Getting a chapter 14-12C (Gen under Honorable). How screwed am I?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 23:31:50 -0500

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 12:20 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 00:20:20 -0500

If I’m not mistaken, the worst part about a general discharge is no college. That is an opinion though. Google is a powerful tool. There’s a chart out there that shows what kind of benefits you are still eligible for with each discharge. Good Luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 5:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 05:17:11 -0500

Depends what it was for and specifically what you mean by "screwed"

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Dec 11 at 2019 8:49 AM

MSG Gary Eckert — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:49:05 -0500

Under characterization of service your DD Form 214 will read Under Honorable Conditions (General) so when asked if you received an Honorable Discharge you must answer no. Most people shorten this Discharge to General when talking about it. I don't think this has much effect on your VA benefits; however, there are significant other benefits available for those that receive an Honorable Discharge. More significant will be the Reason for Discharge and your SPD code. They will reflect that your were separated for Misconduct (serious offense). The items only show up on the "long" copies of your DD Form 214 but the underlying offense still exists. You should start planning how you are going to answer the hiring manager's question about why you didn't complete your initial enlistment.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 9:12 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:12:54 -0500

My only wish is that young people like yourself would think about the possible ramifications BEFORE doing whatever it is that you do to receive this type of discharge. Man i wish you luck, but this sounds like it needs to be addressed with your legal team. They would definitely be able to provide you a clearer picture of what your future may hold. I know it will be tougher than if you would have just done the right thing and gotten an honorable discharge, but not impossible.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 11 at 2019 9:30 AM

SPC Stewart Smith — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:30:49 -0500

It's not a dishonorable discharge. You will still be able to collect VA benefits. How "screwed" are you? Entirely "screwed" with a negative attitude; not "screwed" at all with a positive attitude. This sounds like a 'circle jerk' response, but it isn't. You need to think about the positives. Complete a degree program, get a job, learn from your actions and bring them through to your civilian life. LEARN from your actions. Understand that the army wasn't there to punish you and learn what you can do to prevent the same type of civilian punishment.
"Punishment" on the civilian side is typically worse and you'll find yourself struggling to keep a job. You gotta stay positive. Learn from your experiences. Understand that people aren't out to get you. Do the best you can wherever you go.

EDIT: I just looked it up and it looks like you will not be able to receive GI Bill benefits, but in some situations you will be able to.
"While recipients of a General Discharge will receive entitlement to benefits such as VA medical and dental services, VA home loans and burial in national cemeteries, they will not receive educational benefits under either the Montgomery or Post-9/11 GI Bill."

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 9:40 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:40:33 -0500

Have you spoken with Legal yet? You are afforded an opportunity to seek Legal when getting Chaptered.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Dec 11 at 2019 9:57 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:57:48 -0500

Its pretty serious. No VA benefits with a general discharge. That is HUGE and will be even more important in the long term. Your changes of getting a security clearance in the civilian world just went down the toilet as well, so you will never work any kind of government job. In fact any real job application you ever fill out will ask you about your military service and what kind of discharge you received and you will have to explain why it wasn't honorable. On a brighter note though, you are not entirely fucked. In a few years you can apply for a review and upgrade. I suggest you seriously try to make that happen, unless you like menial labor jobs.

Response by SFC M Thomas made Dec 11 at 2019 1:43 PM

SFC M Thomas — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:43:51 -0500

First, I am going presume that your Brigade Commander has made the final decision on the type of your discharge, and hope that you are going/or have gone to TDS to consult with Defense Counsel.

Next I would refer you to the link I have provided, which basically outlines the chapter process and your rights: (this is not a substitute for seeking counsel)

https://www.carson.army.mil/assets/docs/tds/chapter-14-information-paper.pdf

Lastly, as MSG Watschinger has stated, although the details of your discharge only appear on your long form, civilian employers will know that a GEN discharge is an indicator that you experienced misconduct, of some type, while in the military. While some employers may give you a chance at redemption, others may not be willing.

I hope you take time to reflect and learn, and I wish you well.

chapter-14-information-paper.pdf

Response by SFC M Thomas made Dec 11 at 2019 1:59 PM

SFC M Thomas — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:59:24 -0500

I would like to correct myself about my misquote. MSG Eckert made the comment regarding discharge type showing on the long-list. Apologies

Response by SPC Shawn Campbell made Dec 11 at 2019 6:48 PM

SPC Shawn Campbell — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:48:57 -0500

I imagine the single biggest thing that will screw you. Is having to put that on your job applications. That and possibly not qualifying for GI Bill.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Dec 12 at 2019 5:08 PM

SGT Robert Pryor — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 17:08:07 -0500

As a former Veterans Service Representative with San Bernardino County Department of Veterans Affairs (California), I can assure you that most of the responses with regards to veterans benefits in this thread are incorrect. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs, your local County Veterans Service Office, or a Veterans Service Organization (VFW. The American Legion, Amvets, DAV, etc.) for the most up to date information. A General Discharge under Honorable Conditions is not a bar to VA benefits. In fact, while an Undesirable Discharge under less than honorable conditions is usually a bar to benefits, the VA will make a determination on a case by case basis as to whether sch a discharge is in fact a bar to benefits. VA may indeed grant benefits to a veteran with an UD. Waivers are frequently granted when the veteran served in combat, especially when WIA, if the VA feels that the behavior that resulted in the UD can somehow be shown to be related to PTSD as a result of combat service. With a proven combat TBI the VA almost always grants the waiver. Now as for how the military is going to treat you, the advice to contact your legal team is spot on, but know this, if you want to find out about veterans benefits NEVER ask the military -- not even your legal team. DOD is not the department that administers those programs. It is the Department of Veterans Affairs so get the straight facts the the horse's mouth -- VA. Then there is the whole issue of state veterans benefits. For example, here in Texas a UD is not a bar to disabled veterans' property tax exemption, as long as the veteran can submit a recent VA letter certifying their qualifying service connected disability rating. Check the state laws where you intend to live.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Dec 12 at 2019 7:20 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 19:20:00 -0500

Getting a good job will be a problem. Most employers ask the question if you are a veteran and type of discharge. You might be asked about your discharge at a job interview. You are not screwed but you might have to start at the bottom of the job market. However, there are exceptions which some people with exceptional skills have gone from the bottom to the top of their professions.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 10:16 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2020 22:16:25 -0400

You only lose your GI Bill. You qualify for all other Benefits.

Response by SrA Rick Tarango made Dec 19 at 2020 11:58 AM

SrA Rick Tarango — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 11:58:59 -0500

I received a General Under Honorable Discharge during my second enlistment in the mid 80's due to DUI's. Excelled at my job but sucked in my personal life. Long time ago, different person. Been sober for over 30 years now. My GUH discharge has affected my life zero! I have held contract jobs with companies working for DOD that required secret clearances . No problem. My training in the AF has supplied my income all my life post discharge. Only one employer has asked about my discharge and that was in the 80's. I have bought 2 homes using my benefits with out issue. In my time we had VEEP not the GI bill so I don't know how education is affected. Life goes on.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Dec 19 at 2020 1:55 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 13:55:17 -0500

Depends on your potential employer, and the circumstances. Either way it leads to questions and it’s certainly not a plus.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Dec 23 at 2021 3:02 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 15:02:03 -0500

If I’m a prospective employer I’m asking some questions.