Grade Determination

A senior Department of Defense officer received a reprimand for an administrative error. After the reprimand was filed in their official military personnel file, the officer submitted for retirement. The Secretary concerned placed the officer’s file before a grade determination review board. The retired grade of any rear admiral or major general or lower is purely a discretionary decision by the Secretary concerned. The Secretary can reduce a Service member’s grade in retirement to the last grade “satisfactorily held.” Satisfactory service is not specifically defined. MNB Meridian attorneys were able to argue the officer’s 30-plus years of military service, but more specifically the last grade the officer held, was more than satisfactory and the officer should retain their current rank in retirement. The Secretary agreed and the officer retained their rank.