Okay, its already a given that you CANNOT get a job with any goverment agencies with a OTH. However, there ARE jobs out there that will hire you. But you must be able to show proof that you have done something constructive when filling out your resume.
I have a list of things you can do that can help counter your OTH, but I will need to know what type of career path you are choosing to take in order to help.... Feel free to place your questions in the comment sections of this post.
If anyone out there have any ideas that can help please feel free to add your input!
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Okay, everytime I put in an application for a job, they always ask about my military service discharge.... If I tell the truth, I may not get the job. If I lie, I may get the job.... Man, I dont know what to do.
ReplyDeleteCan I be a hvac tech???
DeleteWill I be able to be a hvac tech with oth?
DeleteWill I be able to be a hvac tech with an oth??
DeleteTELL THE TRUTH! When you fill out an application, they will run you social security number!!!! Your ssn will reflect that you were in the military. So dont lie about it, just make sure you do enough positive things so that you can add them to your resume.
ReplyDeleteAnd try to get letters of recommendations from your church or some volunteer service. This just may help.
I wouldn't mention the military at all. And it does not come up in the private sector unless there were civilian charges associated with your discharge. Check all credit reports and erase all APO addresses and traces of you being in the military on ur credit report. That is how ur SSN gives you away. NOW for OPM or government clearences. They have access to more sensitve data. Therefore, you should mention the military when applying for government positions. You don't have to mention anything in the private sector unless a government clearence is required. But then OPM and entities of the sort does your background, not the private company. FOR schools, you dont have to mention anything. Tell the truth is good in principle, but its not realistic to getting food on the table.
DeleteAn employer may not ask whether you received an honorable or dishonorable discharge.
ReplyDeleteFair questions: The interviewer is allowed to inquire about your rank when discharged and discuss the skills you gained while in the military.
RIght on. And as I was saying earlier, the only way for anyone to see that information is to view your dd214. No one, surprisingly has ever asked for mine.
DeleteGetting an OTH is pretty much the same as getting fired from a civilian job. You were fired from the service. They can't ask you WHY, they can't ask you anything other than if you were in the service and at what time. I would err on the side of caution about disclosing anything more than yes you were in the service and the dates. The truth doesn't usually help if the person doesn't understand the differences.
ReplyDeletePeople confuse an OTH with Dishonorable and they are completely different. I have an OTH from the Army and I wish I did things another way but at the time it was the best choice for me. It wasn't for drugs, it wasn't because I was a bad soldier. I was severely depressed when I joined and I thought the Army could help me. After basic I was getting worse. I wanted more structure and discipline and the Army let me down. It was little more than baby sitting and I had enough. I went AWOL for 30 days and took a bus back to the processing base and processed out. The process was not too painful and the staff was kind and non-judgemental in my experience.
Do I regret it? Yes.
I have a pretty good job and I have a bachelors degree that i'm proud of but I still look back and wish I stuck it out. Then again, I still have serious personality problems that led to my discharge and the military probably wasn't the best choice for me.
I wanted something the military couldn't give me and i'm still searching for it.
I can still get jobs just about anywhere I want (except the government and I wouldn't want to work for them anyway). I can buy guns with no issues and have a nice collection so I can defend my country if need be against any form of aggressor, foreign or domestic.
A bad discharge can only set you back if you let it.
I speak only for OTH discharges... a Dishonorable Discharge I have no clue about.
Hey, My name is Dave and I recieved an OTH while in the Navy. I got discharged because I was drinking and not obeying curfews. I made a terrible mistake, and now im wondering if I will ever be able to get a good job or financial aid. I want to be a Engineer/Attorney. Any suggestions or feedback.
ReplyDeleteDave,
DeleteIt will not affect your future educational path or related goals. However, do not expect/rely on Military-based aid, but Fed Student Aid remains available.
STEP 1: Fill out a FAFSA (and ASAP).
I cannot speak to Fed careers, but I had similar problem with TCH at age 20. I am 33, a recent JD Grad and prepping for the Cal Bar Exam. Today I am happily married w 4 kids. My wife is working on PhD... 15 years ago I thought my life was over.... Move forward and redeem yourself.
Hi I have An OTH discharge drug abuse. It was willfull and i wouldn't change the past because thats how i've learned. I made mistakes and now im trying to move past them. will i still be able to obtain a guard card with an OTH?
DeleteLuckly you only have an OTH, so there ARE some jobs out there that will except an OTH, HOWEVER! I will not be easy, you will have do some research and ask questions. I also recommend that you do some form of community service i.e. boys and girls clubs, or any type of big brother or sister organizations. This will show an employer that you have a sence of responsiblity.
ReplyDeleteNow as for the financial aid... Thats a no-go, the only benefits you may still qualify for are medical benefits and even thats kind of touchy.
Research is the key!!!! Research.
DeleteHow about becoming an RN or a Physicians Assistant? Can I do that with an OTH discharge? It was for a single marijuana pop on a drug test. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteHave you found any new information on this subjebt of becoming a RN or PA with a OTH?
DeleteYes, you can but it depends on the employer. You may wanna do a bit of research before going into that career field and see if they would like to see your DD-214's. If so things can get kind of hairy... So be prepared and look sharp!
ReplyDeleteYou won't have any trouble getting financial aid through the university. Most schools private and public want the money so they don't care as long as you meet the other requirements.
ReplyDeleteI was able to get a full grant and financial aid through my university. Also as for jobs dont lie. i currently work for a large corporation and they did an exptensive background check and im no pretty high on the supervisor side of things in the business unit. also my buddy becamse a DR after receiving an OTH for stealing medication from the pharmacy while in the navy... its documented and received an OTH. many people make dumb choices early and regret them... its up to you what u make of it... finish school get training and many employers wont think twice about hiring u if you meet the requirments and have the training.. also letter of rec help also
ReplyDeleteme too.
DeleteWill I be able to become a teacher in the state of Texas with an OTH?
ReplyDeleteOkay...I have a big decision to make in a week and that is to accept an OTH with a 15 or go to court martial. After not being able to sleep tonite and staying up researching I think that an OTH is not as bad as I originally thought. It still may suck some but I think there will be life on the other side. I forgot that employers are not allowed to ask the why just when and what you did. Of course I know that any govt job is out of the question...mine is for a civilian matter that I got wrapped up in for the most part. It's good to know that school is still an option too. So does that mean no federal financial aid too?
ReplyDeletei have an oth as well does lockheed martin ask for your dd214s?
ReplyDeleteDepends on your position that your applying for. If the position your applying for requires you to gain a secret or top secret clearance then going to Lockhead Martin would not be a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI am about to get a OTH from the Marine Corps, is working in the oil industry still a option?
ReplyDeleteYea, very much so. I got an OTH from the Navy in 2009, got a job as a deckhands on a river boat with marathon oil. $2400 a month.
DeleteI dont see why not, however many companies such as oil industries my have there employees covered by a Union, and that "might" pose as a problem. Do your home work into the company you are tried to get hired in and tread carefully.
ReplyDeleteAFter consulting with a retired security investigator concerning OTH and clearances this is what I found.
ReplyDeleteAs long as the OTH is not "under dishonorable conditions" your ok.
As long as enough time has passed to show your not a criminal, scumbag or whatever your ok.
As long as you've been productive during this time, such as school/degrees and good job, no criminal record your ok.
You DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HIDE ANYTHING ON THE SF-86 OR FROM INVESTIGATOR, your ok.
That being said, getting the job offer may be difficult seeing todays job market. Your resume needs to glow for othets, ours needs to be blinding!
Also, I am recieving federal aid for my masters.
is a OTH for misconduct a "under dischonorable condition"? my ex husband has that for a court martial from assualt from the USAF
Deleteassult is considered a serious offense however I don't know if it's classified as a "under dishonorable condition".
DeleteMy husband received an OTH from the Marine Corps back in the early 80s. This was from failing a drug test on purpose. His Marine recruiter gave him bad advice about not including on his application a myelogram that he had back in the early 70s. When he went to see a base doctor for a headache, an xray was made. The xray determined that he had a previous procedure or myelogram from remnants. For this reason, he was considered fraudulent enlistment. The Marines were going to send him to the Brigg! This was after 6 years of active duty in the US Army National Guard and joining the Marines at 27, going through boot camp successfully and beginning his military career. My husband was upset that because his recruiter failed him that he was going to have to pay the consequences, so he chose failing a drug test to get him out of the Marines.
ReplyDeleteAlthough 25+ years later, this has caused him great pain as he still lives his life as if he were an active Marine. However, he has successfully worked for the Navy as a contractor Engineering Technician, which required security clearance. Recently he applied for a federal E.T. position and has received his confirmation of his new civilian job. We pray as we complete this mountain of paperwork that his past does not come back and haunt him. God is in control!
Back in early 2000 we did purchase a home through the V.A. program.
We also did attempt to change his discharge status, but was unsuccessful since we waited more than the 15 years required.
When my husband received his OTH, he was single and did not realize the consequences that would follow him. He is a good man, Sunday school teacher, father of two beautiful girls, husband of 20-years, and as many Marines have said, a exemplary Marine Brother.
i got an oth form the navy back in 2007, i have full financial aid and government student loans, food stamps,unemployment compensation and all the other government aids and benefits that are available to all civilians, dont let the military make you feel like your a loser for getting discharged, fuck them, get a trade/education and keep on with your life!!
ReplyDeleteamen brother!!!!
DeleteHell yeah.
Deletethanks i needed this
DeleteIm headed to medical school! Im moving on smartly. I needed this too. I feel better after venting today on this site. I been homeless because I could not get a job after getting out of the military. I was worst off than when I went in. But I learned so much about survival and strength. Thanks guys, this puts it all into perspective for me.
DeleteI am about to get discharged after failing a drug test. I am not planning on living in the US. I will be marrying a German national and working in Berlin. Does anyone know how my possible OTH discharge will affect me there?
ReplyDeleteman i wish i would have stayed in Germany!!
DeleteBack in 1973 I recieved an OTH ( undesirable discharge) from the Army. I was using plenty of drugs and the military life was not cut out for me. I have been very productive since all of those years ago and am now retired....My last job was a Security Guard (unarmed), I even made Lead Supervisor for a certain company. I wish now to get a Armed Guard Card in Arizona.. Is that going to haunt me and not allow me to get it?
ReplyDeleteArmed Guard,
ReplyDeleteI found this:
http://www.arizonasecurityagency.com/asa_application.pdf
You can buy a handgun as long as you didn't recieve a dishonorable (we didn't) and the company above requires the same. So I guess your ok.
I recieved an OTH Drug test failure is there anyway of getting an upgrade on my discharge?
ReplyDeleteMy son is in the Army Reserves and attending College. He tested positive on a drug test and the Army is starting the process of OTH but has told him to attend a drug treatment program in the meantime (it was marijuana). Is there a shot at turning this around right now?
ReplyDeleteno.
DeleteI received a OTH for a poor decision i made a few years after high school. In short i was depressed and made the worst decision of my life in going AWOL from my reserve unit. Shameful i know.
ReplyDeleteI am now 26 years old. Never having had any felonies, DUI's, misdemeanors, narcotic usage, or even been in the drunk tank. On top of this i am currently earning honors at my University for a double IT major in networking & telecommunications and information security.
My concern is that all my academic efforts are for nothing. Most IT jobs are gov related. Will i even be able to get an IT job outside of an IT help desk somewhere? i may have all the required tools for the job, but im not sure i will be able to get hired by anyone.
Im 20 years old and i might get screwed for another suspected under age drinking charge. this will be my second co's mast if they decide to push it. i already lost aircrew and third class in the navy and they had no proof that i was or wasnt drinking, it was my word vesus someone elses. do you gus think this discharge whatever kind it is screw in the real world? im thinking that they are human enough to realize that im young and shit happens. i accept all consequences for my actions im just wondering if there is any green grass on the other side.
ReplyDeleteI did my 3 year commitment (3 1/2 with my stop loss in Iraq) got out and joined the reserves later. I recently failed a drug test for marijuana and the counciled me telling me to take drug classes and took me from e4 to e1. Everyone is telling me the are discharging everyone and I feel like Im getting the run around. The acting comander said she can only put in a recomondation, it up to Brigade. They want me to sign some paper work next week that involve me giving up my right to council. Anyone have any advice. I feel like their gonna backdoor me. I was in the infantry with a perfect record and since I got back from Iraq it seems like I keep scewing myself.....
ReplyDeleteNever wave any of your rights, sadly as most of us have found out this process only ends one way but you can help yourself by not helping them. Don't give them anything as they'll do their worst no matter what, you don't have to use council but just in case don't wave your opportunity for it. Ya just gotta move on now.
DeleteAsk for an administrative discharge board (?) and have your JAG lawyer try and get you a General (Under Honorable) if it comes down to it. They probably wont care about youth and mistakes. Make sure you keep any documents for a paper trail later. Make sure your lawyer pushes the evidence aspect if it comes down to it. I know how they can screw you.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck
Good Luck
Ok so I may be receiving an OTH discharge from the Air Force and I was wondering what information an employer can get when doing a background check on me? If they don't ask for my DD-214 can they still find out that I was discharged and if so will it say what kind of discharge and what it was for? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteim in the navy and im getting kicked out either with an OTH or a Bad Conduct Discharge for drugs, is there any advice or any info that could help me out? PLZ comment
ReplyDeleteok so im getting discharged from the marine corp with an oth for 4 charges of article 92 disobeying a lawful order for smoking spice which is legal in the states im in japan and it just became illegal here and of corse illegal for all military personal how will that affect me in any job oppurtinites being spice is legal in the us?
ReplyDeleteI have a UD. I regret my choice to accept such a discharge. That being said given the opportunity, I would now do the enlistment standing on my head. I was 17 and not emotionally equipped to deal with the lies that the Recruiter told me. I had joined the Marines. The MOS given me was that of Sea duty. I did not want to do 13 months on a Navy ship as a admirals aid. At 17 I was foolish and did not see the value in that assignment. I love my country and would rejoin right now if I could. I understand the pain of this negative award. I only can hope that 37 years later that I might be able to obtain work through the government. Attempting to change the discharge to a G good of the service may be monumental. I'm not even sure where to start. Good luck to all who suffer the same condition. I know that remorse is not enough.
ReplyDeleteok I got a oth for drug abuse. I had never done drugs prior to being caught. I have been out for two years now and there isnt a day that goes by that I do not think about it and feel ashamed. I find myself wanting to rejoin the marine corp but want to know if its even possible???? please let me know if anyone has anything. thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy husband received a Bad Conduct discharge from the Marines 20 yrs ago and is now wanting to pursue a degree in Teaching. Can he become a teacher in Texas?
ReplyDeletei got out with an OTH from the Army for going AWOL from AIT.. my mother unfortunately passed away in a fiery car wreck (literally.) I was denied from leave since it was a week prior to grad but said to hell with it.. it's my mom. So I went home and within 3 days i returned to AIT and the next thing that happened was i showed up and they present me with a plane ticket to PCF at Fort Knox. it was sort of like living in reception for 4 or 5 days. The experience discharging over there was overall positive--20-50 other guys with similar stories getting discharged.
ReplyDeleteAt ANY rate.. wanted to tell everyone who's got an OTH out there to remain positive about the characterization of their discharge. I'd love to get back in but I know it's not possible. The ONLY way to get back in with an OTH is to not have an RE-code of 4. And at this point, all OTH carry RE4. UNLESS there is some huge change in government policy which i'm crossing my fingers for every day--but as long as there's volunteers out there, the chances are slim.
About a year and a half after getting my OTH, i've been working several months for an Armored Trucking agency (Garda). I'm an armed messenger--closest I can get to any "law enforcement" persay. I went through probably 5-8 interviews since being discharged and all employers really are looking for when you present the characterizaton of your discharge is to ensure you're a sound and competent individual. Don't feel you need to lie about anything. Of course, my situation is a bit different than someone else's... I tried to fight the fact that I was getting an OTH for going to my mom's funeral even though it wasn't command approved--but it was my senior platoon DS, 1SG, and Capt's word against mine--and I really don't need to say who came out on top. lol.
I am in the same position Ryan, but I work for Loomis armored. Have you applied for any police/jail/ prison jobs? Thats what I want to get into. Were you turned down because of your OTH? and if so what jobs were you applying for?
DeleteMan y would u want to go back after som bull**it like that. Thats youre mom man!!! u didnt deserve that!!! From one vet to another !!!
DeleteI was awarded an OTH one year into my second term in the Marine Corps, in 2000. Long story short, I was having marital problems and was in Iwakuni, Japan without my wife for a year tour. I drank heavily and had a good time, at the expense of my military career and marriage. I chose a seperation in lieu of court martial for breaking barracks restriction and disobeying orders. Since then I've had no problems finding work. An OTH is not the end of the world, get over it and don't look back...
ReplyDeleteWell, let me give you an officer's perspective of getting an OTH (15 years ago). I was a SWO in the Navy. My life as an ensign was as good as I could have expected as a JO. I was all set to get my swo pin, prior to going on a full six month cruise, but a new department head and CO rotated in, both of which I immediately had serious personality conflicts with. This was very new for me as I am not a personality conflict type. In fact, I am the guy that can usually gets along with the person that everyone else hates. I also stand up for myself when I have to and standing up to my DH and CO essentially got me blackballed and prevented me from getting a SWO pin which was essential for my career.
ReplyDeleteI did have the XO on my side and he wrote a wonderful letter explaining the situation for my next command (my ship was being decommissioned) and ensuring them that I was fully qualified for a SWO designation pin. I appreciated my XO's effort but I would have felt like a fool presenting such a letter to my next command explaining why I, now a LT(jg), from a small ship and a whole cruise in did not have a pin.
Well, again, my ship was now getting decommissioned and I was getting desperate and stupid. A yeoman that knew my issues explained to me as to how I could remedy the situation. Being stupid, I remedied the situation. But, of course, what's done in the dark comes to the light. I was spotted by someone wearing the swo pin and rightfully ratted out. Talk about embarrasing. I was a shining star on my new ship then, poof, it was all gone, with an OTH to boot.
Life after my OTH was rough for me, especially for the first six months or so. I was seriously depressed and just basically vegetated. I then picked myself up, got a job, went to graduate school (yes, you can get federal student loans), got married and a family and moved on in life.
I occasionally look back with shame at what I did, along with playing the "what if?" game. Like I said, my first CO scheduled me for a swo board prior to the cruise but I was going on leave and when I returned the CO's mother died and he was off taking care of that. When he returned he decided to let the new CO handle the swo stuff. I look back and wish I had canceled that leave as I was using it to visit a friend in D.C. and visit a friend in Philly. Nothing important, no tickets bought. But in the end, I feel that everything worked out for the best. At least that is what I tell myself.
I apologize for this post being somewhat disjointed. It is still not easy for me to think about those days.
I had an OTH from the navy In 2002 for getting arrested at an offbase party with underage minors.The Navy Officials felt everyone there was guilty and didnt listen to the facts,the case was later dismissed by the District Attorney and I never even went to court.And the arrest was expunged.So I bascially got OTH for no reason.But I didn't let it stop me I enrolled in college in 2003.I was told by friend to check with the National Guard and maybe they would let me in with a waiver.So i went to a recruiter he asked has the charges been dismissed and I said yes so I had to write a letter to some General and he gave me a waiver.My waiver was approved and I was now back in the military just two years later after I was told i woluld never get back in.I wqas deployed to Iraq in 2005 and I was given a new dd-214 and when I came home from deployment,I began using my GI bill.Then in 2009 I was deployed again to afganistan and I got another dd-214 and I came back home and finished school and I know have a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and I have several interviews set up with police departments.So I know have two Honorable Discharges.So don't take anyone's word for it find out for yourself and do your own research.
ReplyDeleteI got an OTH from the Marine Corps. "Once a Marine ,always a Marine". I have since worked as a pilot for a couple of different companies and I am still a Certfied flight instructor. I do regret my decision to go on U/A which led to my negative dicharge. I went Awol twice in 1986 and turned myself in 1992 than got the OTH. I have always regreted going awol from the start. I have suffered emotionally because of my stupid foolish decision at the time. I did it for a girl . Yes, a girl.To this day I regret it.I was only 18 at the time. I hope to get my redemption from the mistake I made. I love the Marines and always did. I did it because I was emotionally disturbed over a girl leaving me . At the time I was doing my MOS school at 29 palms Marine Corps base. I had already graduated a full fledged Marine with the rifle expert badge from boot camp. I hope that someday I can get redeemed.
ReplyDeleteGentlemen, I can tell with a certainty that getting an OTH along with an RE-4B will indeed bar you from re-enlistment into all branches of the military. In order for you to be allowed back in you either have to petition the Naval Board of Corrections, or WW3 has to break out and the enemy is at our shores. For your discharge to be upgraded you must convince the above board that your discharge was in error. In my case (seperation for drug use) there was no error, i confessed and I accpted my punishment. But if all of that withstanding, I would highly advise that you contact a military lawyer and review your options, DO NOT try this without a lawyer. As far as life after the OTH, it's not easy, I have a great deal of shame and heart-ache I must deal with. I am in school, I work 2 jobs, and getting financial aid was no issue. It doesnt have to be the end of the road, life is always ultimately what you make it. If you have any questions (i was rather brief in my post and left some things out) i can be found on facebook. plug in the e mail gsrdj2000@yahoo.com. I am more than willing to part with the information my own research has turned up. GL and Semper Fi
ReplyDeleteTim
i received an oth discharge for failing a drug test in AIT. What steps could i take to get my discharge upgraded? i would like it at a level that would allow me to still look at oppotunities within the U.S. government.
ReplyDeleteI am unfairly being separated from the Navy because of defamation from a civilian law student who is racist. he accused me of threatening some personnel in my command by calling my command out of the blue one sunday morning at the end of april, because of prior conversations of discontent for my command of which indicated nothing malicious of foul play but just discontent. So due to that and the constant insubordination of his living habits ex: cleaning after himself and buying his on food, he decided to act insidiously(evil) and sneak behind my back and call my command (uss truxtun ddg 103 norfolk va Capt. Fergeson and Lieutenant Commander Walker), fabricating a story of me wanting to harm certain personnel. The command sent me to the portsmouth hospital for a mental health evaluation and after the 3 day observation, acting in error sent back to my command with nothing wrong but is charging me with personality disorder for grounds of admin separation. Now i am seeking legal counsel and would like as much support as possible. I am sorry to bother you with this but i need your support and prayers, and you can spread this to as much support as possible and legal channels.
ReplyDeleteMilitary is NOT the last stop.. I am facing oth discharge for something I havent even done!!! Career keeps moving on, life goes on! Florida beaches await.
ReplyDeleteMilitary is NOT the last stop!! Career keeps moving on! LIFE keeps moving on.. I am facing oth discharge for something I haven't even done!!! Its a joke... Defense legal counsel? whats that?... Keep it moving, stay focused, DO YOUR RESEARCH! It brought me so much comfort knowing my options, I am prepared for the "outside" before I even get there.. Hit the ground running, you are still the cream of the crop. Use what you know, and the skills you have learned (the attention to detail, values, time management, physical ability will pay off!!) Before you separate go to taps, talk to the VA. If you are a stellar troop, know your strengths and weaknesses. You are still a hero!
ReplyDeletethe army is not releasing my wages to unemployment..I got a oth for drug use..Is there any way I can get them from those fucks?
ReplyDeleteIm about to receive a oth discharge for not going to basic cuz i told my recruiter i decide to go to college and i dont need the military experience. My question is can i still pursue a career as a doctor
ReplyDeleteOkay, let me get this straight... You havent even been shipped to bootcamp yet? If thats the case dont worry buddy, nothing is going to happen to you, your recruiter is just trying to keep you in so that you can ship out... Your fine... You can only get an OTH AFTER you have served 90 days of ACTIVE duty. Your not even activated yet....
ReplyDeleteI have a question.... I received a OTH discharge in 2004. I was halfway through (marine) bootcamp recieved an injury. The injury was not getting better and became depressed. Currently right now, I am halfway through college and attempting to work in the criminla justice field. How is my past OTH going to affect my ability to become a probation officer? (or shold I even attempt taking this form of job?)
ReplyDeleteOk this has nothing to do with OTH. I got a general under honorable conditions discharge when I was in the army back in 1991. I am a nurse trying to get a job in the corrections field. Will this General come back to bite me in the A** or should I not worry about it??? I am quite worried that this will stop me from getting this job even though i have been a nurse for 15 years and know what I am doing.
ReplyDeletei was in the army back in 2002 and i was still in the processing area didnt get to go into basic training due to all the people there waiting to go.I reinjured my shoulder while i was there and their doctor said i was fine so i left to go see a civilian doctor and it turns out i had a frature so i stayed out longer than 30 days and was processed out i have no criminal record and nothing on my driving record.I want to become a police officer will the oth affect my chances
ReplyDeletewill an oth discharge affect me getting a police department job even though i never made it to basic training for the army
ReplyDeleteI got an OTH in 1996. I just do not disclose on any application that I was in the military at all. It has never caught up with me, and it hasn't hindered my success. The military will make it seem like it's the end of your life as a useful human being, but the military leadership are abusive, nasty little people who cannot wait to send you to your death...when war isn't on, they eat their young out of boredom.... So.....just make sure you don't get too down on yourself about it. There will be more chances in life to be successful. Don't let the liars get you down with what they say.
ReplyDeleteI love u man!!!
DeleteI went AWOL after basic training. I turned myself in after 5 months, and got processed out. I have an OTH "in lieu of trial by court martial". I am an EMT-basic in Texas. I can get federal financial aid through FAFSA. I just act like I was never in the military. No one will ever know unless they do a FBI background check. The state does one for your EMT license but it doesn't matter. You cant be a armed security guard or police officer.
ReplyDeleteI have an RE: 3/JKA(Patterns of Misconduct). I went AWOL in AIT for 2 days as a 'breather' after being stagnant for a few months from being pulled out of training and confined to the few acres the barracks property was on for failing a land navigation and awaiting being recycled. I was given an article 15 and sent back into training but had difficulties adjusting and refused to do PT training one morning because of adjustment depression. I was on Zoloft since before I failed land navigation and they eventually motivated me to go back into to training. But later that day training on the Humvees I made an erratic turn( I had only had my license for a year) which caused the soldier in the backseat to jerk out a bit. The accompanying drill sergeant thought I was reckless driving on purpose and said I was speeding so he took me out of the program and tried talking the commander into giving me a 'bad conduct' discharge. I didn't know what was going to happen to me and heard I was going to spend time in the military prison/jail so this got to my head and I decided to go AWOL again because I knew two article 15's where automatic OTH discharge and that sounded better than what they had planned for me. It turns out they were going to reclass me.
ReplyDeleteIt was just a lot of misunderstanding and adjustment depression that my drill sergeants misinterpreted. I am a good person and have held down a steady job 3 months after getting discharged.
A few of them gave me a good farewell and told me I should come back if possible and that I would get a waiver. I would like to do that and hopefully complete an honorable contract. Were they just talking BS? Some months later I requested my records from the government and sure enough my discharge was upgraded from an RE-4 to an RE-3. How do I go about getting that waiver and is it eligible only in the Army? Would a statement from some of my old drill sergeants help? This was 4 years ago and I only knew their last name.
i failed a drug test and now my command keeps telling me its gonna be dishonorable but they dont know as much as i do. ive been in over 4 years and have a clean record can someonje help me?
ReplyDeleteI'm here to tell ANYONE that reads this that an OTH (Other than Honorable) discharge won't ruin your life. The ONLY time anyone can "find out" about your discharge is if you undergo a FBI background check. Not your social, not your drivers license number, etc. ONLY a FBI background check. This level of check is generally only necessary in government work, such as law enforcement, and any jobs requiring a security clearance.
ReplyDeleteThe best way to move on with your life after receiving a less than honorable discharge, is to get yourself a degree from a college and find a job with it in the private sector. Again, since you will NOT go through a FBI background check when you apply for college (including financial aid) your time in the military has NO bearing on whether you are accepted and how much aid you get.
In closing, people like to say your life is ruined and your such a dishonorable piece of crap, but the reality is some people just weren't meant for the military. Also a note to those interested in government jobs (such as law enforcement), why? You've already been through the military and their crap, why assume a government job somewhere else will be any better? From what I have heard those jobs are all about the same: overworked, underpaid, and not appreciated. Go work a "Professional" job where people treat you with respect, and make more money in the private sector somewhere.
Thank You,will recieving an OTH affect someone who is already a Physician assistant or registered nurse?
DeleteMy son is currently in the process of receiving a fraudulent enlistment in the Air Force for not disclosing a medical condition. He has two brothers in the military and just wanted to be like his older brothers. However, his speech impediment caused him severe problems in basic training and at the start of his third week he was sent to medical. They are telling him he will receive an admin entry level discharge, but from what I can tell there are only Honorable, General, Other Than Honorable, and Dishonorable categories. Does anyone know how this will be listed? And if it will affect his ability to get FAFSA aid for school? He was already accepted to college before he decided to join. We are already not going to have him home for Christmas, and I am just hoping that someone can give us some hope.
ReplyDeleteBigH no an OTH will not stop you, if its a goverment contractor. i know plenty of people (including myself) who are with gov. contractor (ie L3 Lockee Martin and boeing)who have OTHs
ReplyDeleteand to the person with a son who has an OTH worried about school FAFSA, do not worry thats how i payed for my schooling with FAFSA. Thats actually based on income not on veteran status, now your child might not be able to use the GI bill but it will not stop him from going to college
Remeber an OTH is not a dishonorable discharge. I have an OTH from the National Guard NGB 22 for popping hot 3 times and failing to report for annual training. I did two tours in Iraq. I received three honorable DD-214s (one from basic training/AIT, and the other two from my tours.) The only discharges that matter are from active duty. I know use the post 911 GI bill. I also use the VA medical center and receive disablity compenstation. I am not sure about the federal reserves, but the person above that was in the reserves I do have a question. Did your son pop hot on Active Duty or during an inactive training assembly ie drill. If so, he might get the boot from the reserves, but it might not effect his DD 214 if he was not on active duty at the time.
ReplyDeleteWildStallyn 31: I am currently on xmas break from basic trainning at Fort Benning GA where I am in the white phase. I have been trying my best, but I was told that I should not be a soldier, I would not have passed the M16 qualifications if it was not for the drill sergeant with me, I failed the first Army Physical Fitness test, and I got 37 bad peer reviews which said that I am weird, that I do not clean, that I slow down the platoon, that I have a bad mood, etc. I personally think that it would be best for every one for me to leave. What is the worst that could happen if I get a failure to adapt, a entry level seperation discharge, or another discharge? Thank you for your help have a nice day
ReplyDeleteI served almost 6 years in the Marine Corps. I deployed 3 times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I achieved the rank of Sgt. My third deployment I found out my wife was having an affair with man of middle easterner decent. So my dumb ass deals with this situation by doing drugs when I got back to the states. I got caught! I got kicked out with an OTH. (Oh and BTW I had no previous page 11s or NJPs) I was reduced all the way to LCpl upon separation. I dont get any of my benefits and I owe about 50,000 dollars for a re enlistment bonus.
ReplyDeleteYUT!
Do not believe what people say about not being able to get a Government Job with an OTH. I work for the Federal Government and I received an OTH back in 1994. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST VETERANS BASED ON THE TYPE OF DISCHARGE THEY RECEIVE, THIS GOES FOR FEDERAL JOBS AS WELL.
ReplyDeleteNow, there is a question about receiving a 5 point veterans preference with an OTH. Most cases you will not receive the 5 points because it states that you must have been discharged under honorable conditions, although I did receive a 5 point preference and I even stated that I received an OTH on my application for a Federal job and I also received a security clearance up to *Secret* that was needed for my job.
is this true about not discriminating based on your discharge? just wanderig if yo9ur still able to be a state trooper with a oth?
DeleteI'm pretty sure I got discriminated against based on my discharge from Huntington-Ingalls Shipyard. I recieved an OTH in Jul '08. Got an interview, once i told the interviewer that I have an OTH, it was over from there. I was told that I can no longer get a position in the yards, because of what the interviewer put in my paperwork.
DeleteHow did you manage to do that. It's not even possible to recieve a security clearance with an OTH discharge.
ReplyDeleteIm curious because i also received an OTH discharge and would like to know how was you able to pull that off
I received an oth in 1991 and now I am in nursing school when I go to apply for my nursing license in north carolina will this prevent me from becoming a nurse. I have never been in trouble with the law. I have no feleonies just this oth. Someone please answer my question if u can I graduate in three months or do I need to quit now
ReplyDeleteWhat happened Im an Rn with the same situation
DeleteI just got an oth and I was told over and over again that I'm losing all my benefits and that my life is going to suck...I'm keeping 85% of my post 9/11 gi bill and I got a job lined up for me.
ReplyDeleteI applied for a job with the Federal Aviation Administration back in 2000. I was discharged with an OTH in 1993. A security clearance was needed and I had to fill out that LONG form, they even mailed my neighbors and friends a short questionnaire asking about my character.
ReplyDeleteI was completely honest and told them the reason for the discharge (drug usage), they called me for an interview over the phone. I even asked her, "Would my military discharge for drug usage disqualify me?" I was convinced I wouldn't get the security clearance, but TO MY AMAZEMENT, she said that wouldn't necessarily disqualify me.
I even had to clear up my credit report and start making payments again for a car repossession that happened years earlier(which was almost of my credit report, gosh darn them, lol)
BE HONEST and if they need you for the job, anything is possible...
I've been working for the FAA for almost 10 years now.
What will happen if I go awol from basic and can stay away long enough to be dfr"s? Also what would happen if I failed the drug test on leave? Would I be discharged or serve jail time?
ReplyDeleteDon't listen to the idiots who tell you that you can't get federal financial aid. You CAN. I graduated from college with HOPE (GA Lottery funded), and PELL, which is federal funding. I didn't get an GI Bill benefits, but then again I also wasn't in long enough to qualify regardless of my chapter. Anyway, I received an OTH discharge for "patterns of misconduct" for going AWOL when my Grandma was in the hospital dying and my asshole CO wouldn't let me leave even with the ARC message. That was nine years ago and I've never once been denied a job due to it (and I'm always honest), nor have I ever had a problem with financial aid. HOWEVER, with that being said, drug convictions are a whole different ball game and can disqualify you from financial aid.
ReplyDeleteVisit www.fafsa.ed.gov to get REAL ANSWERS from the federal financial aid folks.
i looked at the site you listed, emailed them, with a year and a half of service i still can get SOME of my g.i bill. thankyou for the help! great site, listen to this guy!
DeleteI recieved an OTH About 2 years ago, it was for failing for cocaine for 101 nanograms, which was 1 over the margin of error. which was bullshit. But was really interested in working for a private security company, such as Triple Canopy. I was hoping someone could give me some insight on weather I can still do that. Im wling to do most anything and go most anywhere.
ReplyDeleteAgain.... some private companies may not even ask what type of discharge you received. If they do, then just be honest and if they go as far as asking for details about the discharge because it's a security position.... then you can tell them you made a mistake a few years ago and suffered greatly with this type of action. It will all boil down to a case by case basis.
ReplyDeleteI got an OTH with a re-code 3 from the army. Even tho it was a drug possession charge I'm trying to show the board that I'm a good person dat made a bad decision in life. I've never had a conviction in my life. Trying to go to school for pre med. Do you believe it'll work?
ReplyDeleteI was discharged from the army after nine weeks of BCT, I did not graduate with the rest of my platoon because I did not qualify for sit-ups, but pass everything. Will I be allow to re-enlist again??
ReplyDeleteWhy does it seem that alot of OTH cases involve "Black Balling" someone, usually very young, into screwing up their career.
ReplyDeleteI got an OTH from the navy for drug use, I have been sober for over 3yrs. now and am a different person. I am currently enrolled at college for forestry, and have been in the field working since my release. In 3 semesters i will get my Bachelors degree, what can i do to avoid having this prevent me from getting a job?
ReplyDeleteI have been UA from the USMC going on 2 and a half years. Plan to turn myself in within the next week so I can move on with my life. I am an 0311, LCpl, and have (had) an outstanding record (1st class pft, 1st class cft, SwimQual 2, etc etc etc) -- Do you think they would let me stay in? If I do recieve an OTH will I still be able to join any type of law enforcement (I have heard that it is very possible) -- Could I re-enlist in the military at all? Thanks
ReplyDeleteMost of Mr. Court's cases have been in Germany, including locations which no longer house American troops. His cases have included:
ReplyDeleteAn Army Sergeant accused of decapitating his wife's lover. Result: Although convicted, six of the seven panel members followed Mr. Court's argument and recommended clemency be granted by the Convening Authority. It was.
An Air Force Colonel accused of homosexual misconduct at a Base facility. Result: Negotiated Guilty Plea permitted retirement.
An Army First Sergeant accused of rape and focible sodomy of a subordinate Sergeant in her quarters. Result: Although Guilty on both counts the punishment was reduction from E-8 to E-4.
An Army Private First Class accused of importation of 1.6 kilograms of cocaine through the Frankfurt Airport. Result: Case dismissed at trial.
An Air Force Lieutenant Colonel mental health care provider accused of adultery and improper sexual activity with a female patient. Result: Negotiated guilty plea lead to departure from the service with no loss of rank and with no confinement.
An Army Sergeant First Class accused of molesting his daughter's 12 year old friend while she slept over at the accused's house. Result: Not Guilty.
An Air Force Technical Sergeant accused of rape and forcible sodomy at gun point by an elementary school teacher at the Base. Result: Not Guilty
An Army Staff Sergeant accused of rape of family friend while she slept over at the accused's house. Result: Not Guilty
An Army Private First Class accused of rape, indecent acts and forcible sodomy of a German girl in the billets. Result: Although found guilty of rape, no discharge.
Does this seem fair? I recieved OTH from marines reserve, for missing some drills.
my fault, I know.
crtic101, on september 15th you posted something about having to serve at least 90 days to be activted in order to receive an OTH. Does that apply even to army reserves? I enlisted in 2002 and processed at meps but some family problems got in the way of my plans to enlist and I backed out. I never attended anything beyond MEPS. But recently I found out that that I have an OTH, and they have me as a prior serve for 3 years. I have no idea how I can be prior service at all, especially for 3 years if I never went to basic or AIT or attended weekend drills. I only found out b/c I tried to re-enlist and made it back to MEPS after ASVAB, physical and processing. Any ideas or info about how that can happen? I genuinely want to serve in the military and since my initial attempt have received a Bachelor's degree and EMT licensure and volunteer from coast to coast. My initial job was 91 W, which is now 68 W, basically the same thing as EMT. Any advice about how to change that or who I contact about investigating this or changing the OTH or possibility of ever serving?
ReplyDeleteI got OTH Discharge from the Army Reserves. I had horrible financial issues and went homeless and broke communication with my unit due to not having a way to communicate and right before this happend no one gave a dam to listen. I havent recieved my paperwork and I;m waiting on it after I requested it online. I did get into my Reserve Portal and all it says is that I am discharged with an OTH but says nothing else. I read many posts on this site and it sounds like there are different types of OTH, is this true if so what are they and how do they affect one as a civial?
ReplyDeleteDo you have an DD FORM 214 or an NGB 22? If not, then you may want to request one and take it to another recruiter and find out how this could have happened. If you were joining the Army Reserves and went through at MEPS and completed the process and was given a contract, and you didnt drill due to whatever happened this COULD have played a major role in how you got into this mess. The reserves plays by a whole different set of rules. Talk to another Reserve recruiter, for instance, I know Navy Reserves recruiters have a crap load of resources in which could be helpful to you in order to understand your situation. Give it a shot.
ReplyDeleteAlmost 3 years ago to the day I got discharged OTH for pot. I didn't let it get to me and pounded out a solid resume. Within 2 months I was hired on with a company making over $40k a year while working from home, getting a company vehicle, full benefits.. and since it was on my second term I still go my GI bill and am going back to school as well. I had a divorce before I got out and ended up filing bankruptcy after I got out.. note to anyone tries to file on a bonus there is a 5 year time frame after you get kicked out that you can't file bankruptcy on that bonus debt.
ReplyDeleteI just signed my Chapter 10 and will be getting out of the Army in a few weeks.I understand that I have forfeited many of my benefits and I understand that but I am worried that JPPSO won't transport my household items. I live on post and have a wife and 3 kids. Will they help me at all with moving? Also will I be disqualified from receiving unemployment or does it vary from state to state?
ReplyDeleteI received an OTH about 10 years ago. The manner in which I got out of the Army is frowned upon by many but you have to move forward in life. Since getting out I have not spent any significant time unemployed and all of my work has been in government contracting to both the US and foreign governments. I have a good work ethic and strived to work harder than many of the honorable army coworkers I had. I spent many years deployed in South West Asia and still work in the Middle East. I held many positions all the way to Site Manager at a prominent US military base in Iraq.
ReplyDeleteYou cannot sit around feeling sorry for yourself, you made a choice and it ended with a less than perfect discharge…. So what? No point feeling sorry for yourself or worrying about what others think. If you apply for a job and don’t get it… so what? Try again with a different company and keep moving forward. A lot of interview situations can be turned around with the right attitude and selling yourself.
I have had a few problems here and there but for the most part an OTH hasn’t hindered me very much. I would probably do things differently if I had to do it all over, having said that I don’t regret my choices either. I was not the greatest at soldiering; I am very good at contracting however. The Army just isn’t right for some people, like me.
I received an OTH about 10 years ago. The manner in which I got out of the Army is frowned upon by many but you have to move forward in life. Since getting out I have not spent any significant time unemployed and all of my work has been in government contracting to both the US and foreign governments. I have a good work ethic and strived to work harder than many of the honorable army coworkers I had. I spent many years deployed in South West Asia and still work in the Middle East. I held many positions all the way to Site Manager at a prominent US military base in Iraq.
ReplyDeleteYou cannot sit around feeling sorry for yourself, you made a choice and it ended with a less than perfect discharge…. So what? No point feeling sorry for yourself or worrying about what others think. If you apply for a job and don’t get it… so what? Try again with a different company and keep moving forward. A lot of interview situations can be turned around with the right attitude and selling yourself.
I have had a few problems here and there but for the most part an OTH hasn’t hindered me very much. I would probably do things differently if I had to do it all over, having said that I don’t regret my choices either. I was not the greatest at soldiering; I am very good at contracting however. The Army just isn’t right for some people, like me.
O have an OTH and i want to get into thr criminal justice field,are there any kind of jobs i can apply for and get accepted? I just recently took my PT test at reidsville state prison because i applied there for a corrections officer and ive already tooken the POST test and passed,scored high on my pt test,did great on the interview,had my hopes high until i received that denial letter today saying the decision was based on my discharge.Would it have been the same outcome if i didnt even say anything about me being in the Army?and im currently taking criminal justice now at college,so previous question stated again,could i obtain any type of criminal justice job,perferably in the corrections field,ie:officer,security,etc?
ReplyDelete--OTH Discharge (Chapter 10) Future Attorney --
ReplyDeleteIn 2002, shortly after OSUT training, upon my first day at my duty station I went AWOL. (This was prior to any lead up to OIF). I was 17 and stupid. Excuses and history aside, in 2006 I went back and out-processed. Since 2006, and even prior, I have held a few high level jobs. I was an Agent for a major insurance carrier (which requires finger printing by the New York State Dept of Ins) and a number other positions which require background checks. Each time, I choose not to answer any questions about military history on an application.
Also, I graduated from a top 10 undergraduate school in 2010 and I currently work as a paralegal for another major insurance carrier. Another job that also required extensive background checks. I am starting law school this coming Fall and i've done extensive research into whether or not I can practice law as an attorney with an OTH - turns out I can, and so have many others.
An OTH does not bar you from government service, or private sector jobs with background checks, it seems to me that is a myth. At least in the legal profession.
I was discharged with an oth. I was an 18 x-ray and finished up basic at fort Benning. I was actually probably the last person the drill sergeants would have expected to go AWOL. I was an ambitious soldier and wanted nothing more than to become a special forces green beret. I was a platoon leader in basic scored a 96 on my asvab and had one of the highest pt scores. During family visit my wife told me she wouldn't be able to handle this. I freaked out and left with her. At the time I thought it was the right move because I loved the girl. I turned myself in at ft. Knox and was outprocessed in 2 weeks. Do I regret it? Yes I do. Does it hinder me to this day? No! I made a mistake I have to live with it. I am now working on my masters in mathematics all federally funded.
ReplyDeleteSo I made the stupid decision to go AWOL when I was young...I was 18...and dumbest decision I have ever made in my life. I got a BCD as a result and am wondering how it will effect my life in the future. I know I cannot obtain VA benefits now and am barred from federal employment. Since I was discharged 2 years ago..I have held 2 steady jobs...and am in college to get my degree..and volunteer at my church. I have been told just nott to disclose the fact I was ever in the military on applications. I was told by a guy at my church ..he has a good job that he got an OTH 15 years ago and it has never caught up with him. I also got an apartment now and I imagine that the lady did a background check because I remember her advising us about it beforehand to bar sex offenders or whatever. Can somebody please give me some advice? Narshe
ReplyDeleteI just took an employment offer with a contract company for the government. They require a public trust investigation for security clearance and I have an OTH that I am going to overturn whenever I can afford an attorney and a trip to the Dept. of the Navy. Will they automatically refuse me although I am not working directly for the government but a contract company?
ReplyDeleteI am currently a federal corrections officer, and I was given an OTH back in 2009. I missed two many drills with my military police unit. The OTH hasn't affected my job, I have slowly moved up in GS Levels and steps. Don't let the OTH hinder your goals in life. My mistake was trying to change units, and my Battalion Commaner was an a..hole. I was told one thing by the Company Commander, and the Battalion Commander chose to ignore it. You can go into Federal Law Enforcement with an OTH. Just be honest on your SF 85/86. Investigators do check everything out. The Feds place more emphasis on decent credit and not so much on military records.
ReplyDeleteWhat most have said about not being able to get a Government job, or Civil service job with a OTH are wrong. i Have been working for the state of NY for over 22 years now, i was discharged in 1986. I also have All background checks as i have a permit to carry concealed. Life goes on folks. Trust me.
ReplyDeleteIf you need National security clearance, they'll find out..
ReplyDeleteI have an ooh can I work at a prison
ReplyDeleteThanks for the posts guys!!!!
ReplyDeleteI remember my own thoughts of suicide after my OTH, You got to keep rolling.I just got my undergraduate degree,finnish my app package for a discharge upgrade and am flying out of state for a job interview next week. Stay strong!!!
My OTH was in 1987 for misconduct-pattern of misconduct. My real problem was my mouth, turned a POS E-7 against me and I got written up for not having proper uniform shoes on WESTPAC (shoes fell apart, like have the crews did), then for falling asleep on watch (the e-7 in question was the OOD that night in port and had just sent up coffee, I will always wonder what was in it). Now I am an engineer and feel like I have to avoid positions that will require clearance, even though I had a secret in the Navy. It was pulled at captains mast.
ReplyDeleteI am really wondering if anyone can help, or maybe answer a question? I was in the Navy back in 1995, I went on leave and upon my return from leave missed my flight and was UA Unauthorized Absence for 2 days. (I really contemplated on going back) but I did. I was sent to Capt. Mass received 45 day restriction 45 day extra duty. I broke that restriction and in in-lieu of court-martial I received an OTH discharge.
ReplyDeleteHere's the thing I have read on all these OTH discharges and most of the are for popping on a drug test or UA for years. I am thinking WTF to myself. What I did was against the rules however it was minor in comparison to what I have read.
I was also told by my Senior Chief that after 1 year that the Navy would automatically review my discharge, and if I stayed out of trouble with the law my discharge would be upgraded. <~~~ This is such bullshit.
I am coming up on 15 years since, now that I look more and more into it one fact that I did find is that with an OTH Persons facing OTH are guaranteed, by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the right to have their discharge heard by an administrative discharge board, which is similar to a court-martial but is not a public forum. <~~~this was NEVER disclosed to me.
So should I fill out the upgrade form with less that a month of 15 years or should I wait until the 15 year mark and then do a military correction?
Please respond to suzuki1300_2005@yahoo.com
i recently recieved a OTH for a civilion case that has not even been decided on yet i was wondering what types of jobs to look for if you have any advice on this then please respond to priestdadon03@yahoo.com. I got accused of something that i go to court for in a month but the military decided that it was not worth the wait.
ReplyDeletei received a oth/re4 from navy reserves for thc i went to jag was told if i want to prove that i did not do drugs that i should take a hair sample i did this and like i new know drugs in my system nothing problem was navy moved so fast that i did not get a chance to to show my report from hair sample they put me out been trying for five years already pad a lawyer this got me nowhere any advice to pursue this thanks
ReplyDeleteHonestly, don't worry about your OTH discharge! I cannot comment on DD or BCD because I don't know.
ReplyDeleteYes you CAN get a federal government job with a OTH discharge... I did, in fact I worked for the Army and after 5 years I hit a road block... I max'd out my salary. Unless you have a college education your "Government" job is not what it is cracked up to be because your salary depends your EDUCATION! Go to school/college, get a degree in electronics or information technology. You'll find that you'll make more money then a government job and the way things are now a government job may not be very secure.
As far as upgrading your discharge, the board will look at what you have accomplished since your discharge. For example, you went to college got a couple degrees, have been responsible... kept your current job for 20 years, NO criminal history, a productive citizen, etc. Think of it like this... why would the military upgrade your discharge when your actions since discharge haven't been so honorable? It makes everyone look bad, hell every Tom, Dick and Harry, would have their discharges upgraded. The burden of proof that you are worthy of a upgrade lays with you, your actions.
I will tell you this, after 10 years or so you may not even care about a upgrade but if you have your act together and have been a straight shooter I encourage you to get a upgrade. Sure it will cost you both time and expenses but it'll be worth it... depends on you. Good luck.
I was discharged from the military receiving an OTH discharge for drug use. I now have an active Secret clearance and I'm a DoD civilian. My first suggestion for all is, do not listen to the nay sayers. I'm living proof that you can continue to serve as a federal employee. Most organizations in the government will not directly ask you for your DD214 if/when you are lucky enough to get an interview. If you are ultimately accepted after your interview, you then will need to fill out forms for government employment and a security clearance if one is needed. The long and short answer for your paper work and clearance is, be honest. If you have kept your nose clean since discharge, this is taken into consideration for your clearance, specifically. If you have questions, for me, my name is Delta Golf. Good luck.
ReplyDeletedoes getting a charges for lying to your NCO and possession of mind altering substance may lead to OTH or dishonorable discharge?
ReplyDeletei got an OTH out of the Marines.I was wondering if a career in private security (blackwater) is possible.I was in the infantry and was a damn good marine just made a stupid mistake.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the Marines but I'm in the processing of getting kick out with a OTH because I ammited to smoking Marriuana in Afganstain.I'm an infantry man can I still get a job as a private contractor?
ReplyDeleteSoo ive just recently been deployed, upon leaving my barracks room i didnt completely clear it ou before i left. my leadership came in and did it (of course they were mad i'd be too). to my suprise i get ppl saying mp's were in there. i fibd out from my ncoic here that spice was found in my room, and theyre waiting to see if legal action can be taken place? so my question is, what may happen to me? (i have 6 months left before i go back to my unit)
ReplyDeleteI thought this section of the United States Code would help clarify some things. This is from Title 38, chapter 43, subchapter 4304.
ReplyDelete4304. Character of service
A person's entitlement to the benefits of this chapter by reason of the service of such person in one of the uniformed services terminates upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
(1) A separation of such person from such uniformed service with a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge.
(2) A separation of such person from such uniformed service under other than honorable conditions, as characterized pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.
(3) A dismissal of such person permitted under section 1161(a) of title 10.
(4) A dropping of such person from the rolls pursuant to section 1161(b) of title 10.
The United States Government does cover themselves went it comes to discrimination laws.
Basically this says that if you have a dishonorable or other than honorable discharge then you are NOT entitled to the protections from discrimination of PUBLIC and PRIVATE workplaces.
After serving 2 and 1/2 years in the Navy I recieved a OTH back in 2000. I have been to captains mast about 5 times. The reasons were being intoxicated on duty (just hung over, blew a .02), and UA (for being 10 minutes late crossing the quarter deck). My chain of command despised me and wanted me written up for any small thing. They really pushed the envelope to getting me discharged (dishonorably). I finally made the mistake of smoking pot one evening during a weekend off in San Diego. I was piss tested and popped positive. I was given 45 days restriction, 45 days extra duty, kicked back down to E-1 and an other than honorable discharge. My chain of command was Happy!! I was riddled with guilt and brow beated by the chiefs at the chiefs inquiry (before xoi and captains mast). They would say I would never get a job any where, and that I would be working in a warehouse the rest of my life. I felt so shamed! When I got out I worked a couple of $8.00 jobs, one was for an industrial company, sandblasting,water blasting, cleaning,etc. at different plants.(natural gas plants, refineries, power plants) I looked around and saw some of the workers, sitting around, or walking around in clean coveralls/hardhats making good $. I asked an plant operator what he makes and he told me $26.00 an hour. That is when I decided that is what I wanted to do. Fortunately the community college had the Industrial process operator training program. I got financial aid (paid to go to school). Recieved my associates of applied science degree in a year and a half. I have been a plant operator for 9 years now. Age 33, make a little over $100,000. a year as a plant operator in a natural gas plant. I had a background check but a OTH does not show up. I list my service but do not go into detail of my discharge status. An OTH is not the end of the world, (even though it feels that way) be strong, keep your head up, If you want something bad enough You'll get it if you never give up!! Good luck out there!
ReplyDeleteI received an OTH in 2006. I have since gone to school, received financial aid, received my R.N. (registered nurse), and I even applied for a job working as poll worker on Obama's Campaign back in 08. It was a federal job that required extensive background checks apparently. I got the job. They were going to pay for me to fly out to D.C. and do all sorts of stuff but I ended up having to decline because I had a final the same week. My point is, OTH is not that bad. Also if you were a combat veteran like myself you should ask yourself if you suffered any sort of long term "disability" while in...such as, bad back, ptsd, hearing loss, etc. You are STILL entitled to compensation (I receive it monthly) and if so you will be entitled to their Educational Rehab program...basically they pay for you school. I have an OTH and got all of my schooling paid for as well as compensation for disability and a little extra on top for living expenses while in school. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI was just curious has anyone here been able to rejoin the Military after getting a less than honorable discharge?
ReplyDeleteI received an entry level separation back in early 2009. I know it is not the same as an OTH but I got it for failure to adapt out of basic training. I look back and really regrett getting it alot. I made the mistake of giving up on myself and acted like less than a man basiaclly just how bad is this going to affect me?
ReplyDeleteOne NCO told me on the way out that if I applied to any government job that if it came down to me versus someone else who never even tried and we were both equal in qualifications that they would give it to the person who never tried or served? Is this true? Thanks
Hello I have a question…. I was an MP and I was discharged with a chapter 10 i received an (OTH). I served 7 years and volunteered for deployed to OIFII. While serving my term in Iraq I became addicted to pornography, upon my return I was caught looking at porn on a government computer… I received an art.15 for that.. On the ART 15 it stated that the unit would offer to pay for me to seek help due to the fact that the programs that assist soldiers with addiction did not have the ability to offer any help with my addiction. After a week or two I received word that the unit wasn’t able to pay for services, they didn’t give me any reasons as to why they couldn’t help me. As time went by my neighbor whose husband was deployed at the time filed a complaint against me. She stated that she saw me leaving out the back door to her house when she came home for lunch. An investigation was started… the time she stated that she supposedly saw me on the MP report I was actually at the local Game Stop and I provided the evidence (sales receipt)to the investigator.. She then changed her statement due to the time confliction, and the time she gave I was at the MP station doing reports from the following day. I was still charged with House breaking. During the course of the investigation I fell into a deep depression I was a E-5 Whom was having to clean up latrines, mopping stripping floors... I know there isn’t much to do when you are an MP under investigation.. But It was horrible having to ask a E-4 if she had anything left for me to do before I leave for the day infront of my peers and subordanates, usually it was throwing her trash and the trash of the office for the day. Feeling as low as I felt I turned to my addiction for comfort and once again I was caught looking at porn on a Government computer… my battalion commander said That he is going to do everything in his power to get me out of the Army. He used the complaint of my neighbor to spring board my courts-martial to special courts-martial. My SJA told me that we could beat the compliant charge but the porn charge would stick and that I would have a federal charge for viewing pornography on a government computer… (there is no way I wanted to do that ) so then I was offered a CHAPTER 10 and received an OTH with the ability to reenter the Army in time. So I took the Chapter 10in hopes to get back in to the Army after receiving treatment. After a year I tried to reenter and was told that the reenlistment code that I had there was no way that any branch would accept me. Trying to find work with an OTH was almost impossible due to the fact that I had to answer for the seven years of “unemployment”. I still do want to get back in… but I need help on figuring out the process of changing my discharge.. can you help me please… I don’t know what to do or what to say on a DD214. I am ashamed of my discharge and having to explain to my sons why I got out of the army and am now fighting to get a job. Thank you for any help you can offer.. jrod1295@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI received an OTH from the army. I was, however, a second term soldier, and so far I've received 100% of my VA benefits (Medical, GI bill, etc). I am not sure if I will receive unemployment, but I should figure that out later on today.
ReplyDeleteWhen you apply for a job, it is perfectly ok to put down OTH as your discharge. 99% of employers will not care, especially if your DD214 reflects a deployment.
Most employers don't even know what an OTH is, and you still qualify as a veteran if you did service overseas.
So don't assume an OTH is as bad as it sounds. I've met many veterans, even some receiving 100% disability, who had OTH's from the army.
EVEN IF YOU HAVE AN OTH GO TO YOUR LOCAL VETERANS CENTER!!!! You might be surprised by how much you still qualify for, especially if you have an OIF/OEF deployment on your DD214.
My OTH hasn't set me back even a single step in life, and between my disability, GI bill, and the social security benefit I'm getting from PTSD I actually make more money now unemployed than I ever did in the army, even with an OTH.
Yes I'm getting an oth for poping on a drug test and going ua for a week due to the fact I was lost and medical put me on this medication that I had an adverse reaction to prety much I didn't know who I was or where I was for over a month I even asked for help but no one did anything until I went ua I went to courtmartial and there they told me my punishment and never said anything about getting out I get a phone call today from legal saying there starting my paper work to process me out is there anything I can do to try and maybe finish my contract I have under a year left and I'm on my fourth year now I had a 5 year contract, or get out with honorable and if I can't can I still recieve unemployment? PLEASE HELP ASAP
ReplyDeleteI was discharged with an OTH 10 yrs ago for popping for marijuana after SOI. I have worked for a fortune 500 since and make 60k a year closer to 90k if u want to include benefits. I want to become a police officer, which sadly I will be making less doing so. What steps do I need to take for the best chance to do so..
ReplyDeleteHey DG, I recieved a OTH in 2008, I was curious about Fed employment when I Granduate with my B.S. in Homeland Security. Is that a possibility, yes I have not been in trouble since my discharge from the Army. Just wondering.
ReplyDeleteGreetings to all. I received an OTH discharge this past August 2011 for making all the wrong choices. Having achieved many merits in the Air Force and never ever being in trouble before in my life, I should've known better to think that there would be "second chances". Obviously, there were not. Not only do I have to deal with a OTH, but also a felony conviction resulted from this ordeal, for which I'm serving probation. My case was viewed outside the military, thus I saved myself a court marshall, but earned myself a civilian conviction nonetheless. I have a "spanish only" speaking wife and a 1 year old son and we are currently living on God's expense with Food stamps and other helps. Being that this was all so recent, the job search has been a little more than "hell".
ReplyDeleteChurch leader, U.S president's recognition, sunday school teacher, over 125 hours of community service, commander's recognition, to mention a few of my achievements ---- 1 mistake. What's worth more in the U.S? That mistake. Is a harsh and unfair reality we must live. And people rather judge than provide moral support. They automatically marginate you into a whole separate side of society, unknowingly mistaking a great part of individuals and citizens of humanity. It boosts their ego's and air of perfection, not realizing that they are imperfect themselves.
I don't want to preach. Just to say how dedicated and motivated. I have landed over 6 interviews in this small period of timer Aug 11 -Dec11. So my advice to all: Don't Quit. The sky is still the limit. You may not have it as bad as some do.
God Bless everybody and best of luck in your job search.
Can I get a job with the Fire Dept with an OTH?
ReplyDeleteI am about to get discharged for popping hot on a piss test for cocaine. The VA told me that I will keep 80% of my GI Bill since I reenlisted after my first 2 years of service. Im using my GI Bill to go to truck driving school. Any truck driver's out there with an OTH or simular situation to this? Will it be hard for me to get on with a company?
ReplyDeleteno. i was discharged(oth) for drug use, possession and misconduct(punched out 1st liutenant). i have been driving truck since been home from Storm. never once had an issue with a trucking company for employment.
Deletei did cocaine.. oth.. marine infantry iraq afghan.. LIFE IS NOT OVER.. lol it really isnt guys.. mistakes happen and i did my time only got out 2 months early. i laugh when i hear vets state that they were HONORABLY discharged.. i did cocaine a couple times. butt loads of guys have done bad stuff and gotten HONORABLE discharges. you can get jobs, school everything. if you really miss the military there is the french foreign legion.. i enlisted couple of years ago with them after the marines.. its lame and its french but if you really miss the military go to the ft de noget in paris. make a 3 week round trip cause you have to go to a 2 week selection. just tell them you were in the military they cant check about your discharge. they do drug test! but i repeat training is easy and its french.. lol if you do it youll remember these words.. but if you dont have anything goin on in life go do it. you have one year to go back to civilian life after training.. BUT GUYS READING THIS life is awesome.. if you want to get out of the military just smoke pot. dont do it on base and dont get caught buying it.. i laugh thinking about that first year out and how i thought i was a failure lol.. i survived fallujah..
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone here know the odds of getting on with one of the major oil companies with an oth? I am currently in school and will get 2 AAS (associate of applied science) degrees. One being in Electronic Engineering Technology and the other in Instrumentation Electronic Technology I am looking to get on with one of the major oil companies in the maintenance department, also know as I&E or I&C. The only thing i have since the oth is a dui a little over a year ago i wasnt arrested for it but did get a ticket, the officer let me call my dad to come pick me up instead of takin me to jail. will they see the dui in a background check? any help would be greatly appreciated thanks! screemingeagle1225@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteJUST GO BACK TO SCHOOL! dont listen to these negative military freaks that think your life is over because you didnt get a honorable. there are alot of honorably discharged vets that arent shit! you have to make it in the civilian world. the military gives you your money and food out in the real world its how hard you bust your ass to make it. im about to graduate as a PTA in less than a year and i received an OTH in 2010. dont let negative people bring you down, stick to yourself and out of trouble and the wind will blow in your favor.
DeleteI have an OTH discharge and i wanted to know if having it would stop me from being able to get a business license?
ReplyDeleteHell no, it will not stop you! I have a fed ID # and business license. Your golden, brother!
Deleteim in the army as a 13F currently in fort drum and im really thinking about admitting to having asthma before i joined and lied about it at meps... im willing to just suck it up only if i know ill get a dishonorable discharge if i do. does anyone know what ill most likely get? i kinda feel like if i do it the worst i would get is a OTH simnply becouse the army is looking to cut down ALOT and they wouldnt go through all the money and trouble to give me a court marshall.the army really isnt for me, im miserable and really hoping i can get out when i do this. someone plz reply asap
ReplyDeleteI'm currentlya US Marine but I have a hurt foot that wont let me train. They had mentioned to me aboyt getting an other than honorable discharge, I want to know how this will affect my life. Will I still be able to get a job? Or keep going to college? Help please.
ReplyDeleteI see a lot more searching on here than answering, but it might be worth a try...
ReplyDeleteI was given an OTH in Sep 2010 for Article 112A (Drug use), after serving only a little over a year (hit the fleet in March 2010). I have full intentions of seeking an upgrade (eventually- I know this doesn't happen overnight). Thing is, I have no resources at this point- I was never able to get my license since I graduated high school (parents wouldn't help, then I joined the MC and hadn't a car nor a teacher). Now I've got a semi-functional car (catch 22- needs repairs/ins/plates. Need a job to fix car, need a car to get job.) And I've been on a wild goose chase all over Google trying to find the information I need for free (I have no money. Literally. And no taxes coming back. Never got employed afterwards because of the above and this next.) And now I've got a daughter, 6 mo. I would love to attend NA (it was a one-time offense, but I know it will look better on paper), get involved with volunteer opportunities, go to school, etc. I'm highly ambitious, still in love with the Corps. I am currently receiving assistance from DHS for EBT and Medical coverage, just for the record. To add, I (think?) have a misdemeanor for "Reckless carry/use of a weapon" [pre-Marine Corps](please don't judge me on this- I'd tell the story but it'd be a waste of time. This is what's on paper... I think. Like I said, I can't find a way to find out, for free. Isn't that weird you can't pull your own record?) Anyway, there's the gist of it. And I'm starving for advice- LEGIT advice. I appreciate the moral support and the well wishes but what I need is solid useful experience from seasoned informants. No offense. I have a plan, a backup plan, and a plan for every letter A-Z. But no bridge to get to the yellow brick road.
Help? Feel free to email me if you promise not to spam haha:: twiztid_crier@hotmail.com
If i have a Security clearance now, been in the Navy 10 years had an honorable discharge on my first (8) year enlistment and made on out of character decision (Not drug use) and am facing an OTH discharge, will this keep me from finding a good job, or keeping the clearance i currently have now when i am finally processed out? Also, i have the option to take my case to an Administrative review board to attempt to receive a general discharge, what should i do? My biggest concern is finding a a professional job (Not would you like fries with that, or would you like to supersize this order?) after i get out. Thanks for your help.
ReplyDeleteOK a other discharge is of the same answer everyone above has listed but there a lot more things that people can do you just have to your orders. First you can go to the VA and request for your other to be reviewed to become a general under honorable but you have to wait six months after t your discharge date. Second if you joined after 911 and served in Iraq or Afghanistan than you can qualify for your post 911 gi bill. And if anyone has any questions on about how to apply for anything you can go to a local and or the closest VA office and ask them any and all questions
ReplyDeleteSo I went threw one of the gates at ft hood and was caught wit possesion of drug and drug parifinilia I'm almst positive they're gunna give me the boot. Bt what kind of discharge will thy give me since the armys downsizing I hope thy dnt give me a dishonorable
ReplyDeleteIm at Ft. Hood and about to get kicked out for poppin hot on a UA (cocaine)and im gettin a general under honorable.....you should get the same
DeleteI have an OTH and it hasn't hindered me in the least bit. I have never lied about it, I put on my applications that I have OTH discharge. I currently work in a large healthcare system where I needed background checks to get it. I also have visited a few Michigan state job recruitment events and have been told that I am perfectly fine for applying, I just wouldn't receive veteran's preference. When I was getting out of the navy, I was told that not even Mcdonalds would hire me. That was crap. If anyone asked me if I would be willing to share why I got that discharge, I kept it brief. Did not lie, just didn't go into detail about what I did that was so negative.
ReplyDeleteim being recamented for a O.T.H. cause i pop hot on a piss test, weed. i got physical(deterring disk lower back) and mental problem (PTSD, Drepression) but i am receving treatment till im out, is their and hope out their for a job to pull myself out of dept?
ReplyDeletei can believe it so this powerful spell caster help me to stop pushing cocaine after trying to look for lasting solution to it, i meant people saying concerning this spell caster and the miracle he has been doing.
ReplyDeletehe told me not to worry my self that is going to cast a healing spell on me in less than three days i we shop to take cocaine and he really did as he said.. i,m so grateful to dr shant tami of indianspell@yahoo.com who help me to restore my self back to life,
you can reach him via: indianspell@yahoo.com and you be very happy you visit him.
I want to become a correctional officer then go patrol. I have an OTH and I work armed security in a club, and I work full time as an armored truck Currier for a world wide company. So because I have firearms training, deal with millions on a daily, and I have no criminal record, will my OTH hold me back from becoming a cop or a prison guard?
ReplyDeleteI will not take no for a answer from anyone, I know it will be hard and it will take a lot of extra work to build my resume and make myself stand out, I am going to be a success story! (Fingers crossed lol)
have you tried the cop thing? just wandering so i know if i can or not
Deleteim a former marine, iraqi veteran, even tho i got an oth for doing coke.
ReplyDeleteim going to school criminal justice, im also working part time. i get the respect marines should get after serving regarless if they fucked up. i volunteer to do this shit and i made a mistake and got fucked in the ass by the us goverment.
but brothers do not give up, do not throw the towell you are not a civillian with miilitary experience and mad respect from people tha had never served.... just dont be going around telling people your business..
i took the test to become a police officer in ny and nj . hopefully they will take me, if na FUCK IT ..theres more things you can do in life...
Anthony Busta
I was discharged in Lieu of trial by court martial for going UA (4 years) back in the 80's. Criminal background checks come back showing that I was arrested for desertion, but do not show anything about the charges being dismissed or withdrawn. Anyone know how to have that added to the record?
ReplyDeleteI'm 52 and after 30 years out just looked at my 214 and realized it was uoth and about crapped myself I thought it was general under other than honorable.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow 30 years gives me some perspective
1. I got screwed
2. It didn't kill me
3. I went to work for Ford Aerospace within 2 years getting out and was not declined my secret clearance. I did quit before I was given the clearance and after the FBI check.
4. You can get school grants and loans. I did.
5. I have graduated college with a Bachelors
6. I have been an Airline Captain in Hawaii (lots of security/background stuff)
7. I am a substitute school teacher in Hawaii(lots of background checks)
8. I can not seem to get a fed government job Intv.
Did it affect my life the last 30 years? Absolutely not. But I would love to get a fat government paycheck until I retire.
Does anyone know of a good lawyer that can help me get an upgrade?
ells1746@yahoo.com
HI i am a pfc in the usmc i work in a shitty unit and im depressed all of the time.i am done living like this,i can not let people make me feel less than anylonger.i want 2 get out now!!!but i dont want 2 do anything stupid.how can i go about getting out?#(IM LOST)contact-reggieking@live.com
ReplyDeleteI have been removed oth and it is a personal choice. It is solely up to you. However, if a marine or soldier is prescribed anti depressants then when you are discharged honorably you can collect disability. Please talk with someone you trust. I am a marine and I know what it is like to be stabbed in the.back by your
ReplyDeletebrother. Seek medical mental health first.
Im a National Guard Reservist from MO, Im being told that Im most likely to be Discharged for being Obese and having a BMI over 41. Im Currently In School Taking alot of classes and Study constantly I even go and work out relatively often. I've always been hungry all the time since after Basic Training before basic training i was a about 170 pounds at 5'5" before basic so i wasnt really skinny. during basic i always felt like i was starving and would eat as much as possible it was even recommended because we'd just be working it off and we did i got down to almost 130 lean mean fighting machine but ever since graduation AIT I just kept eating at the same rate from basic and wouldnt work out nearly as hard because it was cold when i came home, then i hurt my ankle and couldnt run again until it was healed. so i gained alot of weight over the last year and am now at about 240 pounds. I cant hardly breathe anymore when i go running i havent been tested for ashema or any eating disorders (should I?) I cant hardly run at all so ive been failing PT Test's and my unit is prepping for deployment and said that my heart is currently unable to handle a deployment/combat. and they are saying I will get a UTH discharge I did a little research online and it said that weight management wouldn't result in a UTH but instead in a honorable or general under honorable. and even failure to meet standards of a healthy ready soldier styled discharges didnt say anything about UTH just General under honorable.
ReplyDeleteIm ok with being discharged because I physically just cant maintain those standards of PT Ive only ever passed a PT once and that was the last one in basic to graduate and i nearly got hospitalized after that run because i couldn't breathe for almost 20 minutes afterwards. Im a short and bad runner i can pass push up and sit ups all day but i just cannot pass that run.
What im more worried about is three things i keep hearing from military and prior military people/
1. Im being told that even a UTH or General Discharge I will be forced to pay back immediately anything I used From my GI BILL and any Federal/Military TA i recieved going to school that almost 8-10 thousand dollars and im already taking student loans since i stopped receiving TA since i was flagged for PT.
2. That a General or UTH discharge will make it impossible to get almost any job. Ive heard alot of success storys above me which makes me happy as i would like to become a electrical engineer possibly working for hybrid cars or windmills or something idk yet.
3. Has anyone had this discharge from the national guard? Or know exactly what happened to someone that has? Which discharge did you recieve exactly for weight or pt fails
Would I be able to get a job at the NEX with an OTH for article 92?
ReplyDeleteWould like to get into golf course maintenance, but am concerned about what financial aid I'll be able to get. Rec' OTH for marijuana use one time. Could you help me with any info you may have on school aid and OTH's? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteJust fill out the FAFSA. I had an OTH and financial aid pays for everything (no GI Bill, though, but doesn't matter). The only way marijuana will hurt your financial aid is if you get arrested for using/selling it while you're on financial aid.
DeleteI work for department of environmental protection, and i am reservist if i get and OTH for not showing up to drill weekends, would i be able to keep my job???
ReplyDeleteIs it worth the risk? Just assume if you get an OTH you'll never be able to work for the government again. If you like working for the government, then show up for the drills and don't get an OTH. If you don't care about it, then don't worry about it.
DeleteDoes your unit know where you work? If so lie and tell them you lost your job, that way they can take it off of your file, Then when you go UA they can sabotage your job because they think you dont have one, Or just tell them you got a different job. I didnt even tell my reserve unit where I work because I know they are working hard to sabotage my job, Them Dicks.
DeleteI have been a Marine reservist for 5 1/4 years now. I am currently being processed for failing to meet height and weight standards. I have handed in all my gear, and just waiting on my admin sep... That was 7 months ago. I am still drilling (never missed a drill or AT event) I did a tour in Iraq, and have remained a lcpl this whole time due to the height and weight standards. Every month i come in to drill i have to find out if my paper work went through or not. I get scrutinized for being fat every time I go. I was diagnosed with PTSD (a major factor for that was weight gain in a very short time period).
ReplyDeleteI am fed up with the way I have been treated so far, I am thinking about just going UA. My only question is if I do, what will happen to me?
OTH and busted down to PVT, That is all. Im a LCPL admin reservist who also quit going to drill because it was a waste of my weekend.
DeleteReceived a general oth for failing drug test (marijuana). Is it possible to become a notary in pa? Also was wondering if it is possible to get my state inspection license? I was in the pa national guard.
ReplyDeleteAssuming I cannot become a notary having a general oth? What about applying for my state inspection license? Is it possible to get that still? No criminal record and I pissed hot for marijuana. I got kicked out of pa national guard
ReplyDeleteI was just informed today that I am getting an OTH for failing a drug test. I am in the Air National Guard and I'm just wondering what my options are. I have served a little more than 3yrs of my 6yr contract. I have never been in trouble before and have successfully completed a deployment.
ReplyDeleteThis is very recent as my commander just informed me today. He told me that I'm basically being fired but its no big deal considering I only work there two days a month.
I just wanna know my options. Can I somehow appeal the decision and stay in? Could I get the OTH at least changed to something more favorable in the eyes of employers? Can i keep any benefits? Thanks in advance!
A fellow OTHer told me abt this site and I had to see it for myself! My name is Zo, I was recruited at my college in 2000. I was promised that I could play football for the Navy by my recruiter. I didnt know I had to be an officer or get special orders. I was put in some apprentice, no job program in the Navy. I didnt know what it meant. I cleaned or did nothing all day. Waste of time and brain. I now am a firefighter/paramed in Va. but, I was kicked out because of drugs. I am a great paramedic and I serve my county well. I never mentioned the military on my applications at all. When I got out, I was still young enough to say I was living with my mother still. lol But never give up. Use your witts, network, get people to like you and know you. Maintain a stabile family life. Clean up debt and stay clean. Remove people who keep you down. If you can't ignore them then make your conversaions light, smart and intentional. Prepare yourself for rejection and never give away information about yourself unnecessarily. Forget the bad experiences down range/overseas and keep the training you recieved close and current in your mind. Use your skills, you have more than a civilian will ever have. Go to college or get technical training. But mostly go to a 4 year university and graduate with honors. Be better than everyone around you. Learn another language well. And when it comes time for you to be in charge or write policy in your company or government job, u will be in the unique position to advocate and open the doors for those who served honorable and those who served honorably 90% of the time. Your story is NOT over. You are one in many of ex military that have less than an honorable disch. We all know from our miliary experience that anyone of us could have gotten an honorable discharge. The difference is that we got caught and did not tell on those who walk around with their honorable paperwork working for the FBI. lol. Sorry flash back....Clear evidence that lie detector tests don't work for everyone...but carry on my friends, shipmates, and fellow warriors. Ur journey to greatness has only just begun.
ReplyDelete"I now am a firefighter/paramed in Va. but, I was kicked out because of drugs. I am a great paramedic and I serve my county well." Correction, in above entry, I was kicked out the Navy for drugs. I am still a paramedic and have not done drugs since I was hired into the fire department.
DeleteI'm getting a OTH Discharge due to missing a few drills in the Army Reserve. Prior to being in the reserves, I was Active Duty USMC, and got an Honorable Discharge from them in 2008. As for the OTH Discharge for getting to many "U's" will I have trouble finding work? I currently am in College using my post 9/11 GI bill towards a teaching degree.
ReplyDeleteHey everyone, I received my OTH from going UA from the Marine Corps after almost 2 years in service. I was an 0311. I was refused medical care almost daily for months for a number of issues I had that needed attention (severe plantar fasciitis in both feet, arthritis in my right hip, large polinidal cyst on my tailbone). I gutted out my injuries hoping one day after continuous attempts they would see actually see me at the BAS. That day never came and as I could finally tell my body couldn't handle anymore punishment from PT and 5 mile runs every morning and the hazing we were constantly subjected to, including being forced to do 24 hr continuous roving guard duty without so much as an authorized piss or chow break; I left my unit and went back home to get civilian medical treatment. It was the hardest choice I ever made, I had always wanted to be a Marine and it was the best day of my life graduating boot camp. I didn't want to leave even though conditions were terrible, forced to live in condemned black mold infested squad bays built in the 40's packed with over 400 new joins for three decks among others; but I knew my body could not hold out any longer. I was a very good marine and I was a Lcpl and had been a fireteam leader in my squad, received a recommendation letter from a Marine Col after volunteering to build a children's playground just off base, and never had any disciplinary action and actually received a good conduct medal just before my eventual NJP in Quantico.
ReplyDeleteWhen I got home the doctor told me I was on the very edge of having completely ruptured my tendons in my feet requiring a high risk surgery likely leaving me to never run or do real physical activity. So I put myself to bed rest and started therapy and once I could walk consistently again I turned myself in to MCB Quantico. I had a couple buddies who had been through there already and they had told me its better to go with the flow and take the OTH than try to fight for medical discharge or prove hazing, since they fought you tooth and nail and would make your time there hell for trying. So I tried to stay low key and went for OTH.
After I got out I went straight to college, got certified as an EMT-Basic, and have been working on Fire Science Technology AAS Degree, I am about to graduate with it and along with two career studies certificates. I have held two jobs (Jiffy Lube, Jason's Deli) since I have been out while I have been going to school earning my degree. I was given opportunities to work an EMT job but none were flexible enough for working with school. During none of this was my OTH ever a factor.
I also joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary a month after being discharged to try to fulfill my desire to still serve, where I am still a volunteer in the boat crew program focusing on SAR. They conducted a thorough FBI background check which I passed with flying colors and technically am now labeled as a "Department of Homeland Security Employee" with an issued ID as well allowing access to DoD and DHS facilities. They are an extremely professional organization and it is a pleasure to be able to serve with them. I also joined my home County's Community Emergency Response team with no trouble whatsoever. I just missed out on joining the last round of volunteers for my hometown fire department because I was having surgery done on one of my aforementioned injuries. I disclosed to them the full nature of my discharge during the interview to which they had no noticeable issue with, they called me and told me to come back out again once I was recovered. I encourage you to try organizations like these, many will not turn you away.
Please don't let the OTH get you guys down, I too was afraid of what would happen and how it would affect me in the future. I was depressed and first turned to substance abuse like many of you, but there is hope. Work hard and prove you are not the person your service characterization paints you to be and people will see it and not think less of you.
were you in casual at Quantico in late 2009 early 2010? (got out late January) if so, this is "Juice". also I'd like to know more about the Coast Guard Auxiliary thing ya got goin on there, seems interesting to me.
DeleteI feel ya on the black mold. When I was being out-processed I was housed at PCF Fort Knox. One side of the building was so contaminated with black mold that even the Army wouldn't let people sleep in those rooms. The problem was that because it wasa personnel control facility (essentially a jail without bars), all of the doors were removed from the rooms, so the mold spores floated all over the building. The third day I was there I finally went on sick call. When I was triaged at IACH I had a fever of 104 from the mold exposure!
DeleteHello, I Received an OTH for "Failure to Adapt" in the Navy. I was Not a Trouble Maker and I received High Scores etc... it just wasn't the Path for Me so I left. Also, other Situations I really can't disclose that have nothing to do with My Performance/Behavior, but did effect Me. They didn't even have Me Fly back to Base based on the Circumstances. The Lt. just Signed a Waiver for Me to be Discharged and we faxed paperwork back & forth. It went pretty smooth.
ReplyDeleteSo My Question is, How do I tell an Employer a really messed up situation that I don't even think I am allowed to Discuss. Let's put it this way, the Other Person involved is on NCIS Most Wanted List til this Day. I was just planning on not saying anything at all because that is an NCIS Investigation so I feel it's not really any of their Business. It may be against the Law too.
I don't ever plan on Working for the Govt or McDonalds, but I know there has to be another Career Opportunity for Me to pursue. It's that Little Voice that Says tell My Future Employer I at least Served, but can't Disclose that Information. Is that even Possible?
I feel like I'm going to be a Dead Give Away though because it wasn't too long ago and even My Husband thinks I act completely different than a Civilian would (I guess Certain Behaviors stay with You)
Another thing, I am looking to Further My Education. Will it still be Possible to Receive Financial Aid or any Type of Scholarships/Grants with an OTH?
My Resume is Pretty Good, my Main Concern is What to Say to My Future Employer, and if what I had Stated above is Legal to Say --- Also Financial Aid/Scholarships/Grants.
If I don't hear from anyone regarding My Questions, I will Post of My Findings. The worst they can say is NO/Reject Me and then I will just try another way to Achieve my Short Term Goals. I still have 150% Respect for the US Navy. If things Panned Out differently I would still be there Serving. Sh*t Happens, and Life Goes On...
Can you do the helmets to hardhats program with a BCD?
ReplyDeleteI joined Navy Res 1981, went to basic, a school, took 6 months full time, my res duty was in Newport on a ship, I could not get raise in rate for my test would be lower than full timers, I was on ship 4 yrs, my enlistment being 6 yrs, never being rotated to land, as usual.My mother was ill and I was forced to stay home on Res. weekend, often I was late to ship on Friday night launch. I called my Lt. said he would not transfer me to a land billet. So I was in a bad situation. he gave me an OTH, saying that I could get it changed in 6 months. I have a good job and only think sadly upon my departure with the Navy. But I have never stood jury duty. Anyone else?
ReplyDeleteI was discharged from the Marines in 2000 for drug use. I'm now a DoD employee with a clearance. I have 13 years of impressive job history after the Marines with good companies, excelled and was promoted everywhere I went. Education and a successful honest work history are paramount. If you are smart, nothing will hold you back from what you want. As far as resumes go, put your military service on, but do not state your discharge. If you are applying for a job with a clearance, there has to be some time between your discharge and present day. The clearance folks look at the whole person (meaning, what have you done with yourself since your discharge), you must be honest about your discharge, if you lie on the security questionnaire, you will be found out and no job for you...there is the potential for prosecution as well. You will almost always receive a personal interview for a clearance as well, considering you have an OTH. Once again, be honest. "I was young and irresponsible." What ever your story is, your real abilities, your schooling, how hard you've worked and how hard you're willing to work and you as a individual will dictate whether you're a success or not. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI just took the gov's deal lieu in trial of court martial. I have 2 honorable discharges, one from active duty and one from the Illinois national guard. I am currently clearing and will be out in the the next week. Will I be able to keep all my benefits I got prior to my OTH. PLEASE HELP SO I can be prepared.
ReplyDeleteI received an OTH discharge in 1979. I breezed through Basic and AIT. Outstanding soldiers award,expert in rifle and grenade course.Sent to Germany and serving 6 months. I had a perfect career going and BAMM! my grandfather died and I was sent home for 30 days for the service. I was raised by my grandparents, they were my parents! During the funeral, my grandmother put pressure on me to stay and do what ever to not go back to germany. I was 17 when I inlisted. I asked for a transfer stateside and was refused. The pressure of my grandfather dying and my grandmother who was very influential to me needing me, I went AWOL and received the OTH discharge. My discharge didn't effect my employment at all. I never mentioned I was in the military and always checked the box of no military. I've recieved security clearances and currently work as a fire captain at a large city fire department. I feel bad about the discharge but I never let it hold me back. I have a BS in Biology,Paramedic cert. and I teach hundreds of young firefighters every year. DON'T LET IT GET YOU DOWN. Get up and step around the discharge and take charge of your life. GET R DONE and remember that whats behind you is behind you.
ReplyDeleteMy wife is currently trying to get separation from the army. She has been in for about 100 days and is still in AIT. Her sgt. is trying to tell her that she will get an article 14 or article 15 along with a OTH discharge. But she went to her chaplain and found out she can get a ELS since she has d been in for le than 180 days. Her sgt. and first shirt are still sticking to their story. Who's right? And what should she do?
ReplyDeleteI got an OTH from the Navy in 2003 after pissing hot and UA for 3 weeks..I was doing well until i moved to Norfolk, I was a young 21 yr sailor that could not afford a place off the ship, and living on the ship 247 was killing me, i would leave the ship to go to the mall or a movie but guess what? then right back to my Destroyer ship! so i did my actions on purpose bc I wanted to get out and go to school! since then i have received my BA, and am back in school in a post bacc program to become a certified Physical Education Teacher.
ReplyDeleteAn OTH doesnt stop most things from happening.
I heard the Navy now has better programs for young sailors, persuading them to live off of the ship...I was enlisted in 2003 so things could have changed a bit.
When I came home I buried the Navy deep in me, 10 years later, or a couple weeks ago I admit I had a mini qtr life crisis, regretting my actions in the Navy bc I was doing so well during and after bootcamp and training schools, yea I cried, bc it didnt have to end like that..I never even received my DD214, i had it sent to my friends house so my mom wouldnt see it, I just requested mine sent to me yesterday.
I am married to a wonderful women, life aint too bad...I am PROUD that I served, some people do 4 years and could care less. If I could go back I would, but it aint right for young sailors to be stuck on a ship, after the long work day, the long exercises at sea...all i needed was a place to go to and get away until the next work day..
Can a over the road truck driver get a military clearance if they have a oth
ReplyDeleteI am getting an OTH discharge. I made a terrible mistake i signed on the commanders signature block of the leave form. I regret it so much i never took the leave it never went anywhere but when my OIC found it she turned it in to the commander and she is giving me OTH discharge for trying to sign her name. Now i am trying to go to RN Nursing career but i fear this would affect me in my future though right now i volunteer at boys and girls club, wounded worrior projects, special olympics, and other events. So please do not judge me on my mistake i just want to know how will this affect me in my career as an RN nurse?
ReplyDeleteI have an honorable from a year in Iraq 12b. And I came back home and fell into a financial slump I had a hard time going to drill because I couldn't afford the distance. Okc to Stl. They wouldn't transfer me because I couldn't pass my run. Well I got an oth and my life is back on track I want to get my CCW through the state of Oklahoma. I can still legally buy a gun will an OTH prevent me from acquiring my CCW?
ReplyDeleteMy son was just arrested for smoking Spice. They stopped him for speeding on base, smelled the spice in his car and searched it. They found the stuff and the pipe. He admitted to smoking it, but wasn't high at the time of the arrest. He spent a few days in a cell in the brig, and is now in a barracks type facility. He is a Marine. He is scared, remorseful, and embarrassed. His dad and I are heart-broken. He has been a Marine less than a year, but more than six months. He got his security clearance taken away. He was squad leader for 11 weeks in boot, prayer leader in boot and received meritorious promotion after boot. He excelled in MOS school. Now this..... I realize they have zero tolerance, but I'm hoping there is a bit of wiggle room. My son is an excellent Marine. He loves it, and has talked about making it a career. I don't know why he chose to do such a stupid thing. I have to chalk it up to, "good people make mistakes too." He has taken full responsibility for his actions. He is humble and is going to fight to stay in. His C.M. will be around the beginning to middle of August. My son doesn't belong back here as a civilian, he belongs in the Marine Corps. Being confined to a cell opened his eyes to what's it like to go to jail. He was scared and very depressed. I know he's my son, and I'm biased... but I feel he deserves another chance. My husband and I are both vets. We understand the zero tolerance idea... but I knew many people (not including myself) that smoked occasionally and they were excellent sailors. Nobody's perfect.... In this year of cut-backs in the military, what are the chances my son can fight his way back and stay in the Corps?
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that Spice was an illegal drug. The USMC is very picky about the lifestyles of their troops. If his command has a negative perspective of him, then he definitely stands no chance of remaining enlisted. Especially right now. The forces are experiencing a massive overflow right now. Higher ups will find any possible reason to make room for a "more valuable asset".
DeleteBut regardless of the outcome, his life is far from ruined. It seems like he has all the support a guy could need to get through the tuff times that may come.
Thanks for your reply. His 30th day in the brig was two days ago and has only seen his attorney once. The CO said he wants my son to plead guilty and agree to 90 days in the brig, and an OTH. Good grief! For smoking spice? He did not agree to that punishment and will be fighting it. 30 days in the brig, with two of those weeks in solitary confinement. Isn't that punishment enough? This is getting ridiculous. I know the military has harsh punishments, but my God. He didn't murder someone, or rape someone. He smoked spice. he already said there is no chance he can stay in. His GySgt is bummed....my son was a good worker and did his job well. We're now just waiting for him to come home and help him start over. This is so sad. He's such a good Marine. He made a mistake. They are letting go of someone that could've done real well. Oh well....time to move on.
DeleteAn OTH should have no effect on getting a CCW permit or a job as an RN. Be honest on the paperwork and interviews. I have an OTH from 20 years ago and have been working for the Federal Government for over 13. Good luck!
ReplyDelete