In a small service like the U.S. Coast Guard, a single Letter of Reprimand can freeze promotions, trigger separation boards, and jeopardize your clearance. Use this practical guide to craft a winning LOR rebuttal that preserves your reputation and future billets.

Why Your Coast Guard LOR Rebuttal Matters

• Promotion/assignment impact: LORs are red flags on EER reviews.
• Separation setup: Multiple/admin actions often lead to boards.
• Security: Adjudicators review LORs for trustworthiness concerns.

Rebuttal Template (Body You Can Adapt)

From:  [Rank, Name, Unit]
To:    Commanding Officer
Subj:  Rebuttal to Letter of Reprimand, dated [DD Mon YYYY]

1.  Professional acknowledgment of LOR.
2.  Service highlights (EERs, awards, quals, deployments).
3.  Factual rebuttal with exhibits (logs, emails, watch bills, statements).
4.  Mitigation/rehabilitation proof (training, counseling, performance).
5.  Request: Withdraw LOR or avoid permanent filing / use restricted filing.

Respectfully,
[Signature block]
    

Action Steps

1. Timeline: Respond within 5–10 days; request extra time if needed.
2. Evidence: Duty logs, message traffic, and EERs are persuasive.
3. Endorsements: Chiefs, supervisors, and officers carry major weight.
4. Professional tone: Factual, respectful, mission-focused.

Advanced Arguments That Work

• Operational context: Explain mission tempo that may have driven misunderstandings.
• Procedural defects: Call out notice/disclosure errors or rebuttal obstacles.
• Readiness case: Show how removing you harms the unit’s capability.

Common Mistakes

• Late or missing rebuttal.
• No exhibits—just opinions.
• Disrespectful language or blame-shifting.
• Admitting misconduct to “get it over with.”

Video: Coast Guard LOR Defense

Get Help with a Coast Guard LOR

Gonzalez & Waddington defend Coast Guardsmen in LORs, NJPs, separation boards, and courts-martial. Build a rebuttal package that earns respect.

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FAQs: Coast Guard LORs