West Point Misconduct System

West Point Misconduct System

The West Point misconduct system is governed by AR 150-1, Chapter 6, available at this link.  This regulation was recently updated in January of 2021.

Just like all other members of the Army, Cadets at West Point are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).  This means that Cadets are subject to Courts-Martial, at the discretion of the Superintendent.  Interestingly, Cadets cannot be subject to nonjudicial punishment (Article 15s).  Furthermore, Cadets cannot be dismissed from the Service following a Court-Martial without the approval of the Secretary of the Army, or his designee (Under Secretary or Assistant Secretary).

Cadets are also subject to their own disciplinary code in addition to the UCMJ. This Code consists of 10 Articles and they are contained in USCC 351-1, not publicly available.  Furthermore, Cadets are subject to punishment by their Cadet Chain of Command and Tactical Officers under Article 10 of the Cadet Code.  The West Point Misconduct System under Article 10 is incredibly unique and is explained further at this link.

If a Court-Martial is not pursued, a Cadet can be subject to an Honor Hearing, Standard Misconduct Hearing, Formal Misconduct Hearing, or a Hearing for Conduct Deficiency.

The Honor Investigation Process is explained more at this link and is used when a Cadet is suspected of violating the West Point Honor Code.

Standard misconduct hearings are convened when a Cadet is suspected of committing one of the following offenses:

• Drugs and Narcotics (Article 112a, UCMJ)
• Unauthorized Consumption of Alcohol or acting "in such a manner and under such circumstances as to bring discredit on the Cadet or the Corps of Cadets" while drinking or possession alcohol
• Conduct Unbecoming a Cadet of the Regular Army (very broad term)
• Conspiracy amount Cadets for purposes of violating or evading any regulations
• Indebtedness, defined as "[a] Cadet who demonstrates a pattern of intentional or negligent failure to pay just debts"
• Civilian Criminal Conviction
• Hazing
• Other Misconduct Offenses, defined as any offense under the UCMJ that authorizes 6 months or more confinement
• Lack of Qualification for Service (very broad term)
• Alcohol or other Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Failure

Formal misconduct hearings are convened when a Cadet is suspected of committing the following offenses:

• Sexual Misconduct, which includes violations of Articles 120 or 134 of the UCMJ, "sexual acts or relations committed in a barracks or classroom or public place at USMA," or "[s]exual acts or relations committed anywhere under circumstances where the conduct of the cadet was to the prejudice of good order and discipline or was of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces."
• Sexual Harassment, as defined by Article 134 of the UCMJ or AR 600-20, paragraph 7-7
• Hazing, if approved by the Superintendent before appointment of a formal board
• Lack of Qualification of Service, if approved by the Superintendent before appointment of a formal board

A Hearing for Conduct Deficiency is convened in other circumstances (i.e. failing Military Grade, too many demerits).

Each of these hearings affords a Cadet different due process. For example, at a Formal Misconduct Board, a Cadet is entitled to representation by a lawyer.  At all other proceedings, the Cadet in question has to represent him/herself; however, a lawyer can still prepare and advise the Cadet in question.  Contact us today to discuss all differences between each hearing and what a lawyer can assist with.

Any such a hearing that results in a substantiated finding will be reviewed by the Staff Judge Advocate in writing.  That review, along with the record of the proceeding in question, will be forwarded to the Commandant of Cadets for recommendations and comments.  The complete packet, including a rebuttal from the Cadet should he/she so desire, will then be sent to the Superintendent for either final action, or forwarded to the Department of the Army. The Superintendent can impose any of the following punishments:

1. Admonition
2. Reprimand
3. Restriction to limits
4. Deprivation of privileges
5. Reduction in or withdrawal of cadet officer or non commissioned officer rank
6. Demerits
7. Punishment tours
8. Fatigue tours
9. Loss of leave
10. Forfeiture of pay
11. Delayed graduation (by less than a full year)
12. Turn-back to the next lower class
13. Suspension from the Military Academy
14. Separation from USMA
15. Invite select cadets pending separation to participate in the Academy Mentorship Program (AMP)

Without convening the four hearings listed above, the Superintendent may independently sanction cadets, on his own accord, in accordance with the following procedures. Upon receipt of an allegation or information, the Superintendent notifies the Cadet in question that punishment is being considered.  This notice will include the description of the conduct in question.  The Cadet can respond in writing and request an interview with the Superintendent, if desired.   After receiving the Cadet's response, the Superintendent can impose any of the following punishments:

1. Admonition
2. Reprimand
3. Restriction to limits
4. Deprivation of privileges
5. Reduction in or withdrawal of cadet officer or commissioned officer rank
6. Demerits
7. Punishment tours
8. Fatigue tours
9.  Loss of leave
10. Forfeiture of pay

The West Point misconduct system is unique and complex. Any Cadet suspected of misconduct has a lot to be concerned about.  Not only are the effects of a Court-Martial severe and long-lasting, but Cadets separated otherwise are potentially subject to serving time in the Military at a lower rank or paying a substantial amount of money to the Federal Government.  Any Cadet suspected of misconduct has the right to a lawyer.  Civilian Lawyers can be retained to assist.

This Article was written by Attorney Matthew Barry, a 2008 West Point graduate.

Contact The Law Office of Matthew Barry today for a free consultation.