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The Global Insight

How hard is it to find a job with a Dishonorable Discharge?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on March 29, 2026

Most of it depends on the job you are seeking, what you were dishonorably discharged for, and if the employer cares. For starters, it is usually very difficult to get a full blown “dishonorable” discharge. Usually you need to be convicted of some very heavy crimes such as murder, fraud, or rape to name a few.

Does a Dishonorable Discharge go on your record?

The Court Martial will always be part of the official military record in the DD-214 form, likely listed as a “Bad Conduct Discharge” or as a “Dishonorable Discharge”.

Does a Dishonorable Discharge affect you?

When members of the military are dishonorably discharged, Vet Verify explains, they lose all veterans’ benefits, and are forbidden from owning a firearm, working for the government and taking out bank loans. Often, they also lose the right to vote and accept federal assistance as a civilian.

Does military discharge show up on background check?

Does an OTH Discharge Show up on a Background Check? A OTH discharge will not show up on a regular background check. However, if you try to return to the military, seek out federal employment, or need to apply for a security clearance, you will have your OTH discharge show up on a check.

Will a general discharge hurt my future?

With a General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions, these rights remain intact. It won’t impact future job opportunities in most circumstances. A General military discharge is a form of administrative discharge.

Can dishonorably discharged soldiers own guns?

Section 922(g)(6) of the GCA makes it unlawful for persons who have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions to receive or possess firearms.

Are military discharges public record?

Unlike all other records contained in the Register of Deeds Office military discharge documents are considered a public record with restricted access unless they have been on file for 50 years or more.

Can you get a government job with a dishonorable discharge?

Dishonorable Dishcarge Any crimes against a person, or conviction resulting in a OTH, BCD, or DD will disallow you from any government employment.

Is it difficult for someone with a military dishonorable discharge?

If the job posting says “No people with criminal records should apply,” well that includes people with dishonorable discharges. Really the only way to get a dishonorable discharge is to commit a serious crime for which you are convicted by General Court Marital and usually do serious prison (brig) time for.

What can you do with an other than honorable discharge?

The good news is that although you won’t be entitled to benefits enjoyed by veterans with an honorable or general discharge, you can still go to school or find employment. What Is an Other-Than-Honorable Discharge? There are five categories of discharge from military service: Honorable, general, other-than-honorable, bad conduct and dishonorable.

Can a dishonorable discharge show up on a background check?

Second, your Dishonorable Discharge will show up on any background checks that potential employers run on you. This may not disqualify you from finding employment, but many employers look at a Dishonorable Discharge in the same way that they look at a felony conviction.

Can a person be dishonorably discharged for sedition?

A person is considered to be AWOL if they intentionally leave their post or fail to return to their post. Someone may also be dishonorably discharged for sedition, which means they attempted to convince other military personnel to disregard orders or may have even been involved in a plot to overthrow the government.