Attorney Matthew James has handled hundreds of adverse administrative actions, including non-judicial punishment matters (Article 15), administrative separations, officer separations, responses to 15-6 investigations, general officer memorandum of reprimand responses, and other similar adverse administrative actions.


If notified of an Article 15, the commander suspects you violated articles of the UCMJ. You can accept the Article 15, or you can turn it down and demand trial by court-martial. Acceptance of an Article 15 is not an admission of guilt; it is a decision to have your commander determine whether you are guilty of an offense rather than proceeding to trial by court-martial. In most cases, you have the right to consult with an attorney before choosing how to address your Article 15.


Even if an offense does not result in a court-martial, a finding of guilt in an Article 15 can be damaging to your reputation, your military career, and your chain of command may initiate an administrative separation action. During the separation action, you may face up to an other than honorable discharge, precluding you from many veteran benefits, as well as potential future employment. If you have been notified of an Article 15, administrative separation action, general officer memorandum of reprimand, or any other adverse action, contact our office so we can walk you through the process, ensuring the best possible outcome.