Involuntary Administrative Separation/Show Cause Boards/Boards of Inquiry

While you won’t face the possibility of conviction or confinement, you will face the possibility of being fired from the military and separated with an Honorable, General Under Honorable Conditions, or Other Than Honorable discharge, which can result in the loss of benefits.

You can be involuntarily separated for a variety of things: misconduct, criminal conviction, unsatisfactory performance, failing to meet physical fitness or weight standards, drug or alcohol rehabilitation failure, or having a physical or mental health condition that interferes with your ability to perform your duties.

Your entitlement to a board depends on how much time you have in service and the recommended characterization of service. If you are entitled to a board, then you are entitled to legal representation at the hearing, which is a trial-like process, but the standard of proof is only a preponderance of the evidence, not beyond a reasonable doubt.

I believe I was so happy after the results were given to me that I probably forgot to thank all of you for wonderfully taking care of my case. I really don’t think this would have been possible without your dedication and the professional relationship between the two of you. You gave me back 17.5 years of my life and I don’t have any words to say how much I appreciate all you did for me and my family. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

- PO1 L.R.