I received an other than honorable because my unit said i had too many U's. What happened is that i sent in my IRR paperwork (My mom was extremely sick and I had two minors) and they said that it was completed so i thought i didn't have to report to anyone until they contacted me. Long story short i lost my job and was homeless for a bit so i didn't get any of the letters they claimed that i signed for and received. I have all the paperwork proof that i signed and they emailed saying they received it and processed it. Anyways could you please let me know how i can get this upgraded. Also how do i show proof of service for a job I'm currently applying for. I only have case files and memorandums nothing else that shows my time of service and discharge status. Thanks for the help
Answers
Dear Nichole,
I am not a subject matter expert in this area, but the following advice that I offered to another Member might in some assist you as well:
The Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge does not in itself exclude you from all benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs has their own criteria for determining what benefits, if any, they will extend to you. I suggest that you contact any one of the several veteran service organizations, like Disabled American Veterans (DAV) (www.dav.org), before you apply for benefits.
The DAV services are free and membership is not required. You will be asked to complete two forms-- one to request a copy of your complete service record, and the other to notify the VA that DAV (or another veteran service organization, or legal counsel) will be representing you.
Unfortunately, the OTH discharge does exclude you from a lot of other valuable benefits like the 5- or 10-point veterans' preference, which can sometimes put you at the top of the list when competing with non-veterans for Federal employment.
For this and other reasons, you may want to have your discharge reviewed for possible upgrade, if you have not already appealed the decision. The following website might provide you with additional information on what to expect: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/dischargeupg.htm.
Sincerely,
Bob Jurasek
As long as the OTH discharge occurred within the past 15 years, vets can appeal to their branch's Discharge Review Board by filing a DD Form 293. Older discharges would have to be reviewed by a Board for Correction for Military or Naval Records. This is an administrative discharge not criminal by any means. This should stop you from pursuing your dreams of a great life. You don't have to settle for fast food or chain store jobs.
Hi Nichole -
You can put together a petition package and submit to get an appointment with a review board.
I would be remiss if I did not accurately set your expectations. The people on the board who would interview you during your hearing would not be sympathetic for your being AWOL. When you miss a troop movement or fail to attend your scheduled reserve exercises, you are absent without leave. It is not the Army's responsibility to ensure your attendance and your failure to appear for your service which you signed a contract to do.
Having an OTH discharge is not the end of the world ; it just disqualifies you from certain jobs. Food service (McDonalds, Burger King, etc) do not require proof of military service and I'm sure you can find someplace that will accept you. Also, big box stores (Walmart, Target, Petsmart, BestBuy) would have some place for you to work.
Water is under the bridge, so best thing to do, is make lemonade from the lemons.
Hope this helps, and wish you the best.
JG
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