Enlisted Separations

Enlisted administrative separations may be favorable, such as retirement or honorable separation at the end of an enlistment, or unfavorable, such as separations based on misconduct or unsatisfactory performance; and either voluntary (initiated by the service member) or involuntary (initiated by commander).

Upon separation, a service member receives one of the following discharge characterizations:

• Entry-Level Separation

• Honorable

• Under Honorable Conditions (General)

• Under Other Than Honorable Conditions (UOTHC)

• Order of Release from the Custody and Control of the Service

Dishonorable or bad conduct discharges are punitive and may only result from an approved court-martial sentence.

Commanders should counsel and attempt to rehabilitate service members to improve their chances for retention. Counseling is required for:

• Entry level performance and conduct

• Unsatisfactory performance

• Minor disciplinary infractions

• Pattern of misconduct

• Failure to meet fitness standards

A service member is entitled to a discharge board if the member either has six or more years of service, or if command is seeking an "Under Other Than Honorable Conditions" discharge characterization.