Other Discharges

Applying for CO status is a long and complicated process. You may want to consider seeking a different discharge that could be processed more quickly. However, the military will usually try to construe any claims for other discharges as evidence of an "ulterior motive" for your CO claim. Be prepared to show in your claim and answer questions at your hearing about why your CO claim is not just a try for any discharge you can get. And be careful that any discharge claims you make don't contradict your CO claim. While this isn't likely, if it happens it could damage your CO claim. And your CO claim is, at bottom, what's most important. It may also be the claim that's most likely to succeed.

This chapter does not deal with the Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) or Dishonorable Discharge (DD). These are "punitive" discharges which can result only from special or general court-martial. Instead, this chapter talks about "administrative" separations. Conscientious objection leads to an administrative discharge "for the convenience of the government." But there are several other administrative separations which might apply to you. This chapter may also be helpful to friends of yours who are not conscientious objectors but want an early discharge.

Getting an early discharge isn't easy. Before you try to get any of the discharges described in this chapter, contact the GI Rights Hotline at (800) 394-9544. This is very important because the procedures for discharge are often complicated. A counselor can discuss the various discharges with you, help you decide which is best for you, explain procedures, work with you to gather the necessary documents, and support you throughout the process.

Entry Level Performance and Conduct

Hardship or Dependency

Disability

Other Physical and Mental Conditions

Homosexual Conduct (Don't Ask, Don't Tell)

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Parenthood

Surviving Son or Daughter

Erroneous and Defective Enlistment

Under Age

Unsatisfactory Performance

Misconduct

Separation In Lieu of Court-Martial ("For the Good of the Service")

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