Service Characterization
Discharge Without Reenlistment
Discharge Without Reenlistment
Airmen who do not qualify for reenlistment receive a discharge without regard to their remaining military service obligation.
Characterization Basis
Characterization Basis
The service characterization depends upon:
- The reason for the discharge
- The member's military record in the current enlistment or period of service
Three Service Characterizations
3 Characterizations
The service of members administratively discharged under DAFI 36-3211, *Military Separations*, may be characterized as:
- Honorable
- General (under honorable conditions)
- Under other than honorable conditions
Honorable
Honorable Eligibility
Members are characterized as honorable when:
- Separating at their expiration of term of service, OR
- Voluntarily or involuntarily separating for the convenience of the government
Honorable Definition
Honorable Definition
An honorable discharge is given when:
- The quality of the member's service generally has met USAF standards of acceptable conduct and performance of duty, OR
- A member's service is otherwise so meritorious that any other characterization would be inappropriate
General (Under Honorable Conditions)
General Definition
A general (under honorable conditions) discharge is given when:
- A member's service has been determined to be honest and faithful, BUT
- Significant negative aspects of the member's conduct or performance outweigh positive aspects of the Airman's military record
Under Other Than Honorable Conditions (OTH)
OTH Definition
An under other than honorable conditions discharge is given based upon:
- A pattern of behavior, OR
- One or more acts or omissions
…that constitute a significant departure from the conduct expected of an Airman.
OTH Conditions
OTH Conditions
This characterization can be given ONLY if:
- The member is offered an administrative discharge board, OR
- A discharge is unconditionally requested in lieu of trial by court-martial
Discharge in Lieu of Trial by Court-Martial
Discharge in Lieu Definition
If charges have been preferred against an Airman and if the Uniform Code of Military Justice authorizes punitive discharge as punishment for any of the offenses preferred, the Airman may request an administrative discharge instead of trial by court-martial.
Not Guaranteed
Discharge in Lieu Not Guaranteed
There is NO guarantee, however, that the Airman's request will be granted.