Nonpunitive Letter of Instruction in the Navy

April 12, 2026

A Nonpunitive Letter of Instruction in the Navy is governed by the JAGMAN, available for download at this link.

Any superior in a Servicemember's chain of Command may issue a nonpunitive letter of instruction in the Navy or Marine Corps. Such an instruction may be issued orally or in writing. An LOI is not punishment; instead, the letter conveys necessary information to remedy a deficiency in conduct or in the performance of duty. The contents of a letter of instruction may include, but are not limited to, the following:

identification of conduct or performance of duty deficiencies;
direction for improvement;
language of admonishment;
identification of sources of assistance;
outline of corrective action; and,
consequences of failing to correct the deficiencies

A nonpunitive letter of instruction in the Navy or Marines should not be included in a Servicemember's official record unless it is an enclosure to a subsequent personnel action package. That said, the LOI and the underlying justification may be referenced as an adverse matter in a fitness report or evaluation.

The JAGMAN, or JAGINST 5800.7G, contains an example Letter of Instruction (Appendix A). An LOI should include the following:

Specific reference to any professional deficiencies or any behavior that warrants an LOI;
Specific, demonstrable ways to correct the deficiencies noted; and,
A warning to exercise greater care in the performance of one's duties

Any Servicemember that receives a nonpunitive letter of instruction in the Navy or Marines should recognize that his/her career is in jeopardy. Such a letter can be the start of the Command attempting to separate a him/her from Service through the administrative separation process (Enlisted Navy, Enlisted Marine, Naval Officer, Marine Officer).

In these situations, an experienced Military Defense Lawyer should be consulted. While JAGs are available to assist, they are often over-worked, inexperienced, and unwilling or unable to provide adequate advice/assistance for Nonpunitive Letters of Instruction in the Navy and Marines. A civilian Military Lawyer can be retained, which allows a Soldier to be represented by a proven lawyer with good former client reviews.

This Article was written by Attorney Matthew Barry. Attorney Barry is highly rated by former clients and has a proven track record of success. He has extensive experience with all types of Military Adverse Actions, including those related to a Nonpunitive Letter of Instruction in the Navy and Marine Corps.

The Law Office of Matthew Barry represents Servicemembers worldwide. He has offices on the East Coast, West Coast, and in the Central U.S.