LETTERS OF REPRIMAND
AND
LETTERS OF ADMONISHMENTS
DISCLAIMER: Have your Staff Judge Advocate review the following
guide and make necessary revisions applicable to your state or legal
status (i.e. Title 10 or 32 or reference your state code of military
justice). The original guide was prepared by:
Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, 363 AEW
Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
1. GENERAL. Administrative reprimands
and admonitions are used by commanders,
supervisors, and other superiors to reprove,
correct and instruct subordinates who have
departed from accepted norms of conduct,
behavior, bearing and duty performance.
They are corrective rather than punitive in
nature and when properly used they assist in
maintaining established Air Force standards
and enhanced mission accomplishment. A
reprimand is more severe than an
admonition and carries a stronger degree of
official censure. See AFI 36-2907, Chapter
3. Do not use a LOR or LOA for matters
where court-martial or punishment under
Article 15 for the UCMJ is appropriate.
LORs or LOAs should normally not be used
for serious or repeated offenses. Consult
with the Staff Judge Advocate as to
disposition of all matters which may warrant
punishment by courts-martial or Article 15
of the UCMJ.
2. REPRIAMND AND ADMONITIONS.
Reprimands and admonitions may be either
verbal or written as appropriate to correct
the identified deficiency. When written, a
LOR/LOA may be optionally filed in the
member’s UIF by competent authority. The
attached information is furnished for use in
drafting LORs/LOAs. Included is a sample
letter (attachment 1) with appendices which
will allow quick modification to cover most
types of improper conduct. The samples we
have attached are not exhaustive; rather they
address frequently occurring incidents. You
should inform all supervisors in your
organization that this information is
available. You may wish to further modify
the statement of allegations (Appendix B) by
providing a more precise statement of the
facts upon which action is base.
Additionally, assistance in wording the
statement of allegations is available in
Article 15s, which you have on file, in the
sample in Appendix 6 to the Manual for
Courts-Martial, and by contacting the Legal
Office. The paragraph of reprimand or
admonishment (Appendix B) should be
tailored to the grade and position of the one
being reprimanded or admonished.
3. PROCEDURE:
a. Investigate. Be convinced the
inappropriate conduct occurred.
b. Draft the letter.
c. Read the letter to the individual
and have them acknowledge receipt.
d. If member refuses to
acknowledge receipt, hand write beneath
member’s signature block, “Amn ________
refused to acknowledge receipt.”
e. If counseling occurred, make a
memo for record and place in his/her
squadron records with the reprimand.
f. Give the member three days to
submit evidence in rebuttal.
g. Advise the member in writing as
to disposition of the document. (See AFI
36-2907)
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
363rd AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING
APO AE 09882
<<Date>>
MEMORANDUM FOR A1C REALLY N. TROUBLE
FROM: Supervisor/First Sergeant/Commander
SUBJECT: Letter of Reprimand
1. Investigation has revealed that you, were, at <<location of offense>> on or about <<date of offense>>,
disorderly, by <<the offense from Appendix A>>, which conduct was of a nature to bring discredit upon
the armed forces, to wit: “_<<what the person said or did>>,” or words to that effect, in violation of
Article 134, UCMJ [or applicable state code].
2. You are hereby reprimanded. << use the appropriate Appendix B statement here >> This conduct is
unacceptable for anyone in the United States Air Force or the Air National Guard. It is contrary to the Air
Force zero tolerance policy. Future incidents will be dealt with more severely.
3. I propose to place this reprimand in your Personal Information File. You should be aware that creation
of such a file might adversely affect your career, especially your eligibility for reenlistment or certain
special benefit programs. Therefore, you should make every effort to improve your conduct.
4. I offer you the opportunity to refute these allegations and submit a statement in extenuation,
mitigation, or rebuttal, together with supporting documents. You may also submit any oral or written
statements or other evidence related to this action you wish considered.
5. AUTHORITY: 10 U.S.C. 8013. PURPOSE: To obtain any comments or documents you desire to
submit for consideration concerning this action. ROUTINE USES: Provides you an opportunity to
submit comments or documents for consideration. If provided, the comments and documents you submit
become a part of the action. DISCLOSURE: Your written acknowledgement of receipt and signature are
mandatory. Any other comment or documents you provide are voluntary.
6. You will acknowledge receipt and return this letter to me within 3 workdays of your receipt. Any
comments or documents you wish considered concerning this Letter of Reprimand will be included with
your response.
SUPERVISOR/COMMAMDER
Appropriate Title
1st Ind, A1C Really N. Trouble
TO: Supervisor/Commander
1. Receipt acknowledged on ______________________.
2. I do/do not desire to submit a rebuttal.
3. I do/do not request 3 duty days to submit matters.
REALLY N. TROUBLE, A1C, USAF
APPENDIX A
1. Assault.
Investigation has disclosed that you assaulted
(rank and name), a (fellow airman, a security
forces member, your superior commissioned
officer, your superior NCO, your spouse, your
supervisor, etc.), on or about (date) at (duty
location).
2. Bad Checks.
Investigation has disclosed that on or about
(date), at (duty location), you issued a check to
(rank and name) in the amount of $_____, and
(you failed to maintain sufficient funds in your
account to pay such check, you did so with the
intent to defraud the named payee, or you did so
with the intent to deceive (Name).
3. Communicating a Threat.
Investigation has disclosed that on or about
(date), at (duty location), you communicated a
threat to (rank and name), (a fellow airman, a
civilian, etc), by (saying ______ or words to that
effect, communicating to him/her your intention
to injure his/her property, etc.)
4. Conspiracy.
Investigation has disclosed that on or about
(date), at (duty location), you conspired with
others to commit (type of offense).
5. Criminal Activity.
Investigation has disclosed that on or about
(date), at (duty location), you voluntarily
remained in the company of persons who were
engaged in criminal activity, to wit: (e.g., three
persons in your presence were smoking
marijuana and you did not report them to
authorities).
6. Damage to Property.
Investigation has disclosed that on or about
(date), at (duty location), you damaged (military
or personal property), to wit: (describe property
damage).
7. Dependent Non-Support.
Investigation has disclosed that from on or about
(date) to on or about (date), at (duty location),
you failed to support your (wife, husband,
child(ren), family or dependents).
8. Dereliction of Duty.
Investigation has disclosed that (on or about
(date) at (duty location), you were derelict in
your duty, to wit: (describe dereliction).
9. Disrespect.
Investigation has disclosed that on or about
(date) at (duty location), you were disrespectful
to (rank and name), your (supervisor, superior
officer, superior NCO, NCOIC, commander,
etc), by (saying______ or using words to that
effect, turning and walking away, etc.).
10. Driving While Intoxicated.
Investigation has disclosed that you operated a
motor vehicle, to wit: (describe vehicle and
intersection, road, or area, etc) while intoxicated
on or about (date), at (duty location).
11. Drunk on Duty.
Investigation has disclosed that you were drunk
on duty at (duty location), on or about (date).
12. Failure to Go.
Investigation has disclosed that on or about
(date) you failed to got to your appointed place
of duty, building (number), at (duty location), at
the appointed time.
13. Failure to Obey an Order.
Investigation has disclosed that on or about
(date) at (duty location), you failed to obey a
lawful order given to you by (rank and name),
your (supervisor, superior officer, superior
NCO, NCOIC, commander, etc) to (police your
work area, to go to the dental clinic at 0800 on 1
May 2000 for your annual dental checkup, to
relieve Airman Doe for a meal break, etc.)
14. Failure to Pay Debts.
Investigation has disclosed that on or about
(date) at (duty location), you dishonorably failed
to pay your debts, to wit: (describe debts).
15. False Official Statement.
Investigation has disclosed that (on or about
(date) at (duty location), you made a false
official statement, to wit: (accomplished a
Statement of Witness at Security Forces and
knowingly included false information, etc.).
16. General Order/Instruction.
Investigation has disclosed that you violated a
lawful general order at (duty location) by
(receiving alcohol through the mail, in violation
of General Order Number 1, Joint Task ForceSouthwest Asia, United States Central Air
Forces (Forward), dated 29 January 1997.
17. Leave Appointed Place of Duty.
Investigation has disclosed that you left your
place of duty, building (number), (duty location
), without authority, on or about (date).
18. Possession of Illegal Items.
Investigation has disclosed that (on or about
(date) at (duty location), you wrongfully
(possessed, used, transferred) drugs, in violation
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
19. Racial, Ethnic, Sexist Comments.
Investigation has disclosed that (on or about
(date) at (duty location), you (permitted racial,
sexist, and/or ethnic comments) to be made in
your work area, or took part in making or made
racial, sexist and/or ethnic comments.
20. Reckless Driving.
Investigation has disclosed that you operated a
motor vehicle in a reckless manner on or about
(date) at (duty location).
21. Stolen Property.
Investigation has disclosed that on or about
(date), at (duty location), you knowingly
(received, bought, or concealed) stolen property.
22. Wrongful Appropriation.
Investigation has disclosed that on or about
(date), at (duty location), you wrongfully
appropriated (military or personal) property for
(your own use, the unauthorized use by another
person, etc.)
23. Violation of 36-2903. (including a tongue
stud).
On <date>, you did not conform to military
standards when you reported to duty at
<location> with a tongue stud in your mouth.
You have been previously counseled in regards
to standards set by AFI 36-2903. Compliance is
mandatory and must be adhered to while in or
out of uniform. If it does not list the item as
authorized wear, you can not and will not wear
it.
APPENDIX B
The language in the following paragraphs has not been tailored to any particular rank or grade of
wrongdoer. This Appendix has general language peculiarly applicable to officers and noncommissioned
officers. By using this general language, any attachment and paragraph can be easily modified to fit an
individual of any rank.
GENERAL LANGUAGE (NCOs)
- All NCOs must maintain exemplary standards
of behavior, including personal conduct,
courtesy, integrity, loyalty, and personal
appearance.”
- All NCOs must accept and execute duties,
instructions, responsibilities, and orders on a
timely basis, with a minimum of supervision.
- NCOs by virtue of their grade and the authority
vested in that grade, carry out the orders of their
superiors. This is done by effectively employing
the people, materials, and other resources under
their control.
- NCOs represent the Air Force NCO corps to all
with whom they come in contact. Personal
integrity, loyalty, dedication, and devotion to
duty must remain above reproach at all times.
- As an Air Force leader, the NCO must uphold
Air Force policies and traditions.
1. Assault.
Your conduct was criminal. Many people have
received an Article 15 or been tried by courtsmartial for the crime of assault. Every person
has a right to be secure in their person from fear
of bodily harm at the hands of another.
Regardless of how you feel, I will not tolerate
your resorting to assault to solve your problems.
The Air Force and this unit cannot tolerate the
adverse consequences of your behavior, and you
cannot afford the sanctions that a repeat
performance will cause. In the future, I expect
you to be an exemplary model for your
subordinates and your peers.
3. Bad Checks.
Issuing a worthless check is a crime under both
the Uniform Code of Military Justice and
civilian law. Your misconduct could have
resulted in an Article 15. You have adversely
affected your fellow airman by blemishing the
fine image which they project. I fully expect
you never to resort to such behavior again. If
you do, expect stronger, quicker action to be
taken against you.
GENERAL LANGUAGE (OFFICERS)
- By virtue of their appointments, officers serve
in positions of trust and assume continuing
responsibilities for leadership and example.
Inherently, these responsibilities require
effective performance of duty and exemplary
conduct.
- Officers who fail to meet and maintain
performance standards consistent with their
grade and experience or who fail to maintain
high standards of professional and personal
conduct show themselves unworthy of officer
status.
- Continued service as an officer is a privilege
that may be terminated when such action is
determined to be in the best interest of the Air
Force.
4. Communicating a Threat.
By communicating a threat to _________, you
committed a crime. The Congress of the United
States and I share the common belief that no one
should have to be subjected to your threats. I
expect you to handle any differences you have
with any person in a more mature and legal
fashion. Do not be deceived into thinking that
you have a license to misbehave by the lenient
manner in which I have treated you. I will take
harsher action for any further misconduct.
5. Conspiracy.
Conspiring with others to commit a crime is, in
and of itself, a crime. As a member of the
military, you are expected always to abstain
from criminal conduct. Your action has brought
discredit upon this unit and yourself. Consider
yourself fortunate, because Article 15 and
courts-martial action is warranted by your
conduct. I expect you to re-credit yourself by
hard work and a clean record, and I admonish
you to never again conduct yourself in such an
unpardonable manner.
6. Criminal Activity.
Your presence at the scene while these crimes
were being committed identifies you as a person
who condones criminal activity. You should be
aware that your mere presence might, in certain
situations, result in your prosecution for offenses
committed by others. You have a duty to
yourself to avoid criminals, and you have a duty
to the Air Force to report any crime that you
observe to responsible officials. I trust that this
warning will point to you the serious
implications of your conduct and that you will
avoid anyone involved in criminal activity.
7. Damaging Property (Military).
Damaging military property is a crime. The
damage you caused has result in needless
expenses of repair, waste of manpower and
degradation of mission capabilities. Remember
that you are in the Air Force to enhance mission
capabilities, not to detract from them. Consider
this statement forewarning that your future
conduct will be more closely scrutinized and
know any more misbehavior will result in my
taking stronger action against you.
8. Damaging Property (Personal).
By damaging the personal property of another,
you committed a crime. Consider yourself
fortunate you are only being reprimanded, but
note any recurrence will result in harsher
sanctions. Each person has the right to believe
other people will respect another’s property, but
you have shown any such beliefs in you are ill
founded. You and you alone have the
opportunity to restore the faith of others in you.
I believe this should be your goal, but even if
this is not important to you, you will heed this
admonishment and refrain from future
misbehavior.
9. Dependent Non-Support.
By failing to support your dependents you have
fallen far short of acceptable standards of
conduct. Not only is it morale obligation to
support your dependents, but also you have
received extra money from the government for
that purpose. Further, I am considering the
possibility of having your BAQ recouped for the
period you did not support your dependents.
10. Dereliction of Duty.
If any task is worth doing, it is worth doing well;
as a minimum, it is worth doing satisfactorily.
By definition, your dereliction fell below
minimum standards and was the result of
conscious behavior. In addition to being
reprehensible, it is a crime. Henceforth, I expect
you to take more pride in your job and in
helping this unit accomplish its mission. Rest
assured hat I will be watching you closely, and
in the event you degrade this unit’s mission
again by your dereliction, I will take swift and
sure action against you.
11. Disobeying.
Disobeying a lawful order is one of the most
serious offenses an Air Force member can
commit. Strict adherence to orders is the only
way that any military force anywhere in the
world can ever execute its mission, whether that
mission be offensive or defensive. Your unit is
no different; you have damaged its mission
capability by identifying yourself as one who
cannot be depended upon to perform as ordered.
You are going to have to strive diligently if you
ever hope to reestablish your dependability. A
repetition of this totally unacceptable behavior
will result in stronger action against you.
12. Disrespect.
I will not tolerate disrespect from anyone in this
organization toward any of their superiors. Your
disrespect has been detrimental to unit morale
and the discipline of this organization. I fully
expect you never to repeat such conduct. If you
do, expect more serious consequence.
13. Driving Under the Influence.
Driving under the influence is a crime. It is also
a dangerously stupid act. The Air Force cannot
afford to lose people, its most valuable resource,
because you chose to drink and drive. Although
you caused no injuries, your behavior has
injurious potential. I absolutely will not tolerate
this deplorable behavior. If you ever drink and
drive again, I will take the harshest action
allowable against you.
14. Failure to Pay Debts.
By failing to pay your just debts, you have
brought discredit upon yourself and the United
States Air Force. As an Air Force member, you
are expected and required to manage your
financial affairs in a way that ensures that your
creditors receive what is rightly owed them.
Your conduct has tarnished the high regard most
businessmen have for Air Force servicemen and
women. I hope that you have seen the error of
your ways, and I expect you to become a model
airman. I will not be as lenient on you if you
misconduct yourself again.
15. False Official Statements.
In the Air Force, making a false official
statement is a criminal act. You can consider
yourself fortunate, because many airmen have
been tried by courts-martial for such deplorable
conduct. I cannot and will not tolerate this type
of behavior in this unit. Untruths and half-truths
degrade the mission of the Air Force, a mission
that can be accomplished only by trustworthy
and truthful people. Having identified yourself
as one requiring close supervision, you can
expect to have your future actions closely
scrutinized. Rest assured that I will react
strongly to any future misbehavior on your part.
16. General Order/Instruction.
In the Air Force, not having your hair properly
cut is a crime. You could be court-martialed for
your deliberate flouting of Air Force Instruction
36-2903. You may not consider haircut
instructions important, but I assure you that I do.
If I cannot depend upon you to follow AFI 362903, I cannot depend upon you to follow other
orders. Henceforth, I expect you to be a model
of AFI 36-2903 standards. A repetition of this
or any other violation will be dealt with more
severely. (Modify for other than AFI 36-2903
violations).
17. Leaving Appointed Place of Duty.
By leaving your place of duty without authority,
you committed a crime. By your conduct, you
proved that you are not trustworthy. Further,
you injured this unit’s mission capabilities. I
will not tolerate any further conduct of this kind.
Also, I will be closely monitoring your
performance to see if you are up to the task of
redeeming yourself.
18. Reckless Driving.
Reckless driving is a dangerous criminal act. By
issuing you a driver’s license, the state has
permitted you to operate a useful, yet potentially
dangerous, instrumentality - an automobile. The
Air Force has also permitted you to operate a
government vehicle at Prince Sultan AB,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You have abused the
trust reposed in you by your reckless driving.
You have also jeopardized the safety of Air
Force people and Air Force property. I will not
tolerate any further misbehavior of any type
from you. If you wish to continue driving on
this base, you had better exemplify behavior
characteristic of model drivers.
19. Racial, Ethnic, Sexist Comments (Telling).
Making racial, sexist, or ethnic remarks,
including telling racial sexist, or ethnic jokes is
totally unacceptable. Your conduct has created
tension and hostility within this unit and has had
a detrimental effect upon morale. I will not
tolerate this type of conduct. I fully expect you
to heed this warning to refrain from this and all
other misbehavior. If you do not, expect the
harshest of consequences.
20. Racial, Ethnic, Sexist Comments
(Allowing).
Permitting racial, sexists or ethnic jokes or
comments to be made in your work area is
totally unacceptable. As a supervisor in the Air
Force, you have the responsibility to always
remain impartial and support equal opportunity
for all persons. If you cannot remain impartial
you are not fit to supervise. Your action has
been detrimental to this unit’s mission. This too,
causes me to question your supervisory
capabilities. I admonish you to never again
resort to this or any other type of misconduct,
and I expect you to prove that you are fully
capable of shouldering and bearing the
supervisory responsibilities I have entrusted to
you.
21. Stolen Property.
Knowingly receiving, buying or concealing
stolen property is a crime. By engaging in such
conduct, you aided a thief in covering their steps
and profiting from criminal conduct. You also
brought disrespect upon yourself and the United
States Air Force. I will not tolerate any type of
further misconduct by you.
22. Wrongful Appropriation.
Wrongfully appropriating (military, fellow
airman’s, or (rank and name) property) is a
crime. I will not tolerate theft by anyone in this
organization. By your conduct you created
animosity within this unit and damaged this
unit’s mission capabilities. Additionally, your
misconduct has brought discredit upon yourself.
I expect you never to repeat such unpardonable
behavior. Should you decide not to heed this
warning, harsher punishment will be
forthcoming.
23. Violation of 36-2903. (including a tongue
stud).
Failure to obey Air Force instructions is a crime.
Furthermore, failure to adhere to Air Force
standards demonstrates a lack of loyalty and
integrity. I do intend to recommend to the
commander the establishment of an Unfavorable
Information File (UIF) and place you on the
Control Roster. You have exercised extremely
poor judgment. Your actions not only brought
discredit upon yourself, but you brought
discredit to the squadron and to the United
States Air Force as well. It's primarily up to you
to rectify this situation. YOU must change your
ways and display a responsible behavior.