If a command wants to administratively separate (ADSEP) or “Chapter” a service member, the member will be given written notice describing why the commander is processing the member and the least favorable type of discharge authorized. This form also serves as the member’s opportunity to elect or waive certain rights including the right to consult with a military lawyer. It is always advisable to elect your rights and consult with an experienced military law defense attorney before waiving any of your rights or the board itself.

A service member may have the right to request an administrative separation board, which is a hearing to fight the separation or characterization. Whether a member has this right depends on how long a service member has served in the military and whether he or she is are being processed for an OTH discharge. Generally, an enlisted member with six or more years of service is entitled to a board, and some offenses always entitle the member to a board regardless of years of service. If a service member is not entitled to an administrative separation board, he or she still the right to request review of the decision to process him for separation by a higher authority.

If the member is entitled to an administrative separation board and chooses to proceed with the board, the board (composed of three members) will generally have to answer three questions. They are:

• Whether or not the member committed misconduct as alleged by the command;
• If so, whether the member should be retained in the military or administratively separated; and,
• If the member is to be separated, what characterization of discharge should be granted.

There are four ways an administrative separation may be characterized: Honorable, General (Under honorable conditions), Other than Honorable (OTH), and entry level separation. An OTH is the worst characterization of discharge authorized by most ADSEP boards.