Legal Definitions - BCD

BCD stands for Bad-Conduct Discharge.

A Bad-Conduct Discharge (BCD) is a punitive separation from military service, meaning it is imposed as a punishment for serious misconduct. It is less severe than a Dishonorable Discharge but more severe than an Honorable Discharge or a General Discharge. A BCD is typically issued as a result of a conviction by a special court-martial, or in some cases, a general court-martial, for offenses that violate military law or regulations.

The consequences of a Bad-Conduct Discharge are significant. Individuals who receive a BCD generally lose most, if not all, of their veterans' benefits, including educational benefits, healthcare, and certain types of disability compensation. It can also have a lasting negative impact on civilian employment opportunities and social standing.

Here are some examples illustrating a Bad-Conduct Discharge:

• Example 1: Repeated Misconduct During Deployment
  A Marine corporal deployed overseas is found guilty by a special court-martial of repeated insubordination, theft of government property, and going absent without leave (AWOL) on multiple occasions. Due to the pattern of serious misconduct and the impact on unit morale and readiness, the court-martial sentences the corporal to a Bad-Conduct Discharge.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates a BCD because the corporal committed serious offenses that warranted a special court-martial. The punitive discharge reflects the military's judgment that the individual's conduct was unacceptable and merits a separation that carries significant negative consequences, including the loss of most veteran benefits.

• Example 2: Drug Distribution on Base
  An Air Force airman is apprehended and subsequently convicted by a special court-martial for actively selling illegal controlled substances to other service members on a military installation. The court determines that the airman's actions severely undermined good order and discipline, leading to a sentence that includes a Bad-Conduct Discharge.

  Explanation: Here, the airman's conviction for drug distribution, a serious offense within the military justice system, results in a BCD. This punitive discharge signifies that the airman's conduct was a grave breach of military regulations and trust, leading to a forced separation from service with a permanent mark on their record.

• Example 3: Aggravated Assault
  A Navy petty officer is involved in a severe physical altercation off-base, resulting in serious injury to another sailor. After a thorough investigation, the petty officer is tried by a special court-martial and convicted of aggravated assault. The court imposes a sentence that includes confinement and a Bad-Conduct Discharge.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates a BCD because the petty officer committed a violent felony (aggravated assault) that violated military conduct standards and resulted in a conviction by a special court-martial. The BCD serves as a punitive measure, removing the individual from service due to their egregious behavior and stripping them of the privileges associated with honorable military service.