I was in the reserves and served in Iraq with my unit. I recieved a DD214 stating that I served my combat duty under honorable conditions. However when we got back to doing the weekend thing, I fell into financial trouble and could not attend drills due to a full time job that required me to work weekends. Sure enough missing enough drills got me an Other than Honorable discharge. Can this hinder me from obtaining a VERY pormising career in a financial firm? Also, if I dispute this, could I get a discharge less severe? Will I even need one?
2006-12-14 12:16:54 · 6 answers · asked by Serrato 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Also, if they did a Military Background check, how would this affect me?
2006-12-14 12:18:22 · update #1
Yes this can and will hinder you from getting a promising career, each dd214 has a discharge code and i know hiring reps in the civilian word a few of them call a recruiter if they see a code that they do not know, if it is anything but honorable they throw the resume in the trash. I do believe you can appeal your discharged status after a certain amount of time, but do not know the length of time or the process of doing this
2006-12-14 12:23:06 · answer #1 · answered by Comnec1 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you need to spend as much money as you possibly can to get this sorted out. Times change, but many employers consider a less than honorable discharge along the same lines as a felony. If I lost money in the stock market and then found out my financial adviser had a less than honorable discharge, I'd sue the company he works for and win.
Keep in mind, you can win. Look at John Kerry, you were in the reserves; what do you think happened to Kerry for protesting the war while he was still in the inactive reserves? He was on active duty in the early 1970's, but his discharge isn't until the 1980's. Guess when a US President was giving out amnesty to Vietnam War Objectors. Good Luck and I may let you be my financial advisor, but please don't try to run for President.
2006-12-14 12:27:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The financial firm probably doesn't care, unless it's owned/run by a very proud veteran. An OTH discharge makes you ineligeble for certain benefits from the VA and will make it tough to get a US government job. All Gov jobs inquire as to military service, so you either must tell them or chance it by hiding your OTH. If you don't plan to work for the gov it will probably never come up.
It used to that you could petition the VA/Gov for an "upgrade" to a discharge; an article I read last year said that that is false.
2006-12-14 12:24:35 · answer #3 · answered by Top B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know specifically. I haven't been discharged yet. As I understand it all discharges can be upgraded if you go through the necessary process. It's ultimately up to the firm if they hire you or not. Hopefully whoever the hirer is, is not a veteran who might discount any explanation you give. I would recommend being ready with strong recommendations, a strong resume, and a strong interview. I think it takes time to upgrade the discharge so good luck.
2006-12-14 12:23:47 · answer #4 · answered by Brandon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since receiving an Other than Honorable (OTH) discharge is an administrative action and not a judical discharge there is nothing you can to about changing it.
Yes it may well hinder you in getting a very good job.
2006-12-14 15:18:22 · answer #5 · answered by AJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most employers allow for the weekend warriors that they hire.
If yours doesn't, you need to find a new job.
As to the other problem, if memory serves your discharge will
revert to Honorable in five years.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and have a nice day.
Thank you very much, while you're up!!
2006-12-14 12:32:11 · answer #6 · answered by producer_vortex 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋