2007-10-19 04:28:42 · 12 answers · asked by TheWasp 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
It depends on what you did to recieve that discharge. In most cases you can't.
2007-10-19 04:50:20 · answer #1 · answered by rachel b 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can apply to the Discharge Review Board for your former service.
Prior Discharge Review Board cases for all services are at http://boards.law.af.mil .
You would apply by filling out a DD Form 293, http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/documents/dd0293.pdf and sending it to the address indicated.
With respect and a shout-out to my former colleague above, BCMR is not called for unless you are seeking retroactive reinstatement. All the DRB would do, if you are successful (rare) is issue an honorable discharge certificate and DD214.
The DRB gives you an in-person hearing if requested (highly recommended...make a good impression!). You have to pay for your own travel. BCMR gives in-person hearings once in a blue moon. DRB usually acts faster.
You would have to show some form of injustice in the process which led to your discharge, or (in the case of clemency) a really outstanding postmilitary life warranting upgrade on the basis of clemency.
Many DRB applications amount to "I got kicked out 6 months ago and someone said I could get upgraded after 6 months and get my GI Bill. Please please please?"
Such applications get the Amy Winehouse Rehab Response: "No, no, no."
Write a compelling application, without typos or grammatical errors. Get it right the first time. Research prior decisions to see what flies. Realize that you're bucking the odds, and don't get your hopes up.
Many veterans' groups (Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, etc) will give you free assistance in applying.
This isn't legal advice; I'm just some guy from the Internet. Void where prohibited.
2007-10-19 07:48:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You probably can't.
In the 1970s the Army was giving other-than-honorable discharges to those who tested positive in rehab drug screenings. That was found to be illegal in 1979 and they had to upgrade them all to honorable.
Since that time the Army and the other branches have been very careful in how it characterizes a discharge so it will not have a mess of having to redo a bunch again.
If you had a non-judicial action against you (Article 15) and that failed to resolve the problem for which it was taken, they can move to discharge you under a general discharge. If that is the case, it is almost impossible to upgrade the discharge.
For example: If you got an Article 15 for behavior detrimental to the good order and discipline of the service and you keep on doing it, they can either court martial you under the UCMJ or they can simply move to discharge you. If YOU agreed to the discharge rather than have them take actions under the UCMJ, you cut your own throat and now are stuck with your decision.
It is like Senator Craig taking a plea bargain on the issue in Minnesota. He accepted a lesser charge and is now stuck with his decision.
However if you want to try to appeal it, here is a reference.
2007-10-19 05:51:03 · answer #3 · answered by forgivebutdonotforget911 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Your only chance would be to make an application to the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) from your branch of the service. A word of warning: In my 14+ years in the Air Force JAG Corps I have NEVER heard of anyone getting a general discharge upgraded to an honorable, but hey, you never know until you try. Check out the following website:
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/correcting-records.html
2007-10-19 04:38:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
General can be changed to honorable but it won't happen automatically-you have to apply for it roughly after 6 months from the time of your discharge. Go to your state VA rep, they should be able to help.
If they don't then you probably are a mess and that's why you got a "General" in the first place.
2007-10-19 05:14:57 · answer #5 · answered by knight 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
A general is still "under honorable" conditions. So i wouldnt worry. I got a general for getting in trouble when i was younger in the air force. I still managed to get a job with the army as a civilian. Although i was turned down for a nuclear power plant govt job because of my discharge code..
2007-10-19 04:38:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
See your staff judge advocate and there is paper work you can fill out and wait for a response from Washington and they will change it from General to Honorable
2007-10-19 04:37:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Go ahead and give me a "thumbs down" now.
You got the general vice an honorable for a reason. Suck it up and deal with it.
2007-10-19 05:03:33 · answer #8 · answered by Smoker06 6 · 4⤊ 5⤋
By acting Honorably prior to being discharged.
g-day!
2007-10-19 04:59:32 · answer #9 · answered by Kekionga 7 · 3⤊ 7⤋
You must petition congress. Send a letter to your congressman and they will guide you from there.
2007-10-19 11:34:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋