Can a character of discharge from the USMC be changed from General to Honorable?

SPC Kevin West — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 03:27:30 -0400

I got back to base and formation late. I got NJP'ed for not being in formation without notifying command that I was going to be late during out processing for an injury. So they change my discharge from a Honorable to a General Under Honorable conditions. That was back in 2009, it is 2020 now. Is it possible that I can get that amended based on clemency or any other way? I can't use my GI bill without it being an Honorable discharge.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2020 4:07 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 04:07:41 -0400

You can definitely fight Discharges. You just have to work with your city Vet Rep, DAV, VFW etc.

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-get-military-discharge-upgrade.html

How to Get a Military Discharge Upgrade

It’s difficult, but not impossible, to get your discharge upgraded to honorable or get the reasons for your discharge changed.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Aug 30 at 2020 6:02 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 06:02:13 -0400

suggestions for him?

Response by 1SG Alan Boggs made Aug 30 at 2020 7:33 AM

1SG Alan Boggs — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 07:33:28 -0400

I suspect their is more than the one incident. It is highly unlikely that the command gave you a discharge based on that one time for that matter even two or three times.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2020 9:31 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 09:31:46 -0400

Just an example. https://www.militarytimes.com/2015/03/23/oth-discharge-upgrade-difficult-but-possible/

So it's not just apply and forget. Really work at it and get statements as well as your own. It is a battle and one you should fight

OTH discharge upgrade difficult, but possible

When seeking a discharge upgrade, it's important to document the veteran's clean living.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Aug 30 at 2020 9:44 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 09:44:09 -0400

"They" can't unilaterally change the nature of a discharge since it is a straight mathematical calculation of your average conduct mark. That said, you can still apply for modification.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 30 at 2020 10:20 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 10:20:05 -0400

Agree with SSG Rogerson, every service branch has the same procedure.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 30 at 2020 10:34 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 10:34:17 -0400

Yes.
BREAK
No one here can help you if you're not going to be honest. No one get's a General characterization of service from one minor incident. There is clearly far more to his story than you're telling us, and those details can be the difference between success or failure in your efforts to change the characterization of your discharge.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2020 11:54 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 11:54:26 -0400

I don't see anything in your profile that suggest you were in the Corps. Is there more to your story?

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2020 12:08 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 12:08:14 -0400

The process used to be application/petition the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR). It may have changed. They correct admin errors, but an application to upgrade must be fully warranted, based on the evidence provided. It must have merit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2020 12:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 12:16:33 -0400

So what you really mean is that you took liberty, or a pass for us non Marine folks, WAY outside the liberty limits by several hundred miles and then didn't return till an unspecified amount of time later. I'm curious if you were also reported AWOL.
I agree with everyone else that there is more to this story. Not that I haven't seen commanders in the USMC do petty things like what you've said, you're just only providing the parts of the story that sound favorable to you and paint you in a positive light. For instance, you said you were being separated for a medical injury, but you were not separated by a Med Board or you wouldn't have received a GUH because the commander is not the separation authority for Med Board service members. It's not likely that you were actually outprocessing because who would let someone take a pass while they are clearing?

Too much doesn't add up. Good luck with getting your upgrade.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2020 12:18 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 12:18:14 -0400

You have a post from a year ago. If you were a Marine, why is this not in your profile? Instead, you are listed as Army National Guard. Complete your profile and have it verified. You are not telling us all of the details because your story does not add up.

You were AWOL because you were not authorized to go all the way to NYC from North Carolina on liberty (600 miles). All Marines know to notify their leadership if they can not make formation.

Response by Cpl Gerald Tucker made Aug 30 at 2020 2:42 PM

Cpl Gerald Tucker — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 14:42:34 -0400

Dang Sgt. Hallock? Lighten up on the young troop. For he knows not whom he speaks with on RP! Strong Vets who paid the price! He can’t BS us Sgt Hallock. So just let him blow in the wind... Semper Fi

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2020 4:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 16:49:11 -0400

Non-judicial punishment is for minor offenses that require correction and does not warrant separation. If you served your punishment, you character of discharge should not change. Now with that being said, you must have done something that warranted the general discharge and I can promise you with certainty you are leaving out key details of this story.

Response by SSgt Herman Ehlers made Aug 30 at 2020 5:21 PM

SSgt Herman Ehlers — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 17:21:33 -0400

First off, yes you can request a change thru the Department of the Navy. Just go on line and locate the proper form to have your records reviewed the form you want to complete is DoD 293 od DD 293. Second if your DD 214 reads under Honorable Conditions you can apply for and be given VA benefits. Just contact your local VA service officer. You can find one thru your local VA office. Good luck and Semper Fi brother.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 31 at 2020 6:21 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 06:21:39 -0400

Proving anything a decade+ later is virtually impossible. It will likely be viewed that the unit would not change a discharge characterization over a single incident. The burden of proof is on you. If you have substantial documentation of your honorable performance submit and see.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 31 at 2020 10:55 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 10:55:24 -0400

I can't provide a clear answer because the details of the question aren't clear.
If you were being out processed for an injury why wasn't it a medboard? That seems odd.

"Being late for formation during out processing for an injury"
So were you late because of out processing or were you just not at a formation and during all of this you were also pending out processing for an injury? From the other posts it seems you may have missed formation while also out of bounds of liberty limits. That changes the script completely and entirely.

To answer your question, yes a discharge status can be upgraded if criteria is met. That will be something to address with your local VA.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Aug 31 at 2020 10:58 AM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 10:58:19 -0400

To answer your question, there are procedures to change a discharge classification. In your case, it appears, based on what you wrote, you are SOL.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Aug 31 at 2020 12:02 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 12:02:52 -0400

If you are honestly looking for assistance you should provide the correct details up front. Too much about your story seems inconsistent. This is a great place to seek out advice, but you can't BS a group with a collective military history of over 1000 years.
Give us the whole story all at once and you will receive sound advice. Otherwise, don't bother.

Response by Sgt Frank Vanacore made Aug 31 at 2020 1:47 PM

Sgt Frank Vanacore — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 13:47:19 -0400

What branch are you in now? SPC is not a rank in the USMC. Unless they have changed over the years.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2020 4:25 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 16:25:29 -0400

Can it be upgraded? Yes, it is possible. However, there has to be a credible REASON for the upgrade, supported by lots of EVIDENCE.

Now, the "It automatically upgrades after 6 months" line is a total lie, or misunderstanding of the policy. Nothing in the US Military is automatic, except when they take taxes out of your paycheck. Even more true for the VA.

For a characterization of service to be changed negatively, there has to be ample reason for doing so, otherwise the SJA won't approve the change. Commanders cannot just arbitrarily change characterizations of service; they do not. That has to go through and be approved by JAG.

If you genuinely fouled-up, then you have to live with the consequences. There is no loophole for that.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 31 at 2020 4:46 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 16:46:10 -0400

Yes, see your county Veterans Service Officer. to help you get our packet put together. You will need your DD-214.

Response by Pvt Jeff Oehlsen made Aug 31 at 2020 6:15 PM

Pvt Jeff Oehlsen — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 18:15:20 -0400

Yes. The correct answer is yes, if that is what happened. Contact your congressional rep and be patient, it takes a while most times. Many politicians don't like how the military treats people, so that is always a bonus in getting things changed.

Response by GySgt Michael Roma made Sep 8 at 2020 11:08 AM

GySgt Michael Roma — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 11:08:27 -0400

The reason you got a general under less than honorable isn't just because of that, my guess is you've been in trouble more than once. I knew guys who got in trouble for being UA, didn't get a court martial, had it handled the way yours was, NJP, and still got an honorable discharge because it was the one and only time they were in trouble, plus had high Pro and Con marks the entire time they were active duty, so the low set after NJP didn't bring their average down enough. You're probably to late to have a review board look at it now, its been 11 years. You reap what you sow in life

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2020 10:38 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:38:03 -0400

This story is strange... but to answer the question for you and others: yes a general CAN be upgraded to honorable after a certain amount of time passes
(I believe it’s a year, but someone else please verify this). Check out the VA page which has a site that can explain your process based on a series of questions. Please note the upgrade might not be granted as it looks like it’s done more on a case by case basis.

Response by SPC Jodi Harbroe made Sep 14 at 2020 4:55 PM

SPC Jodi Harbroe — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 16:55:47 -0400

I feel this is a generational issue more than anything else. As a Vietnam Vet, over the decades, it seems to me that our society (USA) as a whole simply is no longer what it used to be. A good example is Covid - 19. I lived the first 18 years of my life in a very tiny midwest farm town. Morality, decency, kindness, gentleness, were all extremely common practiced adjectives. The 'age of reason' was accepted without question for a chil'd 8th birthday, yet, today, aside from my two children I don't know a soul under the age of 50 who knows what the 'age of reason' means. All 50 states had Blue Laws, for example, in my state it was illegal for a man with a moustache to kiss a woman in public on a sidewalk. Most blue laws were absurd and a bit vindictive and when the Boomer generation got their law degrees they set out to rid each state of Blue Laws. Profanity was rare, the first time I ever heard the "F..." word I was 20 years old. It was not such a stretch of the imagination for young adults to comply with rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc., and if you did something wrong the vast majority of people knew it and they accepted the consequences because they knew they deserved those consequences. Today, I would venture to say thapent only 30% of people under the age of 50 understand when they do something wrong and yet, 50% understand that they deserve the consequences of their mis-behavior. Rules and regulations are not written and implemented 'to be broken' and then, hence, 'to be argued to fill a void in your brain or your life'. They are there to protect you as much as to protect others. If you choose to live you live on the edge or to deliberately defy the United States societal norms, you do have other choices, such as; moving to another country, spending your life in prison, or merely suffering the consequences of your behavior. Have you done anything to redeem yourself to our society that entitles you to an upgrade? For example, have you perhaps donated a year of your time helping the needy, in any capacity? How can you prove that you are worthy of such an upgrade? You do not just deserve 'free' handouts.

Response by SGT Drue Rockwell made Sep 14 at 2020 9:19 PM

SGT Drue Rockwell — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 21:19:07 -0400

As one who dealt with a few unreasonable ans way out there situations, I can't claim to know everything, but it sounds suspect. Maybe fill in the blanks if you're hoping to vindicate yourself?

Response by Cpl Alex Moore made Sep 17 at 2020 12:11 AM

Cpl Alex Moore — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:11:23 -0400

Well never say never, however, one NJP usually doesn't result in a General discharge. To receive an upgrade, from what I have heard, there either has to be a miscarriage of justice (of which you publicly admitted you committed the crime, so that is out) or serious and egregious errors in the discharge process (which doesn't seem to be the case). Even though it has been a long time, the upgrade process doesn't really account for that. You can look at this like the civilian equivalent. The NJP is a criminal conviction, possibly a misdemeanor in this case or it would have been a full fledged court martial, you will always have that conviction. The discharge is a tangible record of the conviction. Just like a pardon or clemency in the civilian world, it is extremely rare to upgrade a discharge, so I wish you luck.

Response by LtCol Dennis Ivan made Sep 26 at 2020 11:35 AM

LtCol Dennis Ivan — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 11:35:52 -0400

Having seen countless packages for discharge, one NJP did not get you a GUH. If it did, you have grounds for appeal to the BCNR. But given how high up a determination package goes and how often it gets reviewed, ie by Senior Enlisted and Bn/Regt XOs, that was not your only documented issue.

Response by GySgt Thomas Chapman made Sep 26 at 2020 9:45 PM

GySgt Thomas Chapman — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 21:45:15 -0400

Get a VSO to fill out the paperwork and have a veterans organization like American legion go before the board to represent ya they can't give you a gen or undesirable for just one ua you have to have 6 or more njps or a court martial for that, sounds like someone screwed you royal in order for that to happen you should be able to get that cleared up with no problem

Response by SFC Barbara Layman made Sep 27 at 2020 10:35 AM

SFC Barbara Layman — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 10:35:31 -0400

That's up to the USMC review board. You can submit your request for review and change. Be mindful of the fact that your record(s) will be carefully reviewed by the board. If the record supports the characterization, it will stand.
Seems as though it's only become an issue because you want to use the GI Bill.
I think something's missing from your story. Submit your request for review together with your evidence. It's been 11 years - you're running out of time.
"If your service ended before January 1, 2013, your Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits will expire 15 years after your last separation date from active service. You must use all of your benefits by that time or you'll lose whatever's left."

Response by CDR Porter (Bill) Lewis made Oct 7 at 2020 3:32 PM

CDR Porter (Bill) Lewis — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 15:32:25 -0400

This is germane:
The Military considers the reasons for separation, including the specific circumstances that form the basis for the separation, on the issue of characterization. As a general matter, regulations require that the military determine characterization upon a pattern of behavior rather than an isolated incident. There are circumstances, however, in which the conduct or performance of duty reflected by a single incident provides the basis for characterization.
General (Under Honorable Conditions). If a member’s service has been honest and faithful, it is appropriate to characterize that service under honorable conditions. Characterization of service as General (under honorable conditions) is warranted when significant negative aspects of the member's conduct or performance of duty outweigh positive aspects of the member’s military conduct or performance of duty outweigh positive aspects of the record. A General (under honorable conditions) characterization of discharge will jeopardize a member’s ability to benefit from the Montgomery G.O. Bill if they, in fact, had contributed. Moreover, the member will not normally be allowed to reenlist or
enter a different military service.

As noted above, the characterization is based on "a pattern of behavior" and not an isolated incident. Usually, the GUHC discharge characterization is usually given as part of an Administrative Separation procedure in lieu of an OTH (Under Other than Honorable) characterization. So, I'm pretty sure that there is much, much more to the story here.

Just an Old CO thinking out loud.

Response by LCpl Michael Todd made Oct 8 at 2020 4:21 PM

LCpl Michael Todd — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 16:21:11 -0400

There are some forms you can fill out and try to get it changed, But you can use your benefits as long as you were discharged under honorable conditions.

Response by Sgt Paul West made Oct 9 at 2020 1:46 AM

Sgt Paul West — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 01:46:16 -0400

If you were being separated prior to your contract completion due to injury, your discharge would be a general "under honorable" regardless. You only get an Honorable discharge If you reach the end of your contract, otherwise, It's a general under honorable discharge. If they made that change, it was because they were going to let you EAS, but then decided to Adsep you instead, in which case that change would have to be made. Also, a General Under Honorable conditions discharge doesn't affect your GI Bill or any other benefits. Other than Honorable, Bad Conduct, and certainly, Dishonorable discharges cause you to lose benefits. A General under Honorable discharge simply means you were discharged honorably before finishing that current contract. So, that is an honorable discharge and you can use your GI Bill or Voc Rehab.

Response by LTJG Sandra Smith made Oct 9 at 2020 10:41 AM

LTJG Sandra Smith — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 10:41:56 -0400

Unless things administratively have changed dramatically, in the Dep't of the Navy, since I was active, only BUMED boards do injury separations, so that doesn't add up. It is a long process, and liberties were granted during it, with the sailor or Marine still listed as a patient at the hospital facility, where he was reporting, not his former unit, prior to determination by the Board. Neither did his former chain of command have any input in the discharge. As an RN, in Navy, I was aquainted with the process by virtue of having a number of patients going through the process for various medical issues. So, as others are suggesting, this does not add up correctly.

Response by 1LT Sam Surowitz made Oct 10 at 2020 9:54 AM

1LT Sam Surowitz — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 09:54:24 -0400

You can follow processes for your concerns to undergo a Discharge Review Board. Here are a few helpful links. I recommend that you reach out to either your local veteran service rganization (vso), congressional representative's veteran liason, current or retired JAG officer, or a veterans' legal advocacy group (even a student group at a law school) to request assistance in preparing your documents.

https://www.military.com/benefits/records-and-forms/discharge-review.html/amp

https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/career/recordsmanagement/Pages/BCNR.aspx

In my opinion the military usually gets these right, however hopefully for those few vets out there that need this info, you find this helpful.

12/9/2020 Update to original post- The VA Now provides customized instructions in many cases, please see https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/

Discharge Review Boards

Are you a veteran who needs to change, correct, or modify your discharge? If you qualify and take the proper steps you can apply for a review of discharge and possibly have it changed.

Response by CMSgt William Wilson made Oct 10 at 2020 12:22 PM

CMSgt William Wilson — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 12:22:18 -0400

I feel that you are only giving us part of your story. If what you have writen is true, one offense ,then I would ask for an upgrade. If it was one of several then I would accept it as it is and be thankful it was not worse.

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Oct 11 at 2020 10:10 PM

MSgt Allen Chandler — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 22:10:37 -0400

Anything is possible. Your story seems a little weird to me. Taking a good face Value. You did something stupid And command overreacted and punished you unfairly. If you really have a case There are lots of legal People That you can go can't talk to And apply for an upgrade. What do you get it or not depends on the very detailed facts of what really happened. Beyonce with yourself first And decide whether they're going to believe you, Or if you even have a case. Asking a question on this WebpageIs not going to help you at all.

Response by SrA Tony Cos made Nov 2 at 2020 3:08 PM

SrA Tony Cos — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:08:12 -0500

Disregarding whether your story adds up i will tell you two things: (1) yes, it is possible but unlikely to have your discharge upgraded by the Board for Corrections of Military records, you have to fill out a form and explanation why you want it changed. (2) your GI Bill is only good for 10 years (maybe they changed that) after your discharge so if that is what you want it for, too late.

Response by PFC Bobby Smith made Nov 3 at 2020 2:19 AM

PFC Bobby Smith — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 02:19:25 -0500

how about the US Army

Response by PFC Lois Crawl made Nov 3 at 2020 8:21 AM

PFC Lois Crawl — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 08:21:58 -0500

Good Morning Sir. I'm not here to bash you. I want to attempt to give you sound advice the best I know. Based on your discharge, I would seek advice from your local VSO and ask them for assistance on upgrading your discharge from a General (under Honorable conditions) to an Honorable. Remember, just be forthcoming about everything what happened even if makes somewhat makes you feel uncomfortable so that they can effectively help you. I'm sorry that this has happened to you. I pray that everything will work in your favor. God Bless You.

Response by Lt Col David Nadeau made Nov 5 at 2020 8:21 PM

Lt Col David Nadeau — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 20:21:33 -0500

Generally speaking, yes it is possible but not very likely. The percentages of character of discharge changes are very low...like less than 2% low.

Response by Lt Col David Nadeau made Nov 5 at 2020 8:23 PM

Lt Col David Nadeau — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 20:23:28 -0500

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but, yes, it is possible; however, it is very unlikely. Contrary to barracks rumint the percentages of character of discharge changes are extremely low...like less than 1% low... I agree with most comments here, there's probably more to this story than we're hearing...

Response by SFC George Simons made Nov 6 at 2020 3:36 AM

SFC George Simons — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 03:36:06 -0500

I would say no you can't

Response by SPC James Helton made Nov 6 at 2020 4:06 PM

SPC James Helton — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 16:06:35 -0500

I do not know about the Marines, but I was discharged with a General under Honorable Conditions and went in front if the Army Discharge Review Board in Washington, DC and presented my case to a board of 5 senior officers (2 Colonels and 3 Lieutenant Colonels). It was only about a 20 minute review, I was given access to my 201 file and I made copies of my Letters of Commendation and EER's and was told to wait outside in the hall. After about 10 minutes they came out, shook my hand, and unanimously approved the upgrade.

They DID ask some weird questions afterwards tho, I gather some people seek an upgrade and spin some BS and this board probably hears some serious lies. My advise, if the USMC has a review process, is have your shit together before you go in front of the board. These officers are sharp and ask very focused questions, they do not make it easy to upgrade a discharge. But IF you have all your duck in a row, it can be done.

Response by Bill Husztek made Nov 6 at 2020 6:15 PM

Bill Husztek — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 18:15:11 -0500

Sorry Charlie, they don't want tuna with great taste, they want tuna that taste great. YOu have a great story there to tell your kids about how they should always always follow the rules if they want to get the rewards they hope for. You screwed up, you lose. no clemency for dunderheaded behavior.

Response by PFC Dennis Gonzalez made Nov 7 at 2020 6:11 AM

PFC Dennis Gonzalez — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 06:11:25 -0500

Hi, I've been trying to get my discharge upgraded but, don't know what step's to take. I'm currently working at the VA for the last two years plus. Can you point me in the right direction?

Response by SSG William Ryan made Nov 8 at 2020 2:06 AM

SSG William Ryan — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 02:06:09 -0500

Like Kevin Garnet ... ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! - Forgive the Lonely Island reference haha. Long shot, but apply / appeal see what happens. It will be an uphill battle either way. If you aren't prepare to fight for yourself and put in the hours and days and weeks and months possibly years this will take, then NOPE. GL either way, but if you put the effort in it is possible.

Response by PO2 Ed Taylor made Nov 8 at 2020 11:27 PM

PO2 Ed Taylor — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 23:27:34 -0500

not knowing all of the information concerned as to why you received a discharge other than honorable. Your best line of action is yo contact the JAG corps to investigate all proper actions and decisions were taken in this decision. MAKE IT LEAGLE AND DOCUMENTED ON ALL POINTS. DO NOT SEEK ADVICE FROM SO CALLED SEA LAWYERS.
ED TAYLOR USN, USA ABD USARNG TNG NCO SGT/PO2

Response by CPL Gary Dishman made Nov 8 at 2020 11:28 PM

CPL Gary Dishman — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 23:28:30 -0500

I got mine and I got two General's under Honorable , but you can get a form and send it into Washington DC to the Review Board and explain to them the why's and how come's and its up to them if you have enough evidence to overturn it .

Response by SFC John Fourquet made Nov 9 at 2020 5:26 PM

SFC John Fourquet — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 17:26:57 -0500

A discharge can be upgraded by the service that issued the discharge. Also the VA can can update a discharge for VA purposes based on the circumstances. You need to research the procedures for your service for a service upgrade of your discharge. Also a service organization (DAV, VFW) can work w/ you on a VA upgrade.

Response by PFC Russell W made Nov 9 at 2020 5:46 PM

PFC Russell W — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 17:46:39 -0500

Ehhh, I don't know about the Marines but I know that in the Army if you're getting Med cleared for Seperation you aren't getting liberty. Actually the whole thing doesn't sound right.

Response by SFC John Fourquet made Nov 9 at 2020 5:51 PM

SFC John Fourquet — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 17:51:26 -0500

I don’t see you discharge being changed for one minor offense. Also, a general under honorable discharge does not disqualify you for VA benefits.

All services branches have procedures to upgrade a discharge. You need to do some research to find the procedures for the USMC.

Response by MAJ Pete Joplin made Nov 10 at 2020 6:13 PM

MAJ Pete Joplin — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 18:13:01 -0500

Someone help me out here, but character of discharge was well above, and outside of the chain of command, and the chain of command had very little influence to downgrade it. As a Company Commander and as a Battalion Commander, I was never successful in getting a discharge downgraded, and there were three deadbeats I asked for it to happen.

Response by Sgt Steve Williams made Nov 13 at 2020 8:40 AM

Sgt Steve Williams — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 08:40:06 -0500

Nobody is downgraded from Honorable to General Discharge for being late once.

Response by PO3 David Mabo made Nov 15 at 2020 3:59 PM

PO3 David Mabo — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 15:59:14 -0500

First, SPC is Army, not USMC.
Second, what I saw in my Navy time, you had to have had other issues for the discharge to be General. You can go to the Discharge review Board, but the chance of a change is low.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2020 9:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 21:24:38 -0500

Yes it is. You need to file a case with the Board of Corrections of Military Records. Get yourself a lawyer in Washington D.C. that does that kind of case. You need to gather all your paper work to document why you missed the formation. That the Marine Corps gave you a general discharge is not untypical. They tend to be petty, revengeful and draconian at times in handing out bad Reenlistment codes and discharges for minor offenses. You probably pissed off a Senior NCO or Company Grade officer and they were out for revenge and one who wanted to screw you over. I've seen them hand out and do such things for refusal to reenlist with NO NJP or other negatives. But you can get the general undone and upgraded to an honorable discharge if there was no other offenses. Why they gave you a General with only one NJP is beyond me but it is what it is. Just have your ducks in a row and all the documentation you can get and even get some character references. Good luck.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2020 9:46 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 21:46:01 -0500

It us very possible to get your general upgraded to honorable. You must file a case with the Board for corrections of military records. Sadly, I'm not surprised that they did this for only one NJP...the Marine Corps can be quite Draconian in these matters passing out bad reenlistment codes and less than honorable discharges for no reason. In the past they even passed out these for refusing to reenlist. This is usually because one would piss someone off in their chain of command and, to get revenge for whatever reason, it resulted in a General.
So you need to find a lawyer in the Washington D.C. Area that specifically handles these kinds of cases. You can probably find a referral through the Marine Corps League or some other vet organization. On the Internet look up military records correction lawyer. Some you have to pay for some are free. Here is one link to help you get started. Good Luck

National Veterans Legal Services Program
https://www.nvlsp.org/what-we-do/lawyers-serving-warriors/assistance-with-applications-to-boards-for-correction-of-military-records-b/#:~:text=National%20Veterans%20Legal%20Services%20Program,denial%20of%20a%20medical%20retirement

NVLSP

Response by SGT Edward Murie made Dec 22 at 2020 12:17 PM

SGT Edward Murie — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 12:17:05 -0500

Go see the militarty base commander and see what he can do and explain the problem to him and I think he can help you.

Response by Cpl Ernest Thomas made Dec 26 at 2020 10:07 PM

Cpl Ernest Thomas — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 22:07:16 -0500

First and foremost, I call BULLSHIT! The poser posting the question shows the Army rank of Specialist.. He is one if 2 things, a liar or a liar but he DEFINITELY IS NOT A Marine! He's unverified, showing ARMY rank but claiming to be a Marine. There isn't one Marine I know or ever heard of that would claim any other branch over the Marine Corps when it comes to a public profile. Yea, I know, he could've been in the ARMY also. I did 3 in the ARMY too but I and EVERY other person that earned the title, U.S. Marine, will ALWAYS claim the title.. I'm willing to bet he never served in my Marine, Corps, just wants to claim that he did! Secondly, if he received an article 15 and received a GUH, and if he can't use the G.I. Bill, sucks to be him.. Shouldn't have been a shitbird!

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Dec 27 at 2020 7:59 AM

GySgt William Hardy — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 07:59:02 -0500

Yes, you can if you are willing to serve in the active reserves and get an officer of sufficient rank to sign off. My son got a General discharge. He was fortunate that the Commanding General of my reserve unit sat down and listened to his story and signed off on his enlistment into the reserve component. 14 years later my son retired with an honorable discharge.

The key here is your previous military record. Just what were your previous charges. You must convince a high ranking officer to take a risk.

If you are just wanting to get it changed because you have realized the mistakes of your youth, forget it. I seriously doubt you can do it now.

Response by SPC Kenneth James made Dec 31 at 2020 11:29 PM

SPC Kenneth James — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 23:29:31 -0500

Ok I am so lost I see you are asking about a marine corps question with a 11B Infantry Army question now as for the Army Infantry part of the question I was Discharged from my Beloved Army because one night I went to a club in Clarksville Tn to get my party on and fun I did have got back to the Barracks took my dust cover off of my pillow and just enough nap and getting ready for pt got up to go to the bathroom to get rid of a knotty head pee (knotty head was what we called Seagram's Gin lol) and boy did I get a surprise when one of the bathrooms was taped up o did I forget to say I was still smoking weed at the time oops anyway I got a general under honorable and mine was upgraded I can use any VA hospital I can do just about everything a honorable discharge can do except reenlist so if it is all true what you say then maybe you should go see a va rep he will no doubt find out the truth

Response by PO2 John Driskill made Jan 1 at 2021 11:33 AM

PO2 John Driskill — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 11:33:51 -0500

You are screwed.

Response by MSG Jd Cotham made Feb 10 at 2021 11:37 PM

MSG Jd Cotham — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 23:37:26 -0500

I call bullshit. They would downgrade a discharge for being late. How about the rest of the story.

Response by 1stSgt Roman Lash La Rue made Jul 30 at 2021 4:35 PM

1stSgt Roman Lash La Rue — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 16:35:53 -0400

Check with your nearest VA representative

Response by CPT William Jones made Aug 16 at 2021 6:27 PM

CPT William Jones — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:27:06 -0400

Any discharge can be changed but that doesnt mean it will be.