NROTC Performance Review Board (PRB) Guidance for Navy & Marine-Option Midshipmen
An NROTC Performance Review Board (PRB) is one of the most consequential events in a midshipman’s career. The PRB evaluates a student’s performance, conduct, professionalism, and suitability to continue in the Navy or Marine-Option ROTC program. Because there is no separate “disenrollment hearing,” the PRB serves as the sole fact-finding board that may recommend probation, leave of absence, or disenrollment with potential scholarship repayment.
This comprehensive guide explains your rights, the recorder’s mandatory responsibilities, the PRB process, and what happens after the board concludes. This is essential information for midshipmen and families who want to understand the NROTC disenrollment process and prepare effectively.
The Recorder’s Mandatory Responsibilities Before a PRB
NROTC regulations require the recorder to complete several actions not later than (NLT) 5 business days before the PRB:
- Notify the midshipman of the PRB date and state the specific reasons the PRB is being convened.
- Provide all documents that may be presented to the board against the midshipman.
- Provide a list of witnesses expected to be called against the midshipman.
- Obtain the midshipman’s written acknowledgment confirming receipt of the above information.
If the midshipman does not receive timely notice, documents, and the witness list, the fairness of the board may be compromised—and this may later serve as a basis for challenge.
Midshipman Rights During an NROTC PRB
Any midshipman facing a PRB has several important procedural rights:
- The right to personally appear before the PRB.
- The right to submit a written statement to the board.
- The right to present documents or witnesses on their behalf.
- The right to review all documents that will be presented to the board against them.
- The right to make a statement personally or through counsel.
- The right to object to specific PRB actions or proceedings (personally or through counsel), subject to decision by the PRB President.
Understanding these rights—and exercising them appropriately—often has a substantial impact on the board’s recommendation.
Rules That Apply During the PRB
The following rules govern how the PRB is conducted:
- The Professor of Naval Science (PNS) should not testify unless unavoidable (e.g., the PNS was the only eyewitness to an incident).
- Medical documents may not be acquired or presented unless the midshipman authorizes it—except where the case involves concealment of a medically disqualifying condition.
- The midshipman may make statements personally or through counsel.
- The midshipman or counsel may object to board actions, though the Board President ultimately decides the objection.
The PRB is limited in scope: it should consider only the issues stated in the notification letter. However, it may consider previous shortcomings or administrative actions if relevant.
The PRB Hearing: What to Expect
During the board:
- Documents and evidence are presented by the recorder.
- Witnesses (if any) testify regarding the alleged deficiencies.
- The midshipman may provide a personal statement.
- The midshipman may present documents or witnesses.
After all evidence is presented, non-voting members are dismissed, and the voting members deliberate in private.
How PRB Decisions Are Made
After deliberations, voting members cast their votes by secret written ballot. The board then reconvenes all non-voting members and announces the recommendation.
A PRB may recommend any of the following:
- No action
- 30-day compliance letter (often for medical concerns)
- Warning
- Probation
- Leave of absence
- Disenrollment
- If disenrollment is recommended: whether scholarship funds should be recouped
After the PRB: Written Report & Midshipman Response
The recorder prepares a detailed PRB report, which must include:
- The convening order
- The preliminary investigation (if any)
- All documents considered by the board
- A summary of each witness’s testimony
- Findings of fact
- The board’s recommendation
- The vote tally
This report is provided to the midshipman, who is given 5 business days to submit a written response or rebuttal.
PNS Review & Second Midshipman Response
Next, the Professor of Naval Science (PNS) reviews the full PRB record and the midshipman’s response. The PNS must:
- Review only matters presented to the PRB
- Not make a recommendation if they testified during the board
- Issue a concurrence or non-concurrence recommendation
The PNS recommendation is then provided to the midshipman, who again receives 5 business days to submit a written response.
Final Decision: Assistant Secretary of the Navy
The final decision authority in NROTC disenrollment cases is the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower & Reserve Affairs). This authority reviews the full case, including:
- The PRB record
- Midshipman’s responses
- PNS recommendation
- Applicable regulations and findings
The Assistant Secretary may order retention, probation, leave of absence, or disenrollment with or without scholarship recoupment.
Role of Counsel During the PRB Process
A midshipman may be represented by a military lawyer or civilian counsel during the PRB process. Counsel may:
- Prepare the case behind the scenes
- Assist in collecting evidence and written statements
- Organize mitigation and character materials
- Draft written responses to the PRB and PNS recommendations
- Make opening and closing statements at the PRB
Counsel cannot question witnesses during the PRB. Only board members may do so. But counsel can raise objections, guide the midshipman, and ensure rights are preserved.
If a midshipman wants to be represented by counsel, the PNS must be notified in writing NLT 48 hours before the PRB.
Related Guidance
Need to Discuss Your PRB?
Even though this page is educational, many midshipmen benefit from professional guidance when facing a PRB, especially where retention, scholarship repayment, or commissioning may be affected.
Call 904-383-7261
Korody Law, P.A. — NROTC Performance Review Board Guidance