Naval Academy Disenrollment Process
September 11, 2026Naval Academy Disenrollment Process
The United States Naval Academy Disenrollment Process is governed by USAINST 1610.1A, available for download at this link. Essentially, there are several ways that a Midshipman can be disenrolled from the USNA. The most common are:
- After a substantiated Honor Violation
- After a Midshipman Discharge Board
- After a Superintendent Interview for unsatisfactory performance
The Honor Investigation and Board process is explained in depth by Attorney Barry at this link. Essentially, if the allegation is ultimately substantiated by an Honor Board, a Midshipman may face disenrollment/separation. It is most common for first and second class Midshipman to face disenrollment/separation through the honor process, although third and fourth class Midshipman may also, depending on the circumstances. Significant due process is provided to any Midshipman accused of an honor violation, and an experienced Military Lawyer familiar with Cadet/Midshipman misconduct should be consulted. For any questions about this, to discuss possible representation, or for questions about the Naval Academy Disenrollment process in general, Attorney Matthew Barry is available for a consultation.
A Midshipman Discharge Board, explained in depth at this link, is reserved for the most serious allegations made against a Midshipman. If the conduct is substantiated at a discharge board (USNA version of a Separation Board), then disenrollment/separation is a possible result. Furthermore, a Midshipman may receive an Other than Honorable discharge. Due to the possible consequences, Midshipman facing a Midshipman Discharge Board can be represented by a lawyer at the board itself. For any questions about this, to discuss possible representation, or for questions about the Naval Academy Disenrollment process in general, Attorney Matthew Barry is available for a consultation.
The third most common way a Midshipman is disenrolled/separated from the Naval Academy is when the Superintendent, through an interview, determines that the conduct of a midshipman is unsatisfactory. At these meetings, the Midshipman's Battalion Officer, Company Officer, Senior Enlisted Leader, and Midshipman chain of command will be present - each will be asked about the midshipman's performance. Midshipman facing a Superintendent interview will have the following rights:
- the right to at least 48-hour notice of the interview;
- the right to review all materials the Superintendent will rely on in making a conduct determination;
- the right to produce written character statements and any other documentation in his/her defense or for extenuation/mitigation purposes; and,
- the right to remain silent or to make statements during the interview
After the Superintendent interview, the Midshipman may either be retained, be referred to a Midshipman Discharge Board, be recommended for participation in the R and R program, or be recommended for disenrollment/separation to the Assistance Secretary of the Navy. Midshipman will be provided five business days to submit a written response to accompany any recommendation for disenrollment/separation. A lawyer can, and should be, consulted prior to any Superintendent interview to ensure the base case is presented.
Any Midshipman facing the Naval Academy Disenrollment process through any of the above actions should immediately consult an experienced Military Defense Lawyer. Representation by an experienced Military Lawyer is vital to success. While a JAG should be available to assist, they are often over-worked, inexperienced, and either unwilling or unable to provide a Midshipman with the time and attention needed.
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 Cadet/Midshipman Misconduct, Boards, and Disenrollments.