TBI and PTSD. He needs medical attention for injuries sustained in Baghdad 2003. Any way out of a BCD.

This is correct. I have a BCD from my second enlistment, but I had a good discharge on my first. I closed on my new home on April 19th with a VA loan. I am 52 years old and never applied because I listened to people who did not know what they were talking about. This is the direct number to the VA Home Loan Department 888 244-6711 These are the folks who issure you your Certificate of Eligibility. Very helpful and friendly people. I've found out that it's best to call and find out for yourself instead of listening to "jailhouse lawyers"