Here is the worst thing you can do when getting a reprimand in the military.
Falling on your sword.
You think it's going to grant you mercy?
It won't. It'll bury you.
I'm Cody Harnish, UCMJ attorney.
Today we're diving into the consequences of a reprimand and what you can do about it.
A reprimand is a formal oral or written statement of disapproval issued by your commander.
It's not as severe as an Article 15 or a court martial, but it can still have some serious impacts on your military career. Here's how a reprimand can affect your promotions.
A reprimand can be a red flag in your personnel file.
Making it harder to get promoted.
Selection boards often view reprimands as a clear indicator that you have poor judgment.
Or committed misconduct.
Assignments.
Your ability to receive favorable assignments can also be hindered.
Commanders prefer individuals with clean records for critical and desirable positions.
Overall, a reprimand can tarnish your reputation and hinder your career progression.
Affecting everything from your security clearance to professional opportunities.
So here's my advice on how to respond and rebut a reprimand.
One.
Stay calm and professional.
Read the reprimand carefully and understand the allegations
Two.
Gather evidence.
Collect any documents, witness statements, or any other evidence that supports your side of the story and shows the facts.
Draft the rebuttal.
You want your attorney to write a clear and concise rebuttal addressing each point in the reprimand.
Be factual and avoid emotional language.
Do not. I repeat.
Do not fall on your sword.
If you go to legal assistance.
The free legal advice that they provide on posts.
If they tell you “Fall on your sword” get out of the office.
That is not helpful.
It's not going to help you.
Consult an attorney.
Consult an attorney.
Seek advice from an attorney who knows military law.
They're able to review all of the evidence, do a legal analysis, read and draft your rebuttal, and make sure it is clear and concise that it addresses all of the important points and highlights how the investigation was insufficient and violated regulation.
Make sure it's properly formatted.
Look at your services regulation when it comes to formatting a memo.
And make sure the statements from your witnesses also follow that formatting.
And keep a copy for your records.
If you need help on how to format a memo or what to put in a character letter, I've provided template memos and advice to help you start the response.
Remember, a reprimand doesn't define your career.
By responding professionally and strategically
You can mitigate its impact.
If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out.
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And in the meantime, I'll be defending America's defenders.
At Harnish Law, PLLC, we are committed to providing exceptional legal representation for U.S. military service members worldwide. UCMJ Lawyer across all branches of the military.
DEFENDING AMERICA’S DEFENDERS
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