Get Dod Instruction 1336.01 2009-2025

What is a DD214? The Defense Department issues to each veteran a DD-214, identifying the veteran's condition of discharge - honorable, general, other than honorable, dishonorable or bad conduct. You can find a sample DD-214 which can help you determine if a veteran served in armed combat HERE.

There is also an entry level separation given usually within the first 180 days for medical or other reasons. Most times the person is not considered a veteran. Veterans should never take it for granted that their discharge if not honorable would preclude them from benefits from the Veterans Administration.

An entry-level separation is a separation initiated while a military enlisted member is in entry- level status, and results in an uncharacterized discharge, except in the following circumstances: (1) when an OTH characterization is authorized under the reason for separation and is warranted by the circumstances of the ...

To receive an honorable discharge, service members must have received a rating from good to excellent for their service. Service members who meet or exceed most of the required standards of duty performance, committed no or minimal misconduct, and who complete their tours of duty, normally receive honorable discharges.

Under United States law, DRBs have the authority to upgrade any level of discharge except for those that resulted from a court-martial. The process of requesting an upgrade to your discharge begins with filling out DD Form 293.

The DD Form 214 is a complete and thorough document that verifies a service member's proof of military service. This Certificate of Release or Discharge form is issued through the Department of Defense and is typically issued at the final out processing appointment prior to retirement or separation.

Entry level separation (ELS) Entry level separations, or uncharacterized discharge, are given to individuals who separate prior to completing 180 days of military service, or when discharge action was initiated prior to 180 days of service. This type of discharge does not attempt to characterize service as good or bad.