NAVPERS 1910/31

November 14, 2026

NAVPERS 1910/31, available for download at this link, is a form used by the Navy to inform a Sailor that he/she is facing involuntary separation. Attorney Barry, an experienced Military Defense Lawyer, explains the form and its' consequences at this link.

NAVPERS 1910/31 has two different versions: notification procedure or administrative board procedure

NAVPERS 1910/31 Notification Procedure

The notification procedure means that the Sailor in question is not afforded the right to appear before a separation board. In these situations, a NAVPERs 1910/31 is used to inform the Sailor of the specific reasons for the proposed involuntary separation and the milpersman reference for each reason. Furthermore, the Sailor is informed of his/her right to the following:

the right to consult with a qualified counsel, including the right to consult with civilian counsel;
the right to submit a written statement for consideration by the separation authority;
the right to obtain copies of the documents that will be forwarded to the separation authority supporting the basis for proposed separation;
the right to request general court-martial convening authority review

After a Sailor is read these rights and acknowledges them, he/she is given a set number of days to respond.

Any Sailor who receives a NAVPERS 1910/31 under the notification procedure should immediately consult an experienced military defense lawyer. The first important thing to do is to request all evidence that supports the basis of the separation. Once this is received, the Sailor and lawyer should review the evidence in depth and then discuss what additional evidence can be collected. This could include evidence demonstrating that the allegations are not true, such as additional statements, text messages, photos, videos, emails etc. This could also include character evidence or evidence in mitigation/extenuation, such as letters of support, prior evaluations, medical records, etc. After this evidence is collected, the Sailor's lawyer should draft a detailed rebuttal arguing for retention or for a favorable characterization of service.

NAVPERS 1910/31 Administrative Board Procedure

The administrative board procedure means that the Sailor in question is afforded the right to appear before a separation board before he/she can be separated. In these situations, a NAVPERs 1910/31 is used to inform the Sailor of the specific reasons for the proposed involuntary separation and the milpersman reference for each reason. Furthermore, the Sailor is informed of his/her right to the following:

the right to consult with a qualified counsel, including the right to consult with civilian counsel;
the right to obtain copies of the documents that will be forwarded to the separation authority supporting the basis for proposed separation;
the right to submit statements and evidence to the separation board or to the separation authority in lieu of a separation board;
the right to request appearance before a separation board;
the right to legal representation (military or civilian) at a separation board;
the right to request transfer to the fleet reserve/retired/retired reserve list;

Any Sailor who received a NAVPERS 1910/31 under the administrative board procedure should immediately consult with an experienced military defense lawyer. A separation board is basically a one-day mini-trial with board member selection (like jury selection), opening statements, presentation of documentary evidence, questioning and cross-examining of witnesses, and closing arguments. These types of boards are explained more at these links (Naval Separation Boards and Boards of Inquiry).

Legal Representation

Any Servicemember who received notice on a NAVPERS 1910/31 should demand a lawyer who is going to discuss the allegations in depth with the accused and help identify and collect evidence in his/her defense. Servicemembers should expect to have direct access to his/her lawyer and be able to communicate with him/her easily. Those accused should want an experienced lawyer with proven results and good former client reviews.

Any Servicemember in this situation should immediately consult an experienced Military Lawyer. While JAGs are available to assist, they are often inexperienced, over-worked, and unwilling or unable to provide the appropriate amount of time and attention needed, which is ill-advised with so much at stake. A civilian Military Lawyer can be retained, which allows an accused 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 Naval involuntary separation actions.

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