How Article 15 Punishments Affect Promotions, Security Clearances, and Retirement
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law defend Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen worldwide in Article 15/NJP cases, appeals, separation boards, and courts-martial. Many service members ask: “If I accept Article 15 punishment, how will it affect my career long-term?” This guide breaks down the three areas most impacted: promotions, security clearances, and retirement.
How Article 15 Affects Promotions
- Automatic ineligibility: An active Article 15 usually makes you ineligible for promotion during the punishment period.
- Record impact: Article 15s are visible to promotion boards. Even after punishment ends, boards may view it as evidence of poor judgment.
- Evaluation consequences: Article 15s often trigger negative NCOERs, OERs, EPRs, OPRs, FITREPs, or EERs, compounding promotion problems.
- Selection board perception: Boards may weigh the nature of the misconduct more than the punishment itself.
Bottom line: One Article 15 can stall promotion for years; multiple Article 15s almost guarantee a dead career track.
How Article 15 Impacts Security Clearances
- Adjudicative Guidelines: Article 15s raise issues under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct).
- Pattern vs. isolated event: A single, well-rebutted Article 15 may be mitigated; multiple NJPs suggest an ongoing trustworthiness problem.
- Self-reporting: Failure to disclose an Article 15 during clearance updates can result in denial or revocation.
- Rehabilitation matters: Evidence of corrective action (counseling, training, strong duty performance after NJP) helps preserve clearances.
Key takeaway: Clearance adjudicators care less about the punishment itself and more about what it says about your judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness.
How Article 15s Affect Retirement
- Separation risk: Multiple Article 15s often lead to administrative separation boards or Boards of Inquiry. These can force service members out before 20 years.
- Reduction in rank: If reduced, your retirement pay will be calculated at the lower rank.
- Pension impact: Even one reduction near retirement can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost lifetime income.
- Benefits loss: If discharged with a General or OTH discharge tied to NJPs, you could lose GI Bill, VA disability, and health benefits.
Retirement is on the line. Even at 18–19 years of service, multiple Article 15s can cut short a full pension.
Strategies to Limit the Damage
- Appeal immediately: You usually have 5 days to appeal an Article 15. Don’t miss this window.
- Document rehabilitation: Show clean service and excellence since the incident.
- Request suspended punishments: Commanders may suspend forfeitures/reductions contingent on good behavior.
- Prepare for boards: Assume the Article 15 will appear at separation boards; build evidence and endorsements now.
Video: How Article 15 Punishments Impact Your Career
Protect Your Career, Clearance, and Retirement
We’ve defended service members worldwide in Article 15 appeals, separation boards, and clearance cases. A strong defense can reduce punishment and preserve your long-term benefits.
Gonzalez & Waddington — ucmjdefense.com — 1-800-921-8607
FAQs: Article 15 Consequences
Does an Article 15 end promotion chances?
Not always, but it usually delays or blocks advancement, especially if evaluations are affected.
Can I keep my clearance with an Article 15?
Yes, if you demonstrate rehabilitation and the misconduct is isolated. Multiple NJPs are more damaging.
Does reduction in rank affect retirement?
Yes. Retirement pay is calculated at your final rank. A reduction permanently lowers pension value.
Can Article 15s cause separation near 20 years?
Yes. Multiple Article 15s can trigger boards even at 18–19 years, risking all retirement benefits.
How do I limit the damage of an Article 15?
Appeal immediately, collect rehabilitation evidence, and prepare for possible board proceedings.
