Every military service member takes an oath to obey orders from the President of the United States and the officers appointed over them. This promise is not a mere formality. Rather, it serves as a cornerstone of military discipline. So what happens if a service member fails to uphold this oath by disobeying a direct … Read more
Are you considering rejoining the military? Perhaps you miss the camaraderie or want to reenlist for financial, insurance, or other reasons. Your ability to reenlist after being discharged depends on several factors, including the type of discharge you received, the reason behind your discharge, the military reenlistment eligibility code on your discharge documents, and the … Read more
Wrongful appropriation, as defined under Article 121 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), occurs when a person unlawfully takes, obtains, or withholds money, personal property, or an item of value from another person’s possession. This act is differentiated from larceny by the perpetrator’s intention. In wrongful appropriation, the intent is to temporarily deprive … Read more
Navigating the military justice system can be daunting, especially when faced with a court-martial conviction. What if you believe the decision was unjust or that errors occurred during your trial? In such cases, you may consider appealing your conviction. Learn the circumstances under which you should appeal a court-martial verdict, the steps involved, and the … Read more
Sexual assault is an issue the Armed Forces takes very seriously. Given the gravity of this matter, service members must understand their options when reporting such incidents. Learn about the two main ways to report sexual assault in the military and how a military defense attorney can defend service members accused of sexual assault. Overview … Read more
A service member’s military discharge significantly impacts their life, shaping employment prospects, determining eligibility for VA benefits, and influencing their reputation. Sometimes, service members are discharged unjustly or erroneously, leading to undeserved consequences. Fortunately, veterans in these circumstances have options. Learn what it takes to request a military discharge upgrade and why it’s important to … Read more
Consent is a crucial element in the context of sexual assault cases, especially within the military justice system. Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) specifically addresses the crime of rape, sexual assault, and other related offenses. Understanding consent according to UCMJ Article 120 is crucial for service members, not only to … Read more
In January 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) rescinded the August 2021 memorandum mandating the COVID-19 vaccination for all military personnel. This marks a significant shift in the military’s approach to managing the dwindling pandemic. The decision has raised numerous questions among service members regarding the implications of the lifted mandate, potential repercussions for those … Read more
Sexual assaults committed by someone in the general population often give rise to criminal prosecutions, which may result in fines, jail time, probation, and sanctions against the offender, if convicted. There are similar repercussions in the military, where sexual assaults are punishable under Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Sentences may … Read more
Conscientious objection to military service is a firm, fixed, and sincere position taken by someone who refuses to participate in war on the basis of religious, moral, or ethical beliefs. This objection may take many forms, such as a refusal to serve in combat, register for the draft, pay taxes tied to war allocations, or … Read more