BCD
Military abbreviation · Military Term
| Stands for | Bad-conduct discharge |
|---|---|
| Categories | Military |
BCD stands for Bad-conduct discharge, a military term abbreviation.
Punitive discharge for enlisted members that can be adjudged only by a special or general court-martial, typically for repeated misconduct or serious offenses. It is less severe than a dishonorable discharge but usually bars most veterans benefits.
Example: After the court-martial he received six months' confinement and a BCD.
Usage notes
Informally called the "big chicken dinner." Unlike administrative discharges, punitive discharges are part of a criminal sentence. The VA decides benefit eligibility for most former members with a BCD through a character-of-discharge review, but a BCD from a general court-martial is a statutory bar.
Related abbreviations
More military term abbreviations
- ASW – Anti-submarine warfare
- AT – Annual training
- AUMF – Authorization for Use of Military Force
- AWOL – Absent without leave
- BAH – Basic Allowance for Housing
- BAS – Basic Allowance for Subsistence
- BCGs – Birth control glasses
- BCT – Basic Combat Training
- BDA – Battle damage assessment
- BDU – Battle Dress Uniform
- BLUF – Bottom line up front
- BMT – Basic Military Training