Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law defend Sailors worldwide in Boards of Inquiry (BOI), administrative separation boards, NJP appeals, and courts-martial. If you have been notified of a BOI, your career, retirement, benefits, and reputation are on the line. This guide explains how Navy BOIs work, what rights you have, and proven strategies for fighting separation.

A Navy BOI is not a formality — it is an adversarial hearing where your future is at stake. You must treat it with the same seriousness as a court-martial.

Why Navy Boards of Inquiry Matter

• Retirement risk: Officers with over 18 years of service can lose retirement if discharged with less than honorable conditions.
• Career-ending impact: A BOI recommendation for separation can destroy any chance of further service or promotion.
• Reputation damage: A General or Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge follows you into civilian life.
• Future consequences: BOI outcomes affect security clearances, government jobs, and professional licensing.

How Navy Boards of Inquiry Work

1. Notification

You’ll receive written notification outlining the basis for separation. Common reasons include substandard performance, misconduct, or moral/professional dereliction.

2. Your Rights

At a Navy BOI, you have the right to:

• Be represented by a military or civilian defense lawyer
• Review and challenge all government evidence
• Present documents and witnesses on your behalf
• Cross-examine the Navy’s witnesses
• Testify in your defense (or remain silent)

3. Board Members

The BOI typically consists of three senior officers. They decide whether the allegations are supported and recommend retention or separation, along with the characterization of discharge.

Defense Strategies for Navy Boards of Inquiry

1. Build a Persuasive Narrative

Tell the board why you remain an asset to the Navy. Stress rehabilitation, leadership value, and contributions to mission success.

2. Gather and Present Strong Evidence

• FITREPs: Strong fitness reports outweigh isolated allegations.
• Character witnesses: Senior officers and chiefs can carry heavy weight.
• Exculpatory documentation: Emails, logs, or official records disproving allegations.
• Medical or psychological evaluations: Where applicable to explain or mitigate allegations.

3. Challenge Weaknesses in the Government’s Case

The Navy must prove allegations by a preponderance of the evidence. Look for contradictions, missing documents, unreliable witnesses, or procedural errors.

4. Protect Your Record

Even if the BOI rules against you, a well-documented defense record helps in appeals and discharge upgrades. Never concede without a fight.

Common Mistakes at Navy Boards of Inquiry

Video: Defending Sailors at Navy Boards of Inquiry

Why Hire Gonzalez & Waddington for Navy BOIs?

Our team has defended Navy officers and enlisted Sailors in Boards of Inquiry, administrative separation boards, NJPs, and courts-martial across the globe. We know the Navy’s process and how to win under pressure.

• ✅ Tried cases at Navy bases worldwide, from Norfolk to Japan
• ✅ Expertise in officer misconduct, performance, and security clearance cases
• ✅ Published authors on trial advocacy and military law

Contact Gonzalez & Waddington at ucmjdefense.com or call 1-800-921-8607 to discuss your Navy BOI case.

Frequently Asked Questions: Navy Boards of Inquiry