{"id":353822,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:07","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/military\/administrative-issues-benefits\/administrative-separation-the-basics.html"},"modified":"2026-08-18T09:28:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T14:28:17","slug":"administrative-separation-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/military\/administrative-issues-benefits\/administrative-separation-the-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Administrative Separation: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Administrative Separation: The Basics<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Administrative separation<\/span> is the process the military uses to involuntarily discharge a service member<\/span> for reasons related to misconduct or poor performance without a court-martial<\/span>. This non-judicial process can result in one of three discharge characterizations: Honorable; General (Under Honorable Conditions<\/span>); or Other Than Honorable (OTH<\/span>). The specific characterization of service<\/span> you receive has a significant and lasting impact on your eligibility<\/span> for veterans’ benefits<\/span>, reenlistment<\/span>, and future civilian employment.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Receiving an administrative separation<\/span> notification can turn your world upside down. Your military career<\/span> is suddenly on the line, along with all the benefits you’ve earned. Knowing what to do after receiving a notification can have a huge impact going forward. If you\u2019re uncertain or feel you need legal assistance, contact a\u00a0military <\/span>defense<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0They can help you understand your options and protect your rights.<\/p>\n

Common Reasons for Administrative Separation<\/span><\/h2>\n

Administrative separation<\/span> is different from the punitive discharge you might receive after a court-martial<\/span> conviction. With administrative separation<\/span>, your command starts this process through administrative channels.<\/p>\n

The Department of Defense (DoD) provides these procedures<\/a>. This instruction outlines specific protections for your rights throughout the process.<\/p>\n

The military may seek to administratively separate you for issues including:<\/p>\n