Getting a government job with a General Discharge from the military is possible, but may be more challenging than with an Honorable Discharge. General Discharge is a type of administrative separation that is typically given to service members who have not met expectations, but have not committed serious misconduct. While many government jobs do not have specific discharge requirements, some agencies may view a General Discharge as a negative factor. It is important to be honest about your discharge status on job applications and during interviews. You may need to provide documentation to support your discharge status, such as your DD Form 214. If you have any concerns about getting a government job with a General Discharge, you should contact a recruiter or hiring manager for more information.
Impacts of a General Discharge on Government Employment
A General Discharge is an administrative separation from the military that is less than honorable but not dishonorable. It can be issued for a variety of reasons, including misconduct, unsatisfactory performance, or a physical or mental condition that prevents the individual from meeting the standards of military service.
A General Discharge can have a number of negative impacts on government employment.
- It can make it more difficult to obtain a security clearance.
- It can limit the types of government jobs that are available to you.
- It can affect your pay and benefits.
However, it is important to note that a General Discharge does not automatically disqualify you from government employment. In some cases, you may be able to get a waiver that will allow you to obtain a government job despite your General Discharge.
The following table summarizes the potential impacts of a General Discharge on government employment:
| Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Security clearance | A General Discharge can make it more difficult to obtain a security clearance. |
| Job availability | A General Discharge can limit the types of government jobs that are available to you. |
| Pay and benefits | A General Discharge can affect your pay and benefits. |
| Waiver | In some cases, you may be able to get a waiver that will allow you to obtain a government job despite your General Discharge. |
Federal Hiring Policies and General Discharge
In general, a General Discharge under honorable conditions does not automatically disqualify an applicant from federal employment. However, the hiring agency may consider the specific circumstances surrounding the discharge as part of their hiring decision.
Federal hiring policies are governed by the following:
- The Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- The Department of Justice (DOJ)
These agencies have established guidelines for hiring individuals with a General Discharge, which include:
- The agency must determine if the discharge was issued under honorable conditions.
- The agency must consider the specific circumstances surrounding the discharge.
- The agency must make a hiring decision based on the individual’s qualifications and the needs of the agency.
In some cases, a hiring agency may choose to deny employment to an individual with a General Discharge if they determine that the discharge reflects negatively on the individual’s character or suitability for the position.
| Discharge Type | Eligibility for Federal Employment |
|---|---|
| Honorable Discharge | Generally eligible |
| General Discharge under Honorable Conditions | May be eligible |
| Bad Conduct Discharge | Generally ineligible |
| Dishonorable Discharge | Ineligible |
It is important to note that the hiring decision is ultimately up to the individual agency. If you have a General Discharge and are interested in applying for a federal job, it is important to be prepared to discuss the circumstances surrounding your discharge with the hiring manager.
## Can You Get a Government Job With General Character of Service (CG) or General (Under Honorable Conditions) (G)
The CG (General, with honorable conditions) or G (General, under honorable conditions) discharges are administrative in nature and are not punitive, meaning the discharges were not given because of misconduct or poor performance. Rather, they are issued when a service member’s performance or conduct does not meet the standards of the military.
### Restrictions on Government Positions
The CG or G discharge codes may limit your eligibility for certain government jobs. For example, the Department of Defense (DOD) has strict rules about who can be hired for civilian positions. In general, you must have an honorable discharge to be eligible for a DOD job. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, you may be eligible for a DOD job if you have a CG or G discharge and:
* You have been out of the military for at least two years.
* You have a good work history.
* You have no criminal record.
### General vs. Honorable
| **Discharge Characterization** | **Separation from Service** | **Reenlistment** | **VA Benefits** |
|—|—|—|—|—|—|
| Honorable | Honorable conditions | Eligible | Eligible |
| General Under Honorable Conditions (G) | Administrative reasons, not relating to misconduct | Not eligible within 6 months | May be eligible |
| General with Honorable Character Service (CG) | Administrative reasons, not relating to misconduct | Not eligible within 6 months | May be eligible |
| Other than Honorable (OTH) | Misconduct, poor performance, or administrative reasons | Not eligible | Not eligible |
| Dishonorable | Felony convictions or serious misconduct | Not eligible | Not eligible |
The type of discharge you receive will depend on the circumstances of your separation from the military. If you are unsure about your discharge status, you can request a copy of your DD Form 214 from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Government Employment with a General Discharge
Individuals with a general discharge from the military may encounter challenges in securing government employment due to its characterization as “under honorable conditions.” However, there are exceptions and accommodations available to alleviate these difficulties.
Exceptions
- Veterans Preference Act: Grants hiring preference to veterans with honorable or general under honorable discharges in federal government positions.
Accommodations
| Accommodation | Explanation |
|---|---|
|
Individual Assessment: |
Federal agencies evaluate job applicants on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the nature of the discharge, job requirements, and mitigating circumstances. |
|
EEOC Guidance: |
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) prohibits discrimination based on military status, including discharge type, unless it is a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ). |
|
Alternative Career Paths: |
Individuals may explore alternative government employment opportunities that do not require a security clearance or background investigation, such as administrative or support roles. |
Additional Considerations
* **National Security Considerations:** Government jobs involving sensitive or classified information may require a higher level of clearance, which may not be granted to individuals with certain types of general discharges.
* **Background Investigations:** Federal agencies may conduct thorough background investigations that may include documentation of a general discharge.
* **Mitigation and Explanation:** Individuals with a general discharge are encouraged to provide written or oral explanations and documentation to mitigate the circumstances surrounding their discharge.
That’s all folks! Thanks for sticking with me through this little adventure into the world of government employment. I hope you found it helpful, even if it wasn’t exactly the news you were hoping for. Remember, don’t give up on your dream of a government job just because you have a General Discharge. There are plenty of other options out there, and with a little perseverance, you can find the one that’s right for you. In the meantime, check back here later for more updates on the latest government job openings and advice on how to land your dream job. So long and thanks for all the fish!