The Discharge Review Board (DRB) is an administrative body established by the Secretary of the Military Department. Its primary role is to review military discharges and dismissals, allowing individuals to appeal their discharge status. The DRB has the authority to change the character of a discharge, which can impact benefits and future opportunities for service members.
The Discharge Review Board is used within military law to assess the validity of discharges. This process is crucial for service members who believe their discharge was unjust or incorrect. The DRB operates under the regulations set forth in Title 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 32 CFR 70.3. Individuals can utilize legal forms to initiate a review process, which may include submitting a request for a hearing and providing supporting documentation.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A service member who received a general discharge under honorable conditions believes their conduct was misinterpreted. They can petition the DRB to review their case and potentially upgrade their discharge to honorable.
Example 2: A veteran with a less-than-honorable discharge due to a single incident of misconduct may seek a review to demonstrate that their overall service record warrants a more favorable discharge status. (hypothetical example)
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Discharge Review Board | A board that reviews military discharges. | Focuses on discharge status and appeals. |
| Board for Correction of Military Records | A board that corrects errors in military records. | Handles broader record corrections, not just discharges. |
If you believe your military discharge is unjust, consider the following steps:
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Fees | Varies; often no fee for the review process. |
| Jurisdiction | Military Department concerned. |
| Possible Outcomes | Upgrade, downgrade, or uphold the original discharge status. |
The DRB reviews military discharges to determine if they were justified and can change the discharge status if warranted.