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What was Section 8 (Military Discharge)?

Introduction Section 8 was a category of discharge from the US military, used for a service member judged mentally unfit for service. Section 8 was also often given to cross-dressers, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Brief History The term comes from Section VIII of the World War II-era United States Army Regulation 615-360, concerning… Read More

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What is Discharge by Purchase?

Introduction Discharge by purchase, colloquially called buying oneself out of service, is the obtaining of a military discharge by payment. Outline The purchase price is in effect a fine for leaving military service earlier than the date contracted for when enlisting. Pertains to voluntary enlistment; “exemption by purchase” is a similar privilege pertaining to conscription.… Read More

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What was a Blue Discharge?

Introduction A blue discharge (also known as a “blue ticket”) was a form of administrative military discharge formerly issued by the United States beginning in 1916. It was neither honourable nor dishonourable. The blue ticket became the discharge of choice for commanders seeking to remove homosexual service members from the ranks. They were also issued… Read More