Understanding BOI, QMP, ADSEP & Elimination Processes Across All Branches – Court Martial Attorneys

Why Administrative Elimination Processes Are as Dangerous as Court-Martials

The U.S. military uses several administrative processes to remove service members from active duty—processes that can be just as devastating as a court-martial. Whether you are an officer facing a Board of Inquiry (BOI), an NCO facing a Qualitative Management Program (QMP) review, a Sailor or Marine facing an ADSEP Board, or a Guardian or Airman fighting an elimination action, the stakes are enormous. These boards determine whether you keep your career, your benefits, and your professional reputation.

Unlike criminal trials, administrative elimination boards use a far lower burden of proof—meaning the military can end your career based on weak or disputed allegations. Understanding how each process works across the branches is essential to protecting your future.

Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law has defended thousands of service members in BOIs, QMP, ADSEP Boards, enlisted separation boards, and officer eliminations. Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington have built a global reputation for saving careers that commands tried to end through administrative channels.

Overview of Elimination Processes Across the Services

Although each branch uses different terminology, the goal is the same: remove service members viewed as liabilities, political risks, or “no longer promotable.”

• Army: BOI (officers), QMP (NCOs), Enlisted Separation Boards
• Air Force & Space Force: Officer Grade Determination (OGD), Show Cause/BOI, Enlisted Administrative Separation Boards
• Navy & Marine Corps: ADSEP Boards for enlisted personnel, Officer Show Cause Boards
• Coast Guard: Personnel Review Boards & Officer Boards of Inquiry

Though the names differ, the structure and danger are nearly identical.

Understanding Each Type of Administrative Elimination

1. Board of Inquiry (BOI) – Officers (All Branches)

A BOI (or “Show Cause Board”) is used to remove officers for misconduct, poor performance, loss of confidence, SHARP/EO allegations, toxic leadership, or adverse actions like GOMORs.

Key facts:

• Three senior officers act as judge and jury
• Government must prove allegations by a preponderance of evidence
• Consequences include separation, Honorable/General/OTH characterization, or retention
• Retirement eligibility may be forfeited—even at 18+ years

Officers often face BOIs following adverse OERs, inappropriate relationship allegations, SHARP complaints, alcohol incidents, or command loss of confidence.

2. Qualitative Management Program (QMP) – Army NCOs

The QMP system reviews the OMPF of NCOs to identify “substandard” records and eliminate senior NCOs deemed no longer suitable for continued service.

Triggers include:

• Negative NCOERs
• GOMORs
• Article 15s
• Adverse administrative flags
• Adverse schooling failures

Consequences:

• Denial of continued service
• Forced retirement or separation
• Loss of rank in some cases

QMP is extremely dangerous because there is no hearing—only written submissions. Strong legal representation is critical.

3. ADSEP Boards (Administrative Separation Boards) – Navy & Marine Corps

ADSEP Boards are the Navy/Marine Corps version of enlisted separation boards. These boards evaluate whether a Sailor or Marine should be separated for misconduct, poor performance, drug use, fraternization, or other administrative reasons.

Key elements:

• Three board members (officers or senior NCOs)
• Government uses preponderance standard
• Possible outcomes: Retain, Gen/OTH discharge, or suspend separation
• Used aggressively in drug, sexual misconduct, and discipline cases

Unlike court-martial cases, ADSEP Boards allow hearsay and subjective testimony—making strong defense counsel essential.

4. Enlisted Administrative Separation Boards – Army, Air Force, Space Force

Enlisted separation boards are similar across the branches and are used for misconduct, failure to adapt, poor performance, drug use, weight-control failures, or alleged behavioral problems.

Eligibility:

• At least six years of service, or
• Facing an Other-Than-Honorable (OTH) discharge

Boards can:

• Retain you
• Separate you
• Assign Honorable, General, or OTH characterization

Boards are winnable—especially with narrative strategy, evidence challenges, and witness preparation.

5. Officer Grade Determinations (OGD) – Air Force & Space Force

An OGD determines the rank at which an officer will retire. Alleged misconduct can lead to forced retirement at a lower grade—massively reducing pay and benefits.

Triggered by:

• Adverse OERs
• Misconduct investigations
• Loss-of-confidence or command removal

A strong legal response is critical to preserve retirement grade.

6. Elimination Actions Across All Branches

Each branch may initiate elimination when a service member is deemed unfit for continued service due to:

• Misconduct (sexual, financial, domestic, drug-related)
• Leadership or command issues
• Physical or medical issues
• Security-clearance problems
• Failure to maintain standards
• Administrative paperwork errors

The elimination process is designed to remove service members quietly—often before facts are fully investigated.

Key Differences Between Administrative Boards and Court-Martials

1. Burden of Proof

Administrative boards: preponderance of the evidence (low standard)

Court-martials: beyond a reasonable doubt (highest standard)

2. Evidence Rules

Boards allow hearsay, summaries, and subjective testimony. Court-martials require strict rules of evidence.

3. Rights of the Accused

You have fewer rights at a board than at a criminal trial—but with strong representation, you can still win.

4. Consequences

• Boards: loss of career, benefits, reputation
• Court-martial: confinement, punitive discharge, federal conviction

How to Fight Effectively Across All Elimination Processes

1. Build a Powerful Narrative Defense

Boards and administrative reviews respond strongly to well-framed narratives about leadership, service record, and personal character.

2. Challenge the Evidence Aggressively

Most board cases rely on subjective or biased investigations. We expose:

• Inconsistencies
• Bias
• Missing context
• Command influence
• Procedural errors

3. Use Witnesses Strategicly

Well-prepared witnesses—especially subordinates and peers—can influence the board more than documents.

4. Assemble a Comprehensive Retention Packet

• Awards and commendations
• Character letters
• Training records
• Deployment achievements
• Evaluations showing consistent excellence

5. Hire Experienced Civilian Counsel

JAG attorneys are valuable, but civilian counsel like Michael & Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington provide the independence, time, and strategic expertise needed to win elimination cases.

Why Choose Gonzalez & Waddington

We are globally recognized for winning administrative separation cases across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Our advantages include:

• Superior cross-examination skills
• Narrative-based defense strategies
• Meticulous evidence analysis
• Understanding of how boards make decisions
• Decades of officer and enlisted elimination-board victories

Contact Our Military Elimination Defense Team

If you are facing BOI, QMP, ADSEP, or any elimination process, the military is already preparing to separate you. You need a stronger defense strategy—now.

➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for Elite Administrative Defense

Elimination Processes – Frequently Asked Questions