3.2j UCMJ | Punitive Discharges

From a court-martial, an enlisted member can receive one of two types of discharges. A bad-conduct discharge or a dishonorable discharge. An officer can only receive a dismissal.

Bad-Conduct Discharge

May be adjudged by a general court-martial and by a special court-martial. It is less severe than a dishonorable discharge and is designed as a punishment for bad-conduct rather than as a punishment for serious offenses of either a civilian or military nature.

Dishonorable

Should be reserved for those who should be separated under conditions of dishonor, after having been convicted of offenses usually recognized in civilian jurisdictions as felonies, or of offenses of a military nature requiring severe punishment. This is the worst punitive discharge you could receive.

Dismissal

Applies only to commissioned officers, commissioned warrant officers, cadets, and midshipmen and may be adjudged only by a GCM. A dismissal may be adjudged for any offense of which the member was found guilty.