What type of military discharge is indicated by "other than honorable"?

The term "other than honorable" refers to a specific category of military discharge that is not classified as honorable or general. This designation typically arises from behavior or conduct that does not meet military standards but is not severe enough to warrant a punitive discharge. An administrative discharge, which includes "other than honorable," is primarily a separation that occurs due to various conditions that do not require legal proceedings. This distinction helps in understanding the implications of such discharges on a veteran's benefits and future prospects in civilian life.

In contrast, the other types of discharges, such as punitive or honorable, represent entirely different circumstances. A punitive discharge typically involves court-martial proceedings for serious offenses, while an honorable discharge signifies that a service member has met all character and performance standards during their service. General discharges are less negative than "other than honorable" but still reflect some issues. Therefore, "other than honorable" is best categorized as an administrative discharge due to the nature of the conditions that prompted it.