A Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) is a punitive military discharge issued as part of a court-martial sentence.
Unlike administrative separations, a BCD is imposed after a service member is convicted of misconduct under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
This type of discharge is more serious than administrative separations such as a General Discharge or an Other Than Honorable Discharge, but it is less severe than a Dishonorable Discharge.
Not sure how this discharge compares to others? See our complete guide to types of military discharge to understand every classification and how they affect veterans after leaving the service.
Below we explain what a Bad Conduct Discharge means, the offenses that can lead to it, and the long-term consequences for benefits, employment, and life after military service.
1. What is a Bad Conduct Discharge?
A Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) is a punitive discharge often called “Big Chicken Dinner’ due to the initials.
A court-martial determines if a BCD is an acceptable punishment for an enlisted member of the armed forces.
Usually, this discharge happens after a service member spends time incarcerated.
First, the service member receives either a special or general court-martial.
A special court-martial is for misdemeanor crimes, with limited punishments available. A general court-martial, on the other hand, is for more serious crimes and reserved for those on the same level as a felony in the civilian world.
Next, the service member faces a time in confinement.
Finally, after the appeal process is over, the BCD is completed.
Related Article – General Discharge
2. Bad Conduct vs. Dishonorable Discharge
A BCD and a Dishonorable Discharge are not the same types of discharge.
Both are similar as they are punitive in nature.
However, a dishonorable (DD) happens after a general court-martial, and it is more severe than a bad conduct discharge. A DD is like a felony conviction as a civilian.
3. Reasons for a Bad Conduct Discharge
There is no published list of reasons that automatically lead to a Bad Conduct Discharge because there are many factors to consider when a court determines a punishment.
A special court-martial has maximum punishments that include reducing rank, confinement, and a federal misdemeanor conviction as a part of the public record.
Furthermore, this type of court-martial may lead to a BCD.
4. Bad Conduct Discharge Consequences
A Bad Conduct Discharge can have serious long-term consequences for veterans.
Because it is issued through the court-martial system, it reflects a criminal conviction under military law and may appear on official records.
One of the most significant impacts involves veterans’ benefits.
In many cases, individuals who receive a BCD lose eligibility for most benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
However, if the discharge resulted from a special court-martial rather than a general court-martial, the VA may review the veteran’s service to determine whether certain limited benefits can still be granted.
A BCD may also affect employment opportunities after leaving the military.
Some employers, especially those in government, law enforcement, and security-sensitive industries, review military discharge status when evaluating job applicants.
In addition to the discharge itself, service members sentenced at court-martial often face other penalties such as confinement, reduction in rank, and forfeiture of pay.
5. How a Bad Conduct Discharge Affects Life After the Military
Transitioning to civilian life after receiving a Bad Conduct Discharge can be challenging.
Because the discharge follows a criminal conviction through the court-martial process, it may raise concerns for potential employers and government agencies.
Some positions, particularly those involving security clearances or government contracts, may require applicants to provide documentation of their military service.
In these cases, the discharge status listed on the DD-214 can influence hiring decisions.
Despite these challenges, many former service members with a BCD are still able to rebuild their careers and lives after leaving the military.
Pursuing additional education, vocational training, or professional certifications can help improve employment prospects.
Veterans may also seek assistance from organizations that specialize in helping former service members transition into civilian careers.
While the discharge can create obstacles, it does not automatically prevent someone from building a successful future.
Related Article – Can You Join The Military With A Felony?
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Conduct Discharge
In anticipation of your questions, we answered some frequently asked questions below.
6. Can a Bad Conduct Discharge Be Upgraded?
In limited cases, veterans who received a Bad Conduct Discharge from a special court-martial may apply to the appropriate Discharge Review Board for reconsideration.
The board reviews whether the discharge was proper and equitable based on the circumstances of the case.
However, Bad Conduct Discharges issued by a general court-martial cannot normally be upgraded through this process.
Veterans seeking relief in those situations must typically pursue a petition through a Board for Correction of Military Records.
7. Can you get a VA loan with a bad conduct discharge?
If you have a Bad Conduct Discharge, the VA bars you from benefits, including a VA loan.
Also, the only way around this is if the discharge was a special court-martial, and the VA decides the service was Honorable for VA Purposes.’
8. Does a Bad Conduct Discharge Equal a Felony?
No, a Bad Conduct Discharge does not equal a felony. A BCD is a punishment following a ruling by a general or special court-martial.
However, a BCD may follow as a consequence for what is viewed as a felony.
A felony is a crime, while the BCD is a consequence.
9. Can You Own a Gun with a Bad Conduct Discharge?
Yes, you may own a gun with a Bad Conduct Discharge.
Previously, The Agency of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) determined that service members discharged from any military branch under “dishonorable conditions coult not obtain firearms.” However, the agency clarified in 1997 that the definition did not include a Bad Conduct Discharge.
10. Does a Bad Conduct Discharge Appear on a Background Check?
A Bad Conduct Discharge may not appear on a standard civilian background check.
However, employers who request military service records or a DD-214 may see the discharge characterization.
Government employers and positions requiring security clearances are especially likely to review this information.
Other Types of Military Discharge
- Honorable Discharge
- General Discharge
- Other Than Honorable Discharge
- Dishonorable Discharge
- Hardship Discharge
Conclusion
A BCD is a punishment that follows a court-martial.
Typically, a service member commits a crime, which leads to a court-martial.
The service member usually loses their rank, forfeits pay, and spends time in confinement.
After confinement, the member is discharged from the military with a BCD.
A BCD often makes it difficult to find employment unless the supervisor decides to overlook the BCD.
Also, there is a complete loss of military benefit because congress does not recognize those with a BCD as veterans.
However, there are some cases where the VA will decide to reinstate some benefits depending on the situation.
References:
See Also:
Honorable Discharge: 8 Things You Might Not Know
Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge: 10 Things You Didn’t Know
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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