TexasCHLforum.com

loren wrote:

sugar land dave wrote:I will stand by my above post. No one has presented indisputatable evidence that DPS policy is one way or the other in every instance. At this point the thread is trending more towards a discussion of the concept of "stolen valor" than DPS policy, so I will repeat my assertion that this thread is best locked.

Actually DPS policy is now consistent with respect to the term honorably discharged. It was properly handled with respect to driver's licenses but deviated for CHL. DPS was directed to make this change by a member of the State Senate who is also chairperson of the Committee on Veterans Affairs. If you disagree, take it to Texas Supreme Court.

If I had to do it over again, I would take the rules more seriously and obtain the Honorable Discharge. I believe I could get my General upgraded because my job proficiency ratings were high and infractions were minor - some even debatable.

Anyway, there has been a lot of irrelevant input to the original question and emotional rantings to this thread. Too bad, because a major point that may affect a number of veterans getting CHLs in the future is being overshadowed. I agree that all that can be said in this tread has probably been said but I would not call for censorship. Those who are weary with this discussion should simply unsubscribe. Or do they believe in the 2nd Amendment but not the 1st?

ScooterSissy wrote:

ScooterSissy wrote:I was in the Navy very briefly (didn't finish boot camp). I had ear problems that I told them about when I enlisted, and the recruiting office said it was acceptable. Once I got in, they examined me and said it was not, and discharged me. I fought it, because I didn't want out, but out I went.

I can't find my copy right now, but I'm almost positive my DD214 said "Under Honorable Conditions"; however, I am positive that I received the veteran's discount.

This used to be an uncomfortable situation for me. I had family and friends that served full tours, some 20 and 30 year gigs, and I always felt I was not a vet. One of them cleared it up for me (not completely, but at least comfortably), when he told me "You volunteered to take the oath, you served honorably for as long as they were willing to let your serve. You're a vet."

I went back and dug up my DD214, but I don't know that it's going to help anything. There are two lines that concern the discharge. Line 9 says TYPE OF SEPARATION and is filled in DISCHARGED. Two lines down, it says CHARACTER OF SERVICE and is filled in HONORABLE.

When I was discharged (and I remember it well, because I fought it) the Navy called the discharge a "General Discharge - Erroneous Enlistment".

As I said earlier, I got my veteran discount.

General discharges are given to service members whose performance is satisfactory but is marked by a considerable departure in duty performance and conduct expected of military members. Reasons for such a characterization of service vary, from medical discharges to misconduct, and are utilized by the unit commander as a means to correct unacceptable behavior prior to initiating discharge action (unless the reason is drug abuse, in which case discharge is mandatory). A commander must disclose the reasons for the discharge action in writing to the service member, and must explain reasons for recommending the service be characterized as General (Under Honorable Conditions). The service member is normally required to sign a statement acknowledging receipt and understanding of the notification of pending discharge memorandum. The person is also advised of the right to seek counsel and present supporting statements.

In addition, service members are required to sign documents acknowledging that "substantial prejudice in civilian life" may be encountered under a general discharge. A general discharge may preclude a veteran's participation in the GI Bill, service on veterans' commissions, and other programs for which an honorable discharge is required, but is eligible for VA disability and most other benefits.