Commander Review Board

February 28, 2026

A Commander Review Board at the Air Force Academy is governed by AFCWI51-201, available for download at this link. The intent of a Commander Review Board at the USAFA is to allow the Cadet chain of command to review cadet performance, take disciplinary action, and/or make recommendations to the Air Officer Commanding (AOC).

The first type of Commander Review Board is a Squadron Commander Review Board (SCRB). SCRBs are initiated by the cadet squadron commander. The squadron commander may convene a SCRB to recommend disciplinary actions, to consider placing a cadet on or removing a cadet from conduct and/or aptitude probation, or to recommend forwarding a cadet for disenrollment. While the squadron commander maintains the unilateral authority to make all recommendations, he will ask for advice from other members of the SCRB. Typically, the SCRB is composed of the following members:

Squadron Commander
Squadron Operations Officer
Subject's flight commander
Subject's element leader or immediate supervisor
Squadron superintendent or first sergeant
An additional first or second class cadet from outside the chain of command
Recorder
Air Officer Commanding (AOC) and/or Academy Military Trainer (AMT) (advisor)
Additional members or silent observers are permitted at the discretion of the cadet squadron commander

The following actions should be considered in the Squadron Commander Review Board recommendation: demerits, confinements, tours, restriction, disenrollment, journaling, squadron project, community service, briefing to squadron, counseling with senior officer mentor, counseling with cadet chain of command, counselings with AOC or AMT, revocation of class privileges, use of HAPs placement, alternate room arrangements, CCLD program involvement and vehicle access.

A Group Commander Review Board (GCRB) is the second type of Commander Review Board at the Air Force Academy. A GCRB has the same purpose as a SCRB, and is composed of the following members::

Group commander
Deputy group commander
Group director of operations
Group superintendent and/or group operations NCO
GACO or designated representative (as advisor)
Additional members as deemed appropriate by the cadet group commander
The subject cadet's chain of command

A GCRB will convene only after a SCRB has taken place and as directed by the Cadet group commander.

Recommendations of Commander Review Boards at the Air Force Academy are only recommendations. Higher level commanders may concur or non-concur with proposed disciplinary, probation, and/or disenrollment actions. For a more detailed discussion about possible punishment/sanctions that a Cadet could face, click this link.

Any Cadet facing a Commander Review Board should immediately consult with an experienced Military Defense Lawyer. A good Defense, which should include a detailed rebuttal to the allegations with additional evidence attached (if applicable), can result in the USAFA Cadet being exonerated or the punishment lessened. Furthermore, experienced and effective representation can make all the difference. While ADCs are available to assist, they are typically inexperienced, overworked, and unable or unwilling to provide the level of attention necessary for a Cadet to present a good Defense. A civilian Military Lawyer can be retained, which allows a Cadet to be represented by a proven lawyer with good former client reviews.

This Article was written by Attorney Matthew Barry. Attorney Barry and his team are highly rated by former clients and have a proven track record of success. They have extensive experience with all types of Military Adverse Actions, including USAFA Misconduct and other types of USAFA punishment.

Furthermore, The Law Office of Matthew Barry has an office in Colorado Springs (near USAFA) manned by Attorney Gittleman. This allows in-person meetings with USAFA Cadets facing a Commander Review Board and physical presence at any follow up misconduct hearings.