What Triggers a Separation Board in the U.S. Military?
Separation boards—also called Administrative Separation Boards or Boards of Inquiry (BOIs)—are serious proceedings that can end a military career.
Whether you’re active duty, a reservist, or a family member trying to understand the process, this guide will explain what triggers a separation board, what to expect, and how to defend against it.
📌 Quick Summary
- Separation boards are triggered by misconduct, substandard performance, or loss of security clearance.
- Boards determine whether the service member should be retained or discharged—and if so, what type of discharge (Honorable, General, or OTH).
- The process is administrative, but outcomes carry major career, benefits, and reputation consequences.
- Representation by a civilian military defense lawyer can be a game-changer in defending your career.
📚 Table of Contents
- What Is a Separation Board?
- Top Reasons a Separation Board Is Triggered
- Types of Separation Boards
- Your Rights at a Separation Board
- Consequences of a Board Decision
- How to Defend Against Separation
- FAQs: People Also Ask
- Speak to a Military Separation Board Defense Lawyer
1. What Is a Military Separation Board?
A separation board is an administrative hearing where a panel of officers evaluates whether a service member should be involuntarily discharged. The board reviews evidence, hears witnesses, and ultimately recommends:
- Whether misconduct or substandard performance occurred
- Whether retention or discharge is warranted
- The characterization of discharge (Honorable, General, or Other Than Honorable)
Unlike a court-martial, separation boards are not criminal trials—but the consequences can be equally damaging.
2. What Triggers a Separation Board?
Common triggers include:
- Misconduct: Article 15s, civilian criminal convictions, UCMJ violations (e.g., Article 120, 128, 92)
- Substandard Duty Performance: Failing PT tests, poor evaluations, dereliction of duty
- Drug Abuse: Positive urinalysis or substantiated drug-related misconduct
- Loss of Security Clearance: Especially for jobs requiring Top Secret access
- Pattern of Minor Infractions: Repeated NJPs, counseling statements, or Article 15s
- Personality Disorders or Medical Conditions: Can trigger medical separation boards or administrative boards depending on context
- Commission of a Serious Offense: Even without court-martial, serious misconduct (e.g., sexual assault, theft) may result in separation board action
- Other Basis: Failure to meet body composition standards, pregnancy discharge in some branches, conscientious objector status
3. Types of Boards
- Enlisted: Called an Administrative Separation Board (AdSep Board)
- Officer: Called a Board of Inquiry (BOI)
Each branch uses slightly different terminology and procedures, but the core functions are the same: evaluate the evidence, determine if the member should stay or go, and assign a discharge type.
4. Your Rights at a Separation Board
If you’ve served 6+ years or are facing an Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge, you’re entitled to:
- A written notice of the reason for the board
- Time to prepare a defense
- The right to be represented by military and/or civilian defense counsel
- The right to call witnesses and present evidence
- The right to cross-examine government witnesses
- A verbatim transcript of the proceedings
Pro Tip: Even if you have less than 6 years in service, you may request a board if an OTH discharge is possible.
5. Consequences of a Separation Board Decision
The board’s recommendation affects:
- Whether you’re retained or discharged
- The discharge type (Honorable, General, OTH)
- Future VA benefits, education benefits, retirement eligibility
- Reenlistment codes and job opportunities post-service
- Whether your discharge triggers mandatory registration (e.g., sex offender registry)
An Other Than Honorable discharge can destroy your reputation, cost you VA benefits, and follow you into civilian life.
6. How to Defend Against a Separation Board
Common defense strategies include:
- Challenge the evidence: Show that the misconduct did not occur or was exaggerated
- Prove procedural errors: Violations of due process, notice, or evidence rules
- Good military character: Awards, evals, deployments, leadership endorsements
- Witness testimony: From chain of command, peers, family, or character witnesses
- Rehabilitation potential: Show that you’ve corrected behavior and should be retained
- Civilian counsel: Experienced lawyers often present stronger, more aggressive defenses than JAG attorneys who may be overloaded with cases
7. FAQ: People Also Ask
What happens if I lose my separation board?
Your command may approve the board’s recommendation and process your discharge. You may appeal in certain cases, especially with legal errors or new evidence.
How long does a separation board take?
It varies. Once initiated, the board typically convenes within 30–60 days. The timeline depends on the availability of evidence, legal counsel, and board members.
Can I resign or retire before the board happens?
Possibly. Officers may submit a resignation in lieu of board action. Enlisted members can sometimes request a discharge in lieu of a board, but outcomes vary by case and branch.
Can I get an honorable discharge from a separation board?
Yes. If the board finds no misconduct or decides retention is not appropriate but your service was otherwise honorable, they may recommend an Honorable Discharge.
8. Speak to a Civilian Defense Lawyer for Separation Boards
If you’re facing a separation board, don’t go it alone. Your career, benefits, and reputation are at stake.