What penalty can a Marine face if convicted in a General Court Martial?

A Marine convicted in a General Court Martial can face the penalty of dismissal from service. This is one of the most severe consequences under military law, as a dismissal equates to a dishonorable discharge and can have lasting effects on the individual's civilian life, including loss of benefits and stigma.

The nature of a General Court Martial is to address the most serious offenses, such as those that may threaten the integrity of the Marine Corps or the safety of its personnel and operations. As such, the potential outcomes reflect the seriousness of the charges, and dismissal is a fitting consequence for the most egregious violations of military law.

The other penalties mentioned may be applicable in different contexts or types of courts martial, such as Summary or Special Court Martial, but a General Court Martial specifically allows for dismissal because of the gravity of the offenses tried in that setting.