Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law represent service members and veterans worldwide in security clearance appeals, reprimand rebuttals, Article 15/NJP defenses, separation boards, and courts-martial. One of the most damaging effects of a GOMOR, LOR, or NJP is the impact on your security clearance. Without a clearance, many service members lose their billets, assignments, or even their careers.

This guide explains how to appeal security clearance denials linked to reprimands or NJPs, what evidence you need, and how to protect both your clearance and your career.

Why Security Clearance Appeals Matter

• Job eligibility: Many military and civilian positions require an active clearance.
• Career survival: Losing a clearance often means reassignment, demotion, or separation.
• Retirement impact: Without a clearance, senior NCOs and officers may be forced out before 20 years.
• Future employment: Civilian contractors and federal agencies check clearance history when hiring.

Why Reprimands and NJPs Lead to Clearance Denials

Security clearance adjudicators use the Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Information. Reprimands and NJPs can raise red flags under:

• Guideline E – Personal Conduct: Allegations of dishonesty, misconduct, or poor judgment.
• Guideline J – Criminal Conduct: NJPs or misconduct considered criminal under civilian standards.
• Guideline G – Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol-related NJPs or reprimands.
• Guideline H – Drug Involvement: Positive tests or drug-related misconduct.

How to Appeal a Security Clearance Denial

1. Statement of Reasons (SOR)

If your clearance is denied or revoked, you’ll receive a Statement of Reasons outlining the issues.

2. Written Response

You may respond in writing with evidence, explanations, and mitigation. This is your chance to counter allegations tied to your reprimand or NJP.

3. DOHA Hearing

For military and DoD civilians, appeals often go through the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). You can request a hearing before an administrative judge.

4. Final Decision

The adjudicative authority reviews your response and hearing record to make a final determination.

Strategies for Winning Security Clearance Appeals

1. Provide Context

Explain the circumstances behind the reprimand or NJP. Highlight if the allegations were exaggerated or unsupported.

2. Show Rehabilitation

Demonstrate clean service since the incident with EPRs/OPRs, awards, and positive duty history.

3. Use Character Statements

Letters from supervisors and peers affirming your trustworthiness and judgment are persuasive.

4. Link to Regulations

Cite the Adjudicative Guidelines and show why your situation does not create a current security risk.

Common Mistakes in Clearance Appeals

Video: Appealing Security Clearance Denials Linked to Reprimands or NJPs

Why Hire Gonzalez & Waddington for Security Clearance Appeals?

Our firm has defended service members and DoD civilians in security clearance appeals, reprimand rebuttals, NJP defenses, and separation boards. We understand how adverse actions impact clearances — and how to mitigate those risks.

• ✅ Experience in DOHA hearings and written clearance appeals
• ✅ Represented clients across all branches of the military
• ✅ Published authorities on military law and administrative defense

Contact Gonzalez & Waddington at ucmjdefense.com or call 1-800-921-8607 for immediate help with your security clearance appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Clearance Appeals