What is the maximum punishment for a dishonorable discharge?

A dishonorable discharge is the most severe form of administrative discharge from military service and typically results from serious offenses, such as felony-level crimes, serious misconduct, or violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) that are deemed to be related to a moral or ethical failing.

The maximum punishment for offenses leading to a dishonorable discharge can include confinement, and under the UCMJ, certain offenses could warrant significant prison time, particularly those of a grave nature. Specifically, if the offense falls under areas like desertion or serious felonies, the potential confinement sentence can be up to 10 years. This reflects the seriousness of the individual's actions and emphasizes the military's commitment to upholding discipline and integrity within its ranks.

The other options reflect shorter confinement times, which are insufficient for the severity of the crime that typically results in a dishonorable discharge. This aligns with military justice principles where accountability for egregious misconduct is paramount, contributing to the correct identification of a maximum punishment of 10 years confinement for such serious offenses.