What does it mean to change my discharge status? There are various levels of discharge from the military. You could receive an honorable discharge, a general discharge (under honorable conditions), an other than honorable discharge (OTH), a bad conduct discharge or a dishonorable discharge. Anything less that an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions could have a significantly…
Why does debt matter? When it comes to your financial history, your debt is not the only things that the adjudicative agency will consider, but it does play a role. In general, your financial history is important to your security clearance because it can reflect your behavior and your level of honesty. For example, if you have not filed your tax…
Your paths The news report discusses these possibilities for correcting your service record: Inaccuracy: This is the traditional, most common appeal for a military records correction. It is based on simple inaccuracy. The records show that you were given a less than honorable discharge, but the information is wrong. Mental health situations: This is a relatively newer option. As reported…
What are your rights? If you are a military member who is opposed to taking the vaccine, you need to know your rights. It is important to note that COVID-19 vaccination has been a hotly debated topic since the beginning of this pandemic. There are reasons for people to get the vaccine and reasons to refuse it. The focus here…
What are the possible consequences? The factors a commanding officer considers when deciding how to handle your son or daughter’s case include the length of time your child was away from duties without permission and the reasons why he or she was absent. A reasonable explanation, such as a family emergency, illness or financial troubles, may result in lesser punishment.…
Actions after receiving a BOI notification Misconduct accusations may result from a single incident or event that impacted a mission or the officer’s performance of their duties. Typically, the officer, also known as the “respondent,” would have previously received a letter of reprimand, nonjudicial punishments or other adverse actions. An experienced military attorney known as the “recorder” argues the government’s…
Who can initiate a suitability action? In general, the Code of Federal Regulations (5 CFR 731) outlines the rules and procedures for suitability investigations, determinations and actions. According to this authority, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or the employing agency to which the OPM has delegated this authority can initiate these procedures. Generally, these investigations take place when someone…
Absent without official leave Armed forces members can be AWOL under Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) if they fail to arrive at an appointed place or leave prematurely without permission. Sometimes, service members face charges for leaving their post a couple of hours early. The Manual for Courts-Martial lists several ways service members are considered…
Article 99 Article 99 of the UCMJ lists several actions that could result in “misbehavior before the enemy,” which include: Running away Abandoning or surrendering a team or property that you are supposed to defend Endangering others or property through disobedience, neglect or misconduct Casting away arms or ammo Committing cowardly conduct Quitting your place of duty to plunder or…
What can prevent you from getting a security clearance? Gaining security clearance is an important step in your career. However, the Department of Defense (DOD) will vet and research you before you can get clearance. This vetting process will look at your background and search such things as: Your personal history Your sexual activity Your criminal record Your current information…