Administrative Demotions
An administrative demotion is a tool for commanders to use to maintain a quality force.
Prior to the demotion, the commander must notify the member in writing of his/her intention to demote, citing the details of the reason(s) for the action. The member must be given an opportunity to consult with legal counsel and respond to the allegations.
The basis for the demotion must have occurred in the current enlistment unless the commander was not aware of the facts and circumstances until the current enlistment.
Once the commander considers all of the information and the member's military record, the commander forwards the recommendation to the demotion authority for final action.
Reasons for demotion include:
Termination of temporary duty status of members attending technical training
Failure to maintain or attain the appropriate skill/grade level
Failure to fulfill Noncommissioned Officer responsibilities
Failure to maintain fitness standards
Failure to participate in required reserve training
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learn more about administrative actions
Suspension of favorable personnel actions is mandatory if an investigation that may result in disciplinary action or financial loss is initiated on a Soldier by military or civilian authorities, or if a Soldier is arrested.
When commanders learn of derogatory information that involves a military member or civilian employee with access to classified information, the commander must report the information to the security manager and decide whether to suspend the member or employee's access.
Officers may be separated for substandard duty performance, misconduct, or other adverse information in their record.
Enlisted administrative separations may be favorable (e.g. retirement or honorable separation at the end of an enlistment) or unfavorable (e.g. separations based on misconduct or unsatisfactory performance), and either voluntary (initiated by servicemember) or involuntary (initiated by commander).
The selective reenlistment program (SRP) is designed to ensure only enlisted members who consistently demonstrate the capability and willingness to maintain high professional standards are offered the privilege of continued military service.
Commanders and supervisors are encouraged to use administrative tools to encourage and correct individual behavior. Such tools include counseling, admonition and reprimand.
The intent is to correct rather than punish behavior.
Commanders are tasked with maintaining good order and discipline within their units.
In the military justice system, commanders have a quasi-judicial role in that they make decisions that are made by prosecutors or judges in the civilian sector.
Nonjudicial punishment (NJP) provides commanders with a means of maintaining good order and discipline without resorting to criminal prosecution.
