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Other Than Honorable Discharge
This blog is dedicated to prior service members who are seeking help with the challenges of receiving and OTH or other than honorable discharge after leaving the U.S. Armed forces. All helpful comments are encouraged. Negative comments will not be posted.
I joined the US Army in Dec 1979...I was an infantryman.. I had some personal issues and went AWOL a few times..I was finally discharged in 1982 with an OTH...During the years I had jobs that were low paying. I felt disgusted and telling people I had an OTH discharge. It took a very long time to regroup..
ReplyDeleteI have been working for the State for 14 years now. I tried to get a job with the feds- Department of corrections but my credit was an issue and don't think I had a tough time explaining my discharge.
Tried to get my discharge change with no luck.
I live with this everyday..
Trust me if you have issues, seek counseling.
Talk to someone...Dont do what I did ..go AWOL.
If I could do it all over again I would do it right..serve your time and get out with an honorable..
Don't let it get you down it was not your time to be there. You have another time and place to be that is more important. Keep going.
DeleteI joined the military Nov 1999 and served with 3Id in Fort Stewart for 3 years and left active duty and joined the National Guard. I was Deployed to Iraq in 2003-2004/2006-2008 and then finally Jan 2010 to Octg 2010 and was discharge with an Other Than Honorable. During my last deployment I served as a Squad Leader (SSG) and was in charge of a Combat Escort Team. During one of those mission one of my soldier had a negligent discharge and I and the rest of the NCO's decided not to report the ND. After two months of this incident one of the NCO's got in trouble for not following the Commander's guidance and he was going to receive a Field Grade Article-15. While he was being read the article-15 he snitch on me and also accused me of locking and loading my weappon to his driver witch I never did. His driver madeup a story that I assault his driver. The nco that received the article-15 did not like because I was always on top of him making sure they did there job and I had to micro-manage him. Everytime he did something it was incorrect and need it someone's assistant to finish the task. Instead of being an NCO he was good buddy's with his driver and were in first name bases one of the many problems. I counseled him accordingly but nothing change so I was ready to fire him and the only thing he had on me was that I did not report the negligent discharge. To make it worst they made the story of the assault. At first the case was going to be a summary court martial. But the Lt. Col did not want that he wanted a special court martial. Once this was accpeted to special court martial I was pretty much done. I am 100% innocent of the assault charges. In a summary court martial I would've defended myself and clear name but I will still be punish for not reporting the negligent discharge. But in a special court martial I was facing from a letter of reprimand to six month's in prison just for the Derelection of Duty. I would've been vindicated from the assault charges but would have been punish for the negligent discharge. And kicked out with a bad conduct discharge and a federal criminal record. So I requested to be discharge in liue of trial with an Other Than Honorable Discharge. Now I'm looking for a lawyer to do a civil law suit for the lies and defamation of character...... please comment on what else should I do...
ReplyDeleteI joined the army in 01, was one of the first rotations to Iraq with 3rd ACR in 03. After the deployment, I reinlisted for a comfy tour at Ft. Knox. My second boy was born, so I reinlisted again and got Hawaii. My drinking had got out of hand at that point and I wasnt making clear decisions. I started cheating on my wife and when she found out, we got into a screaming match, nothing physical. She had crushed one of my phones before so when she took ahold to my current phone, I tried to grab it back. In the proccess, her pinky finger bent back far enough to "sprain" it. So that was dom. vilonce right? My jag lawyer said she could beet it. I was also in an accident with the girl i was seeing about a month later. She was an M.P. and SHE was driving and she told them i was, so dui. No joke, all my injuries where on my right side, do the math. Anyways, I didn't want to loose my stripes and start over again for some b.s. charges, so I took an article 10 i think. Basicly i sign something and I get out of the Army. At this point, I am considered "homeless". Every time I look for help from the VA or something, I get turned away because of my OTH. I hope these comments help people in the military currently, beyond that I hope people that "got the shaft" get the help they deserve. If you can help me, please post something on here that points me in the right direction
ReplyDeleteI recently received my OTH. I did ten years in the Navy. I was a top sailor, but I tested positive for marijuana two months before I was scheduled to get out honorable (stupid right). Everyday is hard, I filled out at least 20 applications and still unemployed. If your doing something your not suppose to be doing but feel its alright cause your getting away with it, believe me it'll catch up. Feeling lost is an awful feeling, with a constant drizzle of shame, so please sail the right course.
ReplyDeleteI joined the USMC in 2009 Dec. I didn have a bad llife growing up but i felt like needed some direction. Anyways i joined and i went reserves thinkin it would work for me when i got back home as in gettin a job and being able to support myself. I was wrong. It hard to get a job where i live and i dont have a car. Not having those two things, i wasnt able to go to drill. My friends couldn help me cause they had there own life. My family is always going outta town. Anyways i juss recieved my letter of OTH discharge. Ive been in 1yr nd 1 month. I feel like crap about it, but i got what i wanted outta the military. Sense of direction. I know now what i want to do, i dont have trouble makin decisions. I got the OTH papers cause i havent been able to attend drill..
ReplyDeletefunny cause igotten the same thing for the army and my unit was about a hour and a half away from me now im trying to get back in but i was denied my waiver so yea bullshyt
DeleteI had the same problem...did you have to show up for anything?
Deletei joined in 2006. served 3 years. made it to e4 and had just gotten done with WLC (warrior leadership course) i was my class leader for AIT. Made it from e1 to e4 in less than 1 year. i was going to a 20 year old sergeant. then for my 21st birthday i got smashed out of my mind at the bar, and smoked weed with my friend. i later went home and told one of my other army friends that i smoked and was worried i might pop hot on the next drug test which was only a week or two away. (it was the quarterly weapons qual and there is always a massive drug test there). one of my bitch nco's was my friend on facebook, saw what i had written, printed it off, and gave it to my BATTALION commander at weapons qual. that dude chewed my ass out for a good half hour on how much of a disgrace i was to the military and the unit. demoted me and immediately gave me a counseling statement. luckily it was only 1 rank.
ReplyDeletethe separation charges were initiated. i fought them, but unfortunately i hadnt served enough time to get the right to a fair trial. about a year of actively drilling and making ammends for my wrongs, i recieved a letter in the mail simply saying.
"you ahve been demoted to E1. and have been separated with an OTH."
fuck!
i hate that rotten fucking cunt that printed off my facebook. but ultimately it was me who smoked the joint. yes i was out of my mind wasted, and really dont remember typing the facebook statement, or remember smoking that night, i still made the decision to light up the J.
my security clearance is suspended, and ive had the greatest honor you can recieve from this nation stripped away from me. i can no longer serve my country. which basically makes me a leech. i feel i have to leave. i feel i dont belong. and worst of all i feel like the biggest piece of shit. ive been fighting teh discharge, but my lawyer knows about as much as i do about getting the orders revoked. if its even possible.
ReplyDeletemy entire college career was based on the education benifits i received through the military. i got kicked out, and was forced to drop out of college. i live with my parents and masturbate in their basement.
but life must go on. if you focus on all the things you cant do with an OTH then it will ruin your life. focus on what you can do, and make your own options. people have been torchered and raped, killed, live in poverty, or have never seen as much food as we americans eat in one night. so be thankful. dont worry about our stupid fucking society. a society that rats each other out. only cares about monetary and face value. a society that says your not important unless your bank account is flowing like the salamon of capastrano (dumb and dumber reference)
if the people of this country that i served so honorably want to rat me out to my battalion commander, turn me in without a chance to explain or come clean. then fuck them. i dont want to serve or live anywhere near people like that. i say that of course only because they wont allow me near them anymore lol but id have killed myself a long time ago if i didnt have this attitude. you should do the same. but most importantly you should avoid an OTH. if you sign up, try to have the responsibility and dedication to follow the rules all the way till the end. i wish i was as mature as i am now when i signed up, because i wouldnt have signed up knowing teh responsibility i was undergoing.
but this is life. a great and harsh teacher. if you never fall, then you will never learn to avoid the next pot hole. the road is bumpy. but the army trained me to be a strong soldier and an army of one. just because they dont need me anymore does not mean ive forgotten their training. push it. live it. fuck it
I have been in the Tx National Guard for almost 6 years (I am 3 months away from ETS) I got off three years straight of Title 10 service on Dec 18, 2010. I coulfnt find a job and we were already dipping into savings and I found a private security job that required me to leave within 4 days and paid more than Ive ever made in my life. I went by the armory twice in those 4 days and during the middle of the day tuesday and wednesday the lazy guys that work full time were no where to be found, so after 4 days I left, family comes first, namely paying bills. Will I have been gone and missed my first drill and I get an email saying I am being processed for an OTH discharge....ONE DRILL. Do I have any options here?
ReplyDeleteKinda hard to believe being that law requires 9 consecutive missed drills to be processed for OTH discharge.
DeleteI was given an oth due to awol in Feb 98. I had only been in since May 97. I was divorced for a total of six months before enlistment and had alot of issues. I took an Infantry MOS so I could shipout quickly and take care of myself.I bit off more than I could chew and got my but handed to me.I had alot of dreams for my career, but I made a stupid choice and now it follows me everywhere. I advise anybody to never go awol. Ask for help, do not be afraid to seek counsel and avoid stupid mistakes. I am ashamed every day of my life and I would give anything to serve my country.
ReplyDeleteI have been in the Navy for 3 years and some change and still kinda considered a young buck because i turn 22 this year. I am recieving an OTH for disobeying a direct order of my commanding officer by missing too many restriction musters. Before that I was placed on restriction because I got drunk one night and came in 2 hours late. Of course I had a few times of being late but I always had somebody to cover for me. Yet in the end I did get himmed up anyway. The reason for that is mainly because of the rate I have which is MM (Machinist Mate). It does not bother me that I am getting discharged because I have some problems at home that I need to be home to attend to and all but yet the fact that this is the end of my career is what is getting to me. Does this mean that receiving this discharge will be the end of me pretty much that I will have to struggle for the remainder of my life? I am a very hardworker and earned my stripes in the Navy. I have seen fifteen different countries, completed 2 deployments, highly qualified in the engineering world and topside world due to the fact that I was a Deck Seaman before becoming a Machinist Mate. Every time I put that uniform on it was always pressed and neat. My boots always gleamed in the light and I always followed the orders given to me. Yeah like I said before I have had a few bumps in my career and I will admit it of course but I do not want to let all that go to waste and come home to a family and have nothing to show. I considered that fact that maybe I can join the Army with a type of Waiver is this true? I will do infantry whatever it is they ask of me I just want to be able to provide for my family. I need some advice from those of you who have been there or are now. Thank You Respectfully. My email address is JCSGator06@aol.com.
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have found this site and all of your stories years ago. My story isn't much different than any of yours. After I graduated high school. I was taking 2 classes at a community college and working full time. I was involved in a car accident and totaled my car. After that I couldn't work or finish college. So I dropped out and joined the army. I joined in October of 2006. Went in and finished BCT. I was in AIT for about a year, finally got in to my MOS classes. I was told that my fiance and my best friend were screwing around. When I talked to them they admitted that shit had happened between them while I was gone. I was so angry and disappointed. I went AWOL, and came back home to deal with it. Her and I eventually broke up. And I kicked his ass, I nearly put him in the hospital. He could have gotten me thrown in jail as well but kept his mouth shut. I only had a month to go until my AIT graduation and was about to be promoted to E3. I was so close, to think I threw it away over a bitch.
ReplyDeleteI joined USMC in 2005. I was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Maint. BN., Motor transport maintenance company.
ReplyDeleteI admit, I stole some stuff like an idiot, and I was caught. I was also made an example of, since there were several thefts from the battalion, and they couldn't pin it on any one in particular. I got in trouble, and placed in the brig on september 12, 2006. One month before I was supposed to be promoted to Corporal. My trial was held in November. The judge overseeing my case awarded me reduction to e1, forfeit 2/3 pay while confined, confinement in the brig for 5 months, and a Bad Conduct Discharge. My DD214 says I have been separated at September 17, 2007.
I am currently working as security for Target ( I am a Senior Target Protection Specialist, getting paid $12/ hr), and most likely promoting up to Investigations Specialist soon. I am also sending out my DD293 to see if I can get my BCD upgraded to an OTH, so I can join the army. My main argument for my discharge review will be the fact that yes, I was young and stupid. But look what I am doing now. I work with the local police department almost daily.
Ok..I havent received an OTH discharge yet however im in the reserves (which by the way is bullshit..should have went active)and i have 10 U's in a 1 year period you can only have 9 in a 1 year period before they look into gettin your ass out, i dont mind it really..it wasnt what i thought it would be, your not REALLY serving your country your serving some guy in a suite who tells you where to go and when for his own gain...my unit is filled with pieces of shit anyway..my only concern is making sure i can go to college (dont need the military's help) and get a better job than i have now..someone told me that i could lie and never tell my next employer about my OTH (if i get one)or the facet that i was ever in the military, is that true??
ReplyDeleteAs I read the above stories, I am saddened by them. Mostly, what saddens me is the shame that accompanies the OTH discharge. I do want to say that I am very familiar with the OTH and the damage it does to one's soul as a family member of mine was "given" one, after their deployment to Iraq. My suggestion to all of you is to find your local Vet Center or an outside organization which helps Veterans w/OTH discharges. We did not have any luck with DAV, or organizations such as that. We went to our State Veteran's Office and that VSO was former military and was very supportive and aggressive!! She suggested that we petition the VA for our family member's benefits, which we did(she did the paperwork). It was long, grueling and frustrating but finally after at least two denials from the VA, our family member was rated 100% service connected. This process took almost 2.5 years. In the interim, we put our family member on medicaid, and applied for SSDI which was granted.
ReplyDeleteAllow me to tell you, initially, the VA would NOT see our family member, but after truly badgering them, screaming, calling anybody that I thought would help, etc. the VA agreed to treat for PTSD only. The diagnosis came from the VET Ctr. From that point, we asked the VA for a TBI evaluation as the family member's TBI assessment was positive upon the initial visit to the VA a year prior!!!!! The VA said, "NO!" I then made some more phone calls and got the family member a Federal Recovery Coordinator, who was extremely helpful. Fed. Recovery (877 732 4456) About a month and a half later we were taking our family member to a Defense and Veteran Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) for a detailed TBI evaluation. The Dr there was able to ascertain info that we had no idea about and did in fact tell us that our family member had a TBI and would probably suffer the effects of that for the rest of his life, as well as the PTSD. Understand that this family member has NO loss of limbs, NO scars, NOTHING visible to indicate anything is amiss. Due to an episode of heatstroke, a serious fall, an humvee accident, and being in close proximity to IED's, & VBIED'S in Iraq, a brain injury was sustained. Upon return to base, self-medication began, thru a urine test, cocaine was detected and the family member was tossed like useless garbage, berated by command, lied about by Officers, etc. and "given" an OTH. I wish I could say that positive results came out of the Review Bd for a discharge upgrade, but sadly, that was denied in spite of the facts that our family member is 100% service connected w/the VA and another govt agency DVBIC validated the TBI. The review board CHOSE to dismiss those facts.
My suggestions are: contact your local Vet Center and start getting a paper trail documenting anything that may be amiss Alcohol abuse? drug abuse? nightmares? headaches? With your OTH they can offer you counseling.
Find a veteran service officer VSO, explain your story and see what they will do to help. With our VSO's help, we were able to get our family member 100% service rating w/VA and ALL other benefits affiliated w/VA.
If you think you may have a brain injury, contact the DVBIC and talk to them about an eval.
THANK-YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE and please feel free to contact me if you wish @ cwcjudges612@gmail.com
GOD Bless
I started my marine corps life in September of 03. I went my first 4 years without any incidents and decided to re-enlist. Almost 2 years later I popped on a test for marijuana. (this is such bullsh!t that I got busted for a plant...a plant that was made illegal because of racism). Anyways I was busted in rank, pay, had to do restriction for 2 months. Now I have a crappy retail job but I still collect my GI Bill money thanks to the loophole in the system. I re-enlisted so technically I got out with an honorable discharge and thats what I use to claim my money. Think I dont deserve it? Ive been sent to Iraq 3 times in my 6 years, I think I did my part for this country. So everyone that was processing me out and hated me got the shock of their lives cause they didnt think that Id get any benefits. Up yours USMC
ReplyDeleteIs that the only loop hole in the system?
DeleteHey me too bro.....got mine cause I was able to prove I reenlisted and my first term was honorable, just had to send my service record to va and make a note when applying.....did 7.5 and recieved oth
DeleteHey me too bro.....got mine cause I was able to prove I reenlisted and my first term was honorable, just had to send my service record to va and make a note when applying.....did 7.5 and recieved oth
DeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteI just signed the petition "US Government- Defense: Change of Military Discharges" and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.
Our goal is to reach 100 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
http://www.change.org/petitions/us-government-defense-change-of-military-discharges
Thanks!
Leisa
I left for Marine Corps boot camp in July of 2008. It was a grand old time. Graduation was one of the greatest days of my life. I went to my school, school of infantry, and was then sent to my unit. One week prior to my arrival, there were incidences of hazing going on in my platoon. The guys who did the hazing were dealt with and I never saw them. However, you could just feel that some of those guys in the plt were pissed at us 'boots' and started in on us maliciously. Whatever, deal with it and move on... take it one day at a time. Day after day this continued until myself and 2 other of my plt mates had enough of it. We headed out after a Sunday full of excessive drinking. This was on my mind from the first sober day after leaving until the day me and my friend went back to Camp Pendleton. I stayed with him in his home state for 7 months. Partying and drinking. I was depressed and somewhat disgusted with myself for actually leaving. After so much guilt and figuring out that our best option was to head back, we headed back. We were taken out of our unit and placed in a separations company. I knew a discharge was on the way and I prayed and prayed for an OTH instead of a dishonorable. It was a dry barracks that they had us staying in but I didn't care nor did anyone else placed there. We drank heavily everyday and solicited various drugs. It was a constant game of cat and mouse but they never did catch this Marine in the act. I felt suicidal during this time frame. I was undergoing my CO's final interview and he instilled a sense of accomplishment for my actual service period and told me it was a shame that a good Marine like myself had to go down in the manner I did. He did however give me an OTH and I thanked him for his decision. It's been 13 months now since I've been out. It was hard at first. I couldn't integrate so well back into society. I realized too late that I needed structure such as the Corps offered me. I try hard in my life to not have regrets, but this is just something I can't let go of. If you are deciding on going UA for whatever reason, please stop and deeply think about your choices... Having an OTH on your record is just not worth it. If you would like to ask me any questions, you can email me at luckyboi57@hotmail.com and please put OTH in the subject.
ReplyDeleteI served in the Corps from 1988 to 1992,I was an 0332 and was with the 1st Marine combat unit deployed to Saudi Arabia for Desert Storm, Earlier in my career, I received a NJP for puncing another guy in the nose for spitting on me. Then 4 months later while still new to my unit, I went home on a 96 with my squad leader who left me. I came back a week later when I had the funds and was promptly busted again and put on restriction. three years laet after being decorated for Desert Storm, My new platoon Sgt. had me busted again for saying I was UA from fire watch when I wasn't even toldabout it. This led to me being referred to an admin discharge board and the JAG(fag) lawyer assigned to e recommended not to appear before the board. This led to me receiving an OTH discharge. I now work at a job where I'm the night supervisor making $25/hr. I failed to apply for a discharge upgade but I 'm still good. I wish I could have stayed in 25 years. I really regret my actions.
ReplyDeleteJoined the Marines in 12/99. Ended up in Hawaii, where drugs were rampant. Got stoned with a buddy of mine. We popped on a whiz quiz, and we were actually given the opportunity to stay in a get drug rehab treatment. I was barely 20 and stupid, and dealing with a lot of personal issues. I said I wanted out. They let me out in 12/01.
ReplyDeleteThere isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about it, even though it was a decade ago. Sometimes I dream about it. It's crazy right? I have written apology letters to the commandant and sergeant major of the Marine Corps, to no avail. The guilt will never go away. My best hope is that someday I will be able to redeem myself.
IF YOU ARE DOING DRUGS IN THE MILITARY, STOP NOW! It just isn't worth it.
I have an other than honorable discharge and have absolutely no issues with it at all :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, i live in nyc, nobody cares about that shit here, never get asked for dd 214, and still got my gi bill after oth with 7.5 years i .
DeleteGo figure we are mainly Marines on here! I served with the 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC(worst duty station in the military) I had been in for a few years when I was going through a tough time a bit after my last Iraq deployment. My wife had a miscarriage and we were really stressed out(she lived back in FL) and my unit wouldn't let me take any leave. I got fed up and decided to go UA to take care of things back home. I came back on my own and spent 3 months in the brig and accepted an OTH discharge in lieu of trial. At that time I didn't want to start over as a private and deal with my asshole unit anymore. Keep in mind I was a great Marine when i served, both state side and in Iraq and recieved various medals over my service period. I was tossed asside like nothing as soon as I had a problem. If you seek help you were labled and looked down on like there is something wrong with you. It all left a bad taste in my mouth but I regret my actions everyday. I wish I would have just sucked it up and gotten my honorable. I have a good life and I'm a family man now but I think it's ridiculous how the military gives OTH's on a dime now, especially in the Marines! I've seen many good marines be admin sept just months or weeks away from their EAS because of bullshit. Example, a marine with years of service is given an OTH for trying pot for the first time, which shouldn't even be illegal in my opinion. Society looks at OTH and think they're terrible people when really it would be a slap on the wrist in the civillian world. But my advise to anyone who is currently in is to just do your time! There is a light at the end of the tunnel and one day you will have the last laugh and reap the rewards you deserve!
ReplyDeleteGot kicked out after 10 years. Some Navy girls from another Ship ratted me out after they popped on a Monday morning piss test. I got an OTH and the girls got to stay in an finish with an Honorable.
ReplyDeletePoor baby. Stay off drugs!
DeleteI got an OTH because I went AWOL. After stabbing some guy in the leg while in boot camp for trying to beat me down while I was in my bunk sleep him and his buddy ran up on me and by the way it was his buddy who kept edging this guy on. Why? Because of the way I walked these two thought I was gay??? WTF? I'm in here to get an education GED 31 MIC the whole 9 yards and these two are worried about my walk??? Ok so while in AIT I became a drunk as much as I could afford I drank staggered while in formation etc... And so one night some guy walks up to me and tells me to straighten up my whole world was rocked! And so I went AWOL. My grandmother turns me in and so to make a long story short I told them a lie any lie to get out of the military and so I told em I was gay? Not gay but it worked and so in reflection I should have listened to my ROTC instructor who told me while in high school you would never make it in the military you don't like to be told what to do. And so does it make me a bad person that I lied? Nope because I may have saved many lives. I'm I proud yes no because I was always against war I just wanted to be a sound engineer because I just love music. Years later after a 13 year bout with drugs (Coke) I kicked the habit of drinking and now drive a big rig and love my personal freedom. Some day I plan to go into a military grave site and speak to those there who died and ask for their forgiveness and plant flags and flowers. I loved the military it was fun only wished that I had prepared myself more and kicked the weed and the beer before I joined and had not fell for the guy in uniform stereotype of him drinking all the time. They offer nice benefits but to get them you will work hard so don't join thinking that they will do it all you must do your part as well. It was fun but I found something much better don't pay as great but I can work without someone telling me what to do.
ReplyDeleteAdvice don't tell ya friends ya got an OTH some my not care but those that think they were some super soldier or loyal to the flag may hurt ya feelings and say something that may ruin ya friendship but trust me there are those who would support you no matter if you got an OTH or not.
And so while ya in if ya join don't drink don't get high and watch the way ya walk some of them guys are nuts!
If ya need a job trucking is cool they don't put ya down for OTH I can still go on military bases and so it don't hurt me at all I think I made the best decision in my life at times albeit at times I feel guilty but at least I didn't get put in some military jail for being a stupid drunk who got his buddies killed.
Stay positive when things like that happen to you there is a reason because life has something better to offer just be patient your ship will come in.
I received a OTH discharge in 1987 And it wasn't the end of the world! I was 21 and drank way to much. I've never had a problem getting a job & to tell ya the truth most people could really careless. I've been employed with the same company for the past 15 years, have a wonderful family and a good life. Sometimes when your young you've got to make some tough choices.
ReplyDeleteSo ive served a little over 3 years in the usmc reserves and recently found out i failed a piss test for thc.. i really didnt plan on going out this way but the reserves is total bullshit and if this is my way out then so be it.. does anyone know what kinda trouble ill get in if i just stop showing up for drill?
ReplyDelete7 yrs honorable service in USAF.been on prescription narcs LEGALLY for 2 years due to an IED blast... referred to ADAPT twice and refused both times because even though med withdrawls suck i didnt have time to just up and go to rehab for 2 months..and theres never been anything on me to prove or even claim for that matter i abused my meds or used them inappropriately.i have never been charged or even read my rights..yet with the force cuts and reductions i applied for early sep to start going to school and was denied by command. Apparently the brass is trying to dual code me basically meaning they are sending an OTH discharge rec. And my medboard rec
ReplyDeleteUp together to usaf hq to ensure that i recieve no benefits and my life is made as difdicult as possible by a bitter officer being forced to early retirement.i am very anxious.ive been told i cant even recieve unemployment with an.OTH and the jobs if any will be low skill low trust and low pay.gotta just wait and see but what im wondering...if life even worth it with an OTH? I wanted to be a civilian cop an aero engineer and maybe even a physicians assistant someday.but the things im hearing suggest this little paper can destroy my life and any plans i had made for it? Pls...any tips or advice would def be helpful....midas26@yahoo.com
I served in the U. S. Army from Oct. 1977- May 1986 and after two honorable
ReplyDeletedischarges my third was an OTH (I fondled my step-daughter). I did then as I
do now take full responsibility for my actions. I hate I got such discharge but
then I got what I deserved. I have been blessed to get some very good civilian
jobs but every day I think about it and it hurts. Don't get me wrong, I 'm not looking for pity but when I read about these fellow vets receiving OTH dis- discharges for drugs, I just hope and pray that they can get their discharges upgraded because I just refuse to believe that their offenses are as terrible as mines. Besides , its not like they were in the line of duty less lone the on the battlefield. I'm not saying drugs are right either but I do not wish to start any argument but this is just how I feel. God Bless our fighting Men and Women.
Thank you
You are an idiot! You should've been put in front of a firing squad. You deserve every bit of what you dont get and the bad shit that happens. Moron!
DeleteI went AWOL or article 86 shortly after boot camp in the usmc, I was gone for over a year and they police pulled me over and I had a us warrent So I was arrested and taken to the county jail until two marines picked me up and took me back to my unit, they were not gonna kick me So I took off again, i love my country but it just wasn't for me. But I spent 45 days in the brig and got a separation in luea of trial by court martial, and got an oth. Big deal, just because It wasn't for me does not mean I am less of a person in any way, have you ever got a job and realized it wasn't for you? Its the same thing going AWOL sometimes, in my case yes. I was young and stupid, would I go AWOL again if I had it to do over ( shit no). But I made my bed and now have no choice but to lay in it. I have never been turned down for a job, nor does it show up on a background check. Not everyone's reasons for an oth are the same but not always so bad. If you have gone AWOL don't be down on yourself but if you have not gone AWOL and are thinking about it, I am here to tell you not to do it. Not a good idea!
ReplyDeleteI WENT AWOL AS WELL I RECEIVED AN OTH DISCHARGE ....I WAS DUMB AND YOUNG WHEN THAT HAPPENED...I REGRET DOING THE DEED BUT DONT KICK YOURSELF THINKING ITS THE END OF THE WORLD..YOU MIGHT NOT GET A FEDERAL..STATE..OR COUNTY JOB BUT YOU CAN STILL WORK FOR YOURSELF...MEANING SELF EMPLOYED...THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES OUT THERE....DONT DWELL ON THE PAST MOVE FORWARD...
ReplyDeleteI was charged with USMJ Article 123A due to some bad checks, and ended up getting an OTH. The crazy part was that all the checks had been paid even before the platoon sergeant reported it to Army CID. I had even taken check management classes due to the incident, but CID never backed down, and pushed for it. I had over 5 years of overseas active duty service under my belt, decorated with awards, was on the promotion list, a family, etc. The CID prosecutor told me that for each one of the 5 checks that bounced (all were for $150 each), I could be put into jail for 5 years! My JAG lawyer told me that he recommended that I take the OTH because if not, and I was found guilty, I would be doing jail time for sure. Hmmmm... well was it worth it even though I had made an attempt to fix it? NOPE. In the end, when I received a copy of my charges, etc., the paper which asked my commander whether or not he votes to push for the OTH, he said no, due to my 5 years of excellent service. Needless to say, my luck was not good that year! This happened way back in 1996, and now, I own my own company in the IT industry. That OTH brought me down into the dumps of depression for awhile... but it's like anything else. You man the fuck up and drive on. Things never stay down forever, so two things to tell you others that are about to get one:
ReplyDelete1. Don't 'kite' any bank checks (writing them before your money gets there).
2. If you do make a mistake, it is just that: a mistake. Learn from it, and drive the fuck on.
I joined the PA Army National guard in July of 2008. I went to basic May of 2009. While I was at basic I ended up with a stress fracture of my hip which was more than 50%. I completed all my training and passed my final PT test. I ended up having surgery in which I now have 3 pins in my hip. I ended up going home for a month leave while I was in the "healing" process. I found out that my mother was starting chemo due to breast cancer. I had contacted my DS about my problem with leaving my mother alone with no one to help her. I was told that even if I went down and requested leave to help my mother out they would not grant it (they were making me an example because I made the stupid mistake of talking/writing to another male in my company--- but never received a article 15 or anything else, other than embarrassment and everything else). I told them that I was unable to leave due to my mother not having any help. I had also tried talking to the 1st Sgt and my XO, and got the same response. I even talked to the Chaplin of our battalion and I didn't get any help from him either. So needless to say I made what I felt was the right decision for what was going on. So in July of 2010 I had two civilian police officers show up at my door. I sat my butt in the county jail for 11 days before my paperwork came through the right way. I got to spend a week with my husband, then I had to go down to Fort Knox. While I was down there I had the opportunity to talk to JAG and their best advice was for me to write my reasoning for going AWOL. I was told I was getting discharged under Ch. 10 and I would receive and OTH discharge at the worse. That it would be the Commanders decision on what kind of discharge I would receive. So needless to say I wrote my letter to the Commander, stating my reasoning for me being AWOL. I also stated that I had gone through my chain of command. I even talked to my RSP site about my problems and whatnot, and I was told by them to go back down or I was going to be put in as AWOL.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was there at Fort Knox we were told that after a year after we received our discharge paperwork that we could attempt to upgrade our discharge. I applied for a job recently and it was the first time I have ever been asked for my discharge paperwork. He asked me if I had paperwork showing that I got discharged under Other than Honorable conditions. He even told me that no matter what I got on my discharge paperwork says does not automatically disqualify me from getting a job. He said everyone has their reasons for discharge, I explained my reason for my discharge and he was alright with it. I guess the company has investors that are military people or are previous military people. So hopefully this helps me out.
Enlisted in the regular army in 1999, went full infantry at ft. Benning, GA..After serving a year at my first duty station at ft. Polk, I took block leave n never came back.. a few months later I show up and my section sergeant tells me I am free to leave as if I never joined. So at this point I head over to my barracks n pack my stuff up n ready to drive back home..10 years later I am happily married with one daughter, a bachelors degree and a great job, I get a warrant for my arrest for deserted ..spent 1 week at the county jail until the mp came n grabbed me to the nearest mp station..stayed there for another 3 days until they finally figured shit out..they were gettin ready to fly me out to my unit, which was not in ft. Polk anymore..these bitches were setting me up for failure..luckily my wife got a a hold of a district attorney n they had it straighten out for me..instead if going back to ft. Polk n finding nothing there, I was shipped to ft. Sill ...spent a week there while getting my outprocess papers complete through a program made for people that are about to get discharged..now I am back home with my wife n family with an OTH...so far I am tryin to find me a job related in my field of ny degree..IT field..right now I am at my current job have been there for tha past 7 years..
ReplyDeleteI received an OTH in 2009 for going AWOL during an intentional attempt to get discharged during my C- school in the Marines. I'll admit after that it was tough to find a job, but I already had some experience outside the military and for the most part now I never even have to mention what happened.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let everyone here know there light at the end of that tunnel. The military can take away your credibility and defame your character, they can can make a simple mistake become a passage of judgement and sha,me for the rest of your life. but they cannot take away your Hope, and your Faith and your dreams. As Americans we overcame adversity and hardship to develop this country, the elements and pain were no obstacle. The early explorers and travelers of this great nation were often people fleeing the reaches of the governments they once lived under in europe. As service members of a unfortunately darker and unlucky variety you know you still have a strength that doesn't leave you. Nobody can take away your accomplishments because they will always be in your mind and heart. Create a New life for yourself stand up straight and face the world with some faith.
I have achieved much since leaving the forces. I have a Class A CDL I have a Pilots license and attend College. Fight the military "opinion" of you and go get education and training, its out there and most of it is free. Make your resume so packed with qualifications and achievement that they HAVE to ignore that some bureaucrat didn't like you at one point.
To hell with those who don't believe in you.
Semper Fi
I recently applied for some jobs and I am have a OTH , when they do a Criminal background check on me does my OTH show up or is that for only State jobs and Fed jobs?
ReplyDeleteDon't tell them OTH, they'll jump to the conclusion that means "DISHONORABLE" which is not correct but still carries the stigma. Just tell them "GENERAL" discharge for medical or whatever. Only do this on that company's forms you fill outIf they ask what that is, just tell them medical for a torn ACL or something. When you fill out your separate veterans forms, just put down OTH on them, but only write the 3 letters "OTH". Most HR dept. folks won't even catch the difference.. they're usually just ditzy broads who wouldn't know anything beyond their heels on the roof of a car. A good practice is to start out w/ a random statement just to test them and see if they served or anything to test their knowledge, then Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome
DeleteWell.... they're really kicking us out for PT fails. Yaya call me a fat pos, but my civilian schedule hinders me from going to the gym daily-I do work out. And I didn't fail by a landslide either.
ReplyDeleteGuard is serious. If you want to stay in, be a pt stud. Apparently.
I received mine for speaking to an Army psychiatrist about an incident that "didn't happen" in a Baghdad family home. 6 guys had gotten hit and this mf knew where the people were who did it. Circle-talk got nowhere. Things were done to obtain intel in unorthodox ways...things that cost him dearly. I didn't like it, it's f***ed me all up, but that's war isn't it? We got what we needed, got the bastards, and a few months after we got hit by a random ambush, lost our turp & 2 soldiers KIA, 4 wounded incl. myself. While recovering in hospital, I talked to the shrink under Dr./patient confidentiality and he immmediately went to battalion command and snitched. Our CO knew what we did and so did the Lt. but both played dumb before the bird, and I was called before the man and given 2 choices: court martial for conduct unbecoming or voluntarily accept an OTH and forfeit benefits w/ a gag order issued. Funny thing: they still wanted it hidden from the greatest type of punishment. I've had a mess, I'm not even supposed to list myself as a vet, but I thought I that only mattered under punitive discharge and not administrative, which OTH still counts as administrative just like honorable-we weren't "dishonorably discharged" or "bad conduct"...anyway, I'm not chancing it, I've already broken gag order talking here, they'll probably yank my gun rights now, but I didn't want to talk until after we were out for good and I found this site. **Advice to EVERYONE: don't even trust the f***ing Dr's to keep their mouth shut, it cost me my career, my benefits, and my ribbons..it's almost like I was never there** My friends died in front of me, I took 6 lives I know for sure. How could anyone ever forget being there? When it gets to 95 degrees it still feels cool outside. Good luck to all of you and you're not alone--you do NOT have to say you were a veteran when you apply for a job, or at least don't say you were discharged anything but honorably, and you CAN still own guns, so don't let anyone tell you differently.
ReplyDeleteI got an OTH with a "Good Of The Service" Rider attatched to it from the USMC in 1982. I had been in for two years. Doesn't matter what I did, I didn't do anything any worse than anyone else. I was put in the Brig where I was tricked/coerced into signing the discharge papers. If the sorry bastards in the Brig had any Honor they would have just told me the truth of what I was doing but it was no issue to them if I was fucking up my life. If I had not signed the papers they couldn't have done it to me. I was a young guy that didn't know aything and discovered the Corps was not my friend when the chips were down. It placed a lifelong black mark on my life exactly as they intended. Well fuck them any way. I didn't see any honor in the Corps so if they say I have none it is meaningless, to me. But the reason I am writing this is to say, Do not waste your time with VA and the DAV and BCMR and the Discharge Review Board. They will not change a single issue and you will feel worse everytime you are rejected. This is 30 years of experience talking. Fuck them all, move on.
ReplyDeleteI got out of the Marine Corps with an OTH August 11 2011. I made the stupid mistake of smoking marijuana in Musa Qala during our deployment. When we were questioned by our SSgt and LT, we were monitored by our own guys and slept in an ISO container away from the rest of the PLT. We were then shipped off to TBJ (Where majority of Bravo Company's command was Gunny, 1st Sgt and LT/CO) where we were segregated and forced to sleep on the ground because they said "there wasn't enough room for us.". That wasn't the case, there was plenty of room. 1st Sgt's orders for the men guarding us was to "Treat us worse than detainees for what we had done".
ReplyDeleteThey later moved us to the BN fob on Musa Qala District Center, where we did working parties and tried to maintain any sense of purpose we had left. After a month there, we were shipped off to another spot (in open top Armadillos with no weapons) only to do more working parties and be sent off to the next place.
After we got to our next destination/company, they reissued us rifles and sent us off with another plt/squad where we continued the remainder of our deployment without a problem. After we got back to the states, the ones who admitted to abusing (I was the only one who admitted it), the others were caught with possession. We were discharged with an OTH RE4. (The ones who were frequent users, and did not admit, went back to their companies and continued their tour and got out with an honorable.)
To shorten things up, I don't want to sound bitter, just wanted to bring to light how they treated us worse than detainees that were captured. Also, that honesty is not the best policy. The ones who did use or did far worse, got away with it because they denied it all. So take what you will from this story, and hopefully those out there can learn from our mistakes.
In 1992, when I was a naive 20 yrs old, a shipmate told me our supervisor had said he could take some scrap metal during the time our ship was being refurbished and recycle it, just don't advertise it. I had a car, helped him, feeling for him because he said he had a kid on the way and was moonlighting at a local theater on top of his work with the Navy. We went to the scrap yard, and they were closed. He was evading some of my questions, and I got a bad feeling. I was afraid to go to the MAA or police, panicked, and told him we were going to find an isolated place, dump the stuff, and never speak of it again. A poloce car pulled up right when we had unloaded the car, and I am a horrible liar, so we were escorted back to base to see the MAA.
ReplyDeleteTurns out, he was full of it. I did get to where the MAA had us working alone I guess so I could beat the shit out of him to prove my innocence or whatever, but I wasn't going to make bad things worse. I admitted, I should have checked out his story before doing anything - a big mistake on my part. I basically threw myself at the mercy of the Navy at mast - stating I had messed up, never would again, and was more than willing to accept punishment, but did not want to get kicked out.
I got the OTH or court martial option. I took the OTH because I knew I had done something wrong, though I still think this was a little harsh.
Since that fateful day in Otcober 1992 the only things I have done wrong in the last 20 years is to get in a fender bender, and get two speeding tickets. I try to keep my nose impeccably clean.
Yes, I screwed up, and the first few years after I got out of the military were hard, but I have a degree now, and a good life.
2 points I want to make:
1. If in the military, don't screw up. Don't even do something that makes you question if it's right or wrong. Chances are, it's wrong.
2. People make mistakes. Some will just continue making mistake, others will learn, grow, and deserve the second chance. Be that person that deserves the second chance, and make those who give you the second chance be thankful they did!
ok so im facing getting kicked out of the marine corps for underage drinking, disobeying orders, destruction of gov property and i also got njpd about 6 months ago i can still try and fight to stay in...but is it worth it i mean how hard is it to find a job should i just get out or what?
ReplyDeleteI was in the navy for 6 years. Went on 4 deployments from 2006-2009. My school was 2years long and lived in "the pit" of a cvn. When I returned from my fourth deployment I checked my voicemail only to hear my mom died. I was depressed and began drinking a lot. I voulinteered for alc rehab and went for two weeks. My chiefs all treated me like a nigger for leaving and inconveniencing them. A few months later I got drunk on my moms birthday. Word of mouth and no evidence demoted me from e5 to e3 with an oth. I got the gi bill since I reenlisted at 2yrs and have an honorable disch from that. I got out 2 years early so instead of wasting life in the navy I have 2 years down and 2left on getting a Double Major with a Minor from a great university! So yeah...FTN
ReplyDeleteI was in the Marines from 97-01 (served the full 4 years). I received an OTH for popping on a piss test. I got out went to college by getting student loans and even became a teacher. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories......sometimes you feel like you are the only one going through it.
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..
I am currently expecting an OTH for popping for THC. I made a dumb mistake by smoking weed while I was on leave and popped checking in to a new command. They dropped me in rank one paygrade and Admin Sep with an OTH.I had just reenlisted after 4 years of honorable service without one prior incident. I am almost reaching my 5 year mark and still waiting on my discharge. I am trying to fight my discharge while still in and have been working all the shitty jobs they have been able to hit me with still without a single incident or a single positive urinalisys. I am expecting the OTH and my main concern is my GI Bill.I could care less about the Honorable discharge. From what I have read here and some personal looking into this matter, it seems I am entilted to My GI BILL due to the fact that its been more than 3 years of service and had paid into it within my first year of being enlisted and the fact that I had already been discharged honorably from my first enlistment. I would appreciate it if some could guide me further in the right direction to further look into this matter. The zero tolerance of Navy to drug use is what has me worried that they might want to throw me with their full force of their regulation and denie me my GI BILL. The Navy has been good to me and I made a bad choice but I still consider that I am entilted to go back to school due to my sevice to my country. Thank you all and God Bless!
ReplyDeleteJoined in 2011 got out in june 2013. I was in IT3 on a Naval Destroyer. My ship was in the shipyards and we had contractors come onboard into the radio room to work. i was left in charge of escorting the contractors in and out the room. when the contractors left for lunch one morning, i also went to lunch. the error occured when i failed to close the door leading into the radio room. i was giving 45 days restriction, deduction in rank and 1/2 pay for 2 mo. i was later caught on my cellphone while serving my restriction punishment and we to Mast AGAIN. This time the Capt. decided that i was to be disch. And that is how i was giving an OTH.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Do Not Leave Door That Lead to Radio OPEN Unattended!!
You are one amongst many bro. I received an oth myself. Hit me up, jcm08dd@yahoo.com. title it OTH
DeleteLove how there is no air force here......oorah lmao
ReplyDeleteI joined the marine corps in 98. I was told by my recruiter that he couldnt get me in under active duty status but if I enlisted under reserve status I could switch over to active as soon as I got to recruit training.
ReplyDeleteThis was an all out lie! I tried all through recruit training,MCT,and my MOS school to get my status changed to active. I was told again and again that's not how it works.
After graduating from my MOS school I was separated from active duty status and assigned to a reserve unit 2 and a half hours away. Went 2 months while still trying to work something out to get back to active duty.
When I got the final word that I would not be able to be active I stopped going to drill. Never did recieve any discharge/separation papers so I'm not sure what kind of discharge I got.
Pretty shitty feeling being separated from the marine corps though. It meant a lot to me and I was proud to be a marine. I didn't break any laws or do anything to get kicked out.
Recruiter gunnery sergeant Williams, please go fuck yourself you fat, lying, pile of shit! That will be all.
The Army tremondously fucked me, it didn't ruin my life like it could have, but it's the cause of some major hurdles I've had to endure. Before I get to my other than honorable discharge story, please be aware that prior to the events that led to it I had been fighting for my initial enlistment bonus. The bonus was some bogus delayed entry crap, that I never received. I get to my first duty station and mind you this b is 2008, so as soon as I get there we'really training for deployment, which takes priority over me getting the paperwork and whatever other hooplah crap needed for my bonus. So now that's the backstory, fast forward to 2012, I just re-upped love and behold they didn't fuck that bonus up....well turkey day rolls around and chilling at my NCOS house, we ended up smoking, I occasionally smoked weed before and after we did that day also. So this isn't some blame the Sgt crap lol I was a SPC who was smart enough to make my own decisions & mistakes. So fail the next UA, accodentally. Then fail the second, purposely. You see that unit had pissed me ALL the way off after forcing me to go to Air Assault school, which is a voluntary school. (Yes, I was voluntold. It really happens). They cared nothing about me being in the middle of coaching a youth football team and sent me to the course anyways. My intentions had been to finish the season and then take the course. Soooo, I went and failed the assessment PT test on purpose, they knew it was on purpose because I was an excellent runner (guess weeds not all that bad for your lungs). So the commander being vindictive when I failed the UA decided to say screw ASAP and all the other steps and moved straight to chapter in me with an OTH, he needed me to fail another UA and I did so proudly. Well when I was released from my 4 year military slave bondage, I didn't realize I was going to end up owing back my reenlistment bonus although I never received my initial entry bonus, which here's the kicker was for 9k, the reenlistment bonus was for 10k, so even if I don't consider time served the most I should've been paying back was 1k.......it's 2017, and I'm still paying them. FUCK THE ARMY, SMOKE WEED!
ReplyDeleteDid almost 2 years in Navy, one med cruise, then popped positive for THC in '98 and received an OTH/RE4. Life goes on, have had no problems finding jobs (All of which have had extensive background checks), have a Bachelor's and Master's degree, and a great family. Do not let this hold you back. Lick your wounds and move on with life the best you can. I still reflect on the Navy often, most of which was a positive experience.
ReplyDelete