Correcting Records That Affect Your Future

Former cadets and midshipmen from the United States Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy often discover that their discharge characterization follows them into every major phase of their careers. Whether tied to conduct issues, academic challenges, honor cases, or complex personal circumstances, the impact can be lasting.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, helps academy graduates and former students pursue discharge upgrades with disciplined strategy, careful documentation, and a deep understanding of service culture.

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What Is a Discharge Upgrade?

A discharge upgrade is a formal request asking a Discharge Review Board (DRB) or Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) to change a discharge characterization or narrative reason. These boards review whether the original decision was fair, legally supported, or issued without considering important mitigating information.

Standards for reviewing discharges appear in DoD administrative guidance available through https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/, and eligibility for review is outlined in statutes accessible at https://uscode.house.gov. These authorities shape how boards evaluate both legal error and equity-based arguments.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Academy Discharges

  • Structured, Persuasive Evidence Presentation. We assemble academy records, evaluations, statements, and supporting documentation into a strong, organized submission.
  • Understanding of Academy Culture and Expectations. Our background as former Judge Advocates helps us explain performance issues, mitigating factors, or misunderstandings unique to academy environments.
  • Strategic Use of Personal and Professional History. We highlight achievements, medical considerations, service contributions, and rehabilitative efforts to support an upgrade.
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Is a Discharge Upgrade Relevant to My Situation?

A discharge upgrade may be appropriate if you were dismissed or separated from a U.S. military academy under circumstances that do not reflect your full record. Many former cadets and midshipmen left due to isolated conduct issues, academic setbacks, command misunderstandings, or stress-related conditions that were not fully understood at the time.

In recent years, boards have applied more nuanced standards to applications involving mental health concerns, including conditions related to post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or environmental pressure. If you believe your discharge overlooked relevant context, an upgrade may restore opportunities in military, federal, and civilian careers.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our attorneys are all former military officers who served on active duty. We work as a team on your case, leveraging each of our attorneys’ unique perspectives and vast experience to win on your behalf.

Gerry Healy

Owner and Founder

Gerry founded Military Justice Attorneys to provide service members with principled, trial-tested defense rooted in firsthand experience inside the military justice system.

  • Former Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Recognized Criminal Defense Attorney and Litigator
  • Represents Military Community in Complex Mass Torts
Gerry Healy

Josh Hill

Managing Partner

Josh oversees the firm’s military justice practice, bringing a strategic and detail-driven approach to complex litigation, appeals, and high-stakes administrative matters.

  • Former Military Prosecutor and Defense Counsel
  • Admitted to Practice in all Military Appellate Courts
  • Burton Award for Distinguished Legal Writing
Josh Hill

Chip Hodge

Partner

Chip draws on senior-level military justice experience to advise and defend service members facing courts-martial, investigations, and career-altering administrative actions.

  • Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel
  • Served as Deputy SJA, Marine Forces Reserve
  • Deployed to Afghanistan in Support of OEF
Chip Hodge

Paul represents contractors injured while working overseas in support of US agencies and forces, combining significant litigation experience with a deep commitment to helping injured workers.

  • Former Major in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Admitted to the Bar in South Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois
Paul Murray

Jon Shelburne

Senior Counsel

Jon brings decades of courtroom and appellate experience, focusing on serious criminal allegations and complex military justice matters worldwide.

  • 30+ Years of Trial Experience
  • Co-Chair, Veterans Committee for Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Jon Shelburne

Amy Thomas

Of Counsel

Amy provides strategic counsel on military and employment-related matters, informed by senior leadership experience and advanced legal training.

  • Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Master's in Jurisprudence in Labor & Employment Law
Amy Thomas
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The Discharge Upgrade Process What to Expect

Step One: Comprehensive Review of Your Academy Record

We examine academic files, conduct summaries, counseling entries, medical notes, and separation documentation. This review identifies clear points for legal or equity-based argument, helping determine the best path forward.

Step Two: Determining the Correct Review Board

Your case may go before a DRB or BCMR depending on how long ago you separated and the specific nature of your discharge. We consult the relevant rules and DoD policy, outlined through https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/ to ensure the application meets procedural requirements.

Step Three: Building a Strong and Detailed Submission

A successful discharge upgrade requires a narrative that explains the circumstances clearly and respectfully. We integrate supporting statements, performance highlights, documentation of life progress, and any evidence showing unfairness or disproportionality in the original decision.

Step Four: Submission and Ongoing Advocacy

After submission, the board may request additional documentation or clarification. We monitor your case, provide supplemental material when necessary, and help prepare for optional hearings. Our involvement continues until the board reaches a final decision.

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After Your Discharge Upgrade What Comes Next

A successful upgrade may restore eligibility for federal employment paths, officer commissioning programs, and certain veterans’ benefits. MJA supports these follow-on steps by helping prepare secondary applications, coordinating documentation, and advising on how to use the upgraded discharge in future opportunities.

Some former academy students may also need to correct additional entries on their records, such as reenlistment codes or separation narratives, to ensure long-term clarity. Our goal is to restore accuracy, dignity, and opportunity to your record.

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Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

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"The Government Came to Bury Me, Josh Hill Buried Their Case Instead"

If you’re reading this review,...

"If you’re reading this review, there’s a fair chance you’re in trouble with the military. The answer is YES—hire Josh Hill. He is worth every penny and more. Don’t gamble with your VA benefits, your military pension, or your freedom. You only get one shot at defending your future. Trust me, this is the guy you want in your corner. When I first hired Josh Hill as my civilian military lawyer, I was staring down a mountain: 28 specifications across 6 charges in a military court-martial. The government basically made a giant mud ball, threw it at the wall, and waited to see what would stick. The stakes couldn’t have been higher—my freedom, my career, my reputation, and my benefits were all on the line. But from day one, Josh brought unmatched experience, surgical strategy, and a level of confidence that gave me hope when I needed it most. Josh Hill is a master of his craft. He navigated the UCMJ like a seasoned warrior—dissecting every allegation, exposing every weakness in the government’s case, and challenging every false assumption thrown my way. His preparation was meticulous, his presence in court was commanding, and his cross-examinations were absolutely relentless. He left no stone unturned and no argument unanswered. Because of Josh’s leadership, we went from what felt like an impossible situation to walking out of that courtroom not guilty on all charges. That wasn’t just a win—it was a total and complete vindication. And it’s 100% because of Josh Hill’s commitment, brilliance, and refusal to let the government steamroll me. Josh Hill didn’t just defend me—he saved my life. I will forever be in his debt for the sacrifices he made and the time he dedicated to my case. One last note: When he calls—ANSWER IT. Drop what you're doing, it can wait. That phone call might be the one thing that changes your future. If you want to hear my story firsthand, Josh has my permission to give you my contact info. I’ll gladly tell you exactly how he absolutely destroyed the government’s case, so I can continue with my life."
-STAFF SERGEANT, USMC

"He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom."

My career, my life, my futu...

I know Mr Healy quite well. He represented me in a case where the odds were stacked against me. This was the most difficult time of my life considering some other circumstances that were added on. However, he fought for me tooth and nail even though his caseload was very high at the time. It seemed he devoted every ounce of effort to find me justice and in the end, because of his efforts, I was fully acquitted of several charges.

I will never forget that feeling for as long as I live. Upon the announcement of the verdict I nearly collapsed. My career, my life, my future was completely in his hands and he took it as seriously as I did. He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom. I highly recommend his services if you expect to have any chance of seeing the justice you truly deserve.

-Corporal, USMC

"Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me"

Mr. Hodge was relentless in hi...

Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me . . . and absolved me of any wrongdoing under the UCMJ.
-Corporal, USMC

"His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented."

Josh is a hard nosed and dedic...

Josh is a hard nosed and dedicated attorney that will stand by you every step of the way in your defense. His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented.
-Staff Sergeant, USA

"I would hire them again in a heartbeat."

Gerry and Josh are absolute pr...

Gerry and Josh are absolute professional monsters in the courtroom. I would hire them again in a heartbeat and wouldn’t want anyone else in my corner!
-Private First Class, USA

"I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding."

Mr. Hill tore apart the govern...

Mr. Hill tore apart the government's theory piece by piece . . . I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding.
-Petty Officer Third Class, USN

"I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands."

Gerry Healy is an outstandi...

Gerry Healy is an outstanding attorney. In the courtroom he is confident, knowledgeable, and aggressive. I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands.
-Airman First Class, USAF
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our team consists entirely of former Marine Judge Advocates with decades of experience in administrative law, military culture, and personnel decisions. We understand how service academies evaluate conduct, discipline, and performance and how those factors influence separation decisions.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have assisted former servicemembers nationwide in cases involving inequitable discharges, incomplete investigations, and misunderstood personal circumstances. Our approach emphasizes careful organization, strong reasoning, and evidence-led argumentation.

Dedicated Support for Former Cadets and Midshipmen

We work directly with graduates and former academy students, providing clear, consistent guidance from start to finish. Our process is built on communication, preparation, and respect for the unique pressures of academy life.

Our mission is to help ensure your discharge reflects your service, potential, and character. Not just a single moment in time.

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Discharge Upgrade for Military Academies FAQs

Which board handles discharge upgrades for academy cadets?

Each academy is tied to its service’s correction board. For example, West Point cases go to the ABCMR, while Naval Academy cases go to the BCNR.

Can honor violations be overturned?

Yes. If procedures were flawed, evidence incomplete, or conclusions unsupported, correction boards may amend or delete honor-related records.

How long does the discharge upgrade process take?

Most cases take several months to over a year. Complex cases or those involving new medical evidence may require additional review.

Do I need an attorney to file a discharge upgrade?

While not required, legal representation significantly strengthens your submission by ensuring proper documentation, argument structure, and regulatory compliance.

When should I contact a discharge upgrade attorney?

As soon as you believe your discharge was unfair or improperly handled. Early guidance helps protect your rights and strengthens your petition.

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Restore Accuracy and Opportunity to Your Record

You deserve a fair and complete review of your academy discharge. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.

Contact Us When Your Future Is On The Line

Our decentralized approach to military defense ensures that we can represent service members from any branch of the military, of any rank, at any military base or installation stateside or abroad.

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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