You always knew you wanted to join the military as a kid and you made that dream come to fruition. You’ve now served for several years and have done a few tours.
Your military career means everything to you and you’re not sure what you’d do without it. Unfortunately, you’re facing the prospect of being discharged from the military. Why might this be the case and what can you do about it?
Dishonorable discharge
Your conduct is crucial when serving in the military and anything that is deemed to be malfeasance will be taken very seriously. For instance, if you’ve been accused of a criminal offense, you could face a court martial and a dishonorable discharge. You’ll also be expected to carry out certain orders and report for duty at specific times. If you fail to carry out these instructions, you may be reprimanded and subsequently discharged.
Medical discharge
Not all discharges are related to your behavior. If you have suffered an injury that your superiors believe makes you unfit to serve, you may face a medical discharge. On top of physical ailments, this also includes mental conditions that have the potential to prevent you from carrying out your duties effectively.
What are your options?
Whether you are facing a military discharge due to alleged misconduct or medical reasons, you have a right to state your case. If you are innocent and have not committed any offenses, it’s vital to defend yourself.
If the military discharge is related to a medical condition and you feel that you are still perfectly able to serve, you can also argue this before the military courts. Having legal guidance on your side will give you the best possible chance of achieving a positive outcome in your case.