I think you are mistaken here. The DD is the worst type of discharge and the most difficult to upgrade by the Board of Review of Corrections of Military Records. BCDs can be given by any court-martial (summary, special and general), but a DD requires a general court martial. DDs are seldom given. BCDs are much more common.
"BCDs can be given by any court-martial (summary, special and general), but a DD requires a general court martial. DDs are seldom given. BCDs are much more common."
A Bad Conduct Discharge can only be imposed by a Special Court-Martial that is specifically authorized to impose it. There is such think as a "Straight Special" Court-Martial that cannot impose a BCD. They are very, very rare. Too much work for not alot of gratification. Summary Courts-Martial cannot impose any type of discharge. Summary Courts-Martial are generally conducted by non-judges and there is no jury. Punishments are limited. A soldier can turn-down a summary court-martial and demand the real thing. My experience, albeit dated, is that BCD Specials are usually only done as part of a plea deal. Tha maximum punshment a BCD Special can impose is 6 months confiment and the BCD (plus reduction and forfeitures). These punishments are generally not sufficient to force somebody to take a plea. Again, why bother cranking up a court-martial for such a limited punishment? I am told, however, the BCD was more common in the 70's and early 80's when there were alot of drug use cases - before the Army implemented streamlined administrative procedures to get rid of dopers with limited due process rights.
Not mistaken, just know what would happen.
ship him out to Iraq, and put him out on patrol in Falujah... lets see if he discharges his weapon against some insurgents.