What is the Impact of a Dishonorable Discharge?
A military tribunal awards a dishonorable discharge in the sentencing stage of a general court-martial. The accused must be convicted of a serious felony to receive a dishonorable discharge. It is intended as punishment, and its effects are long-lasting. Servicemen who receive a dishonorable discharge automatically have their cases reviewed by an appeals court. If the convicted service member waives this appeal, the case is still reviewed in accordance with Article 69 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
