Structural Reform Proposals for Administrative Military Justice and Discharge Equity

This paper explains how administrative military discipline, such as Captain’s Mast and discharge processing, can sometimes result in life-altering consequences without the same level of legal protection provided in courts-martial. Using my personal experience as a 19-year-old Navy sailor who received an Other-Than-Honorable discharge, it argues that young service members should be guaranteed access to legal counsel, independent review of discharge decisions, and protection of paid-in GI Bill benefits. The goal is not to attack the military, but to propose fair reforms and respectfully seek reconsideration of my discharge based on demonstrated growth and positive contributions to society since leaving service.