What is a Separation Board?

A separation board is a means by which the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps can try to remove a servicemember from the military.

Unit prosecutors will say, “this is just a hiring and firing decision.” That is not accurate. That is what they tell the separation board members at the beginning of the hearing to make it seem like it is nothing. A separation board is not a criminal trial, but it can have major negative impacts on your military career and post military career options and military benefits.

The reason you are being brought before a separation board is because your unit leadership has alleged you have committed misconduct. While you cannot face jail time at a separation board, not having the right separation board lawyer can see you kicked out of the military and your discharge status downgraded, which will greatly impact your ability to find jobs outside of the military or get education and Veteran Affairs benefits.

This website only covers the basics and is only legal information, not advice. If you or someone you know is facing a military separation board, call criminal defense lawyers David H. Weiss and Anthony S. Villalobos at 312-847-2000 for a confidential consultation.

You can also learn more about different legal matters from Weiss & Villalobos by visiting their website, which covers criminal defense, family and separation matters, and orders of protection. You can also find out about how much a lawyer in this area of the law costs by visiting here.

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