Elk,
To get a Dishonorable Discharge means that one was convicted at a General Courts Martial. That also makes the offender (regardless of the charge) a convicted Felon with all the penalties that status entails.
................That's about what I can recall. It's an instant criminal record that stays with you forever. Never saw anyone receive one when I was in but I've seen guys get U.D.'s (undesirable discharge), which was a lot less severe than a dishonorable. Not sure how any of that will impact veteran benefits.
