Which term refers specifically to the reason provided in a military discharge paperwork?

The term that refers specifically to the reason provided in military discharge paperwork is known as the narrative reason for discharge. This narrative outlines the circumstances leading to the discharge, providing context that can include the type of service, conduct, or specific events that resulted in the decision to discharge the individual. It is essential because it helps convey the individual’s service history and the rationale behind their release from duty, which can be particularly important for veterans seeking benefits or employment opportunities post-service.

Discharge codes, while relevant, serve as a shorthand representation of the type of discharge rather than detailing the reasons. Service record comments can include various remarks but do not specifically focus on the underlying reasoning for the discharge. Discharge classification categorizes the discharge into broad types, such as honorable or dishonorable, but again does not provide the detailed narrative context that the narrative reason for discharge does.