Which type of discharge indicates a serious violation of military conduct?

A dishonorable discharge is the most severe form of discharge from military service, indicating a serious violation of military conduct. This type of discharge is typically reserved for the most egregious offenses, such as serious crimes or actions that fundamentally undermine the integrity and discipline of the armed forces. As a result, individuals receiving a dishonorable discharge lose many of their rights and benefits that would otherwise be granted to service members, such as the ability to claim veterans' benefits, own firearms, or obtain government employment.

In contrast, other types of discharges serve different purposes and indicate varying levels of service performance or conduct. A general discharge, for instance, may reflect a service member who has met some but not all of the required standards. An honorable discharge signifies that the service member performed their duties in a satisfactory manner. A medical discharge occurs when a service member is released due to medical reasons that impair their ability to serve, and it is not necessarily an indication of misconduct.