Upgrading Veterans' Discharging Process

In a dual effort, the Department of Defense and the Veterans Affairs have worked together to create an easier solution to discharges from the military. The advancement is in the form of a new and upcoming online tool that helps upgrade the system in which discharges are required.
The process is pretty simple and very much anticipated as the former system drew complaints and lack of clear-cut instruction to handle upgrades.

Officials in charge of the upgrade made announcements about the process and stated that the process was relatively simple, something that veterans and participants of the program are grateful for. "By answering a few short questions, veterans will know which board they need to go to, what form to fill out, any special guidance applicable to their case, where to send their application, and some helpful tips for appealing their discharge. Any veterans who believe their discharge was unjust, erroneous, or warrants an upgrade are encouraged to use this tool and then apply for review." This is a great opportunity for those who feel like they were let go of their service in the military unfairly.

Among anticipated participants in the program are those who were medically discharged for reasons that may include post-traumatic stress disorder or those who suffer from traumatic brain injuries. Among the other possible inclusions, those whose discharges fall under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, or those like them may be included in this initiative. This is an incredible amount of progress, as this is long awaited and serves the veterans who served justly. As Robert Wilkie states, "We are thrilled to have partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs in developing this wonderful and easily-accessible tool.” Wilkie goes on to say, "We support our veterans, whether they served recently or long ago, and we are excited to introduce a tool that will individualize the guidance for those who desire an upgrade or change in their military discharge." Wilkie is a Fayetteville native and undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.

It is this type of progress that breathes new life in the Veterans Affairs as well as the Department of Defense. There is more much updates and inclusions to come in the future. It will be interesting to see how the advancements will change the scope of how the military is viewed.