How to Write an AR 15-6 Rebuttal – The Complete Guide for Soldiers in 2026

TLDR – Your AR 15-6 Rebuttal Is Your Only Chance to Correct the Record Before It Damages Your Career

An AR 15-6 investigation is one of the Army’s most commonly used administrative tools. It is also one of the most misunderstood. Although it is not a criminal proceeding, the findings often shape everything that comes afterward: GOMORs, Article 15s, relief for cause, OER/NCOER damage, security clearance issues, QMP actions, and full administrative separation boards.
Your written rebuttal is your opportunity to challenge inaccuracies, correct errors, highlight missing context, and ensure your side of the story becomes part of the official record. A well-crafted rebuttal can stop negative findings from taking root — while a weak or emotional rebuttal can permanently solidify damaging conclusions.

• The AR 15-6 is not neutral; findings often reflect assumptions, incomplete witness statements, or investigator inexperience.
• Your rebuttal must present evidence, logic, and clarity — not emotion or generalities.
• Your response becomes part of the investigation packet reviewed by commanders and future boards.
• A strong rebuttal can prevent adverse actions entirely or mitigate long-term consequences.

What an AR 15-6 Investigation Really Is

An AR 15-6 investigation is an administrative inquiry directed by a commander to examine misconduct, leadership problems, safety incidents, accidents, policy violations, or any event requiring official review. Investigating Officers (IOs) are often appointed because of rank rather than investigative skill. They may or may not fully understand Army evidentiary standards, investigative procedures, or regulatory nuances.

Because of this, AR 15-6 findings regularly contain:

• Incorrect or incomplete timelines
• Unchallenged hearsay
• Missing witness interviews
• Wrong interpretations of Army policy
• Inconsistent statements treated as fact
• Opinions disguised as findings

Your rebuttal exists to identify these issues and place corrective information in the official record.

Why Your AR 15-6 Rebuttal Matters

The AR 15-6 final packet is often used to justify follow-on adverse actions such as:

• GOMORs
• Article 15 / NJP
• Relief for Cause OERs
• Referred Evaluations
• Bars to reenlistment
• QMP / QSP elimination
• Administrative separations
• Officer elimination boards

Submitting a rebuttal is not optional — it is essential self-defense.

How to Structure an AR 15-6 Rebuttal

A strong rebuttal is factual, organized, and supported by evidence. Use headings, numbered sections, and a tone of professionalism and clarity. A recommended format looks like this:

1. Respectful Opening

Address the commander, acknowledge receipt of the findings, and state your intent to respond. Keep your tone calm, formal, and focused. Never attack the IO personally.

2. Overview of Your Objections

Begin with a brief summary of major errors, omissions, or concerns. This prepares the commander for the structure of your document.

3. Point-by-Point Rebuttal

Address each problematic finding individually, using numbered subheadings:

• Findings not supported by evidence
• Contradictory statements by witnesses
• Missing interviews
• Incorrect policy interpretations
• Errors in chronology
• Bias indicators or assumptions treated as fact

You may also attach exhibits and reference them (Exhibit A, Exhibit B, etc.).

4. Present Missing Evidence

If key witnesses were never interviewed, if documents were not included, or if the IO overlooked important context, provide them here.

5. Provide Context and Clarification

Often, the IO sees a narrow snapshot of events. Use this section to explain operational details, leadership decisions, training environment, personal factors, or miscommunications that the investigation did not fully capture.

6. Mitigation (If Appropriate)

If some conduct occurred but does not reflect your character or overall value to the Army, include mitigation:

• Positive evaluations
• Awards and achievements
• Combat or deployment history
• Correction of behavior
• Counseling, training, or professional development completed

7. Closing Request

Respectfully request correction, modification, or rejection of unsupported findings. Ask the commander to consider your full service record.

What Not to Do in an AR 15-6 Rebuttal

• Do not attack the IO, the command team, or participants personally.
• Do not write emotionally or sarcastically.
• Do not simply say, “This is unfair.” Support your points with evidence.
• Do not use long, unfocused narratives.
• Do not admit to allegations that are exaggerated or false.

Common AR 15-6 Errors You Should Challenge

• Unsupported credibility assessments (IO assuming a witness is reliable without explanation)
• Ignoring exculpatory evidence
• Cherry-picking facts
• Conclusions not supported by the evidence provided
• Failure to address contradictory witness statements
• Reliance on assumptions or opinions
• Failure to interview key individuals with direct knowledge
• Incorrect application of Army regulations

Examples of AR 15-6 Rebuttal Arguments

Example 1 – IO Relied on Hearsay

The IO relied on one person repeating what someone else told them. Your rebuttal points this out and includes direct statements from actual witnesses who contradict the allegation.

Example 2 – Timeline Doesn’t Match Evidence

You were accused of being present for an event at a time when duty logs show you were elsewhere. Your rebuttal includes timestamps, duty rosters, or digital location data.

Example 3 – Policy Misinterpretation

The IO claims you violated a regulation that does not apply to the situation. You quote the correct version, explain applicability, and attach the policy as an exhibit.

Example 4 – Failure to Interview Key Witnesses

The investigation relied on two individuals but ignored four others with relevant information. You include statements from those four witnesses that undermine the conclusion.

Example 5 – Investigator Used Subjective Language

The IO writes “poor judgment,” “unprofessional,” or “inappropriate” without evidence. You demonstrate how the environment, mission, communications, or facts do not support such conclusions.

Five Critical Tips for Writing an AR 15-6 Rebuttal

• Tip 1: Focus on facts, logic, and inconsistencies, not emotion.
• Tip 2: Use formatting, headings, and numbered points to guide the commander through your argument.
• Tip 3: Attach evidence — don’t merely reference it.
• Tip 4: Stay respectful and professional — tone matters.
• Tip 5: Get legal guidance to ensure accuracy, tone, and strategic messaging.

Military Law Resources

AR 15-6 investigations operate under Army administrative law procedures. While you do not need to quote regulations in your rebuttal, it helps to understand:

• How AR 15-6 investigations are conducted
• What the IO is required — and not required — to consider
• Your right to submit a rebuttal
• How findings may affect evaluations, promotions, or separation decisions

Protect Your Career With a Strong AR 15-6 Rebuttal

Your rebuttal is not just a formality. It is the only document that ensures your perspective is included in the official record. A well-crafted rebuttal can prevent adverse actions, protect your evaluation reports, and preserve your career trajectory.

➤ Get help preparing your AR 15-6 rebuttal.

Strategic Support for AR 15-6 Responses

Experienced legal counsel can help you identify investigative errors, build supporting documentation, prepare witness statements, and craft a compelling narrative. A strong rebuttal can change outcomes at every subsequent stage: reprimands, evaluations, NJP, separation boards, and BOIs.

➤ Speak with a military defense lawyer experienced in AR 15-6 investigations.

How to Write an AR 15-6 Rebuttal – Frequently Asked Questions