This process only applies if you are a disciplined officer who is ranked commander or below. If you are a disciplined officer ranked captain or above, go instead to the appeal document page.
A Summary Appeal Dossier (“SAD”) is the compiled statements of both sides of an appeal. It is provided to the Appeal Tribunal, so they can review and make a decision about the validity of the discipline that was levied.
If you have been disciplined…
You have the right to an advocate who will assist you in writing your appeal statement and rebuttal. This advocate will be a volunteer from the Captains Council who has not served with you previously, and is willing to hear your case and help you write the best possible statement and rebuttal. Please ask the JAG Officer for an advocate if you would like assistance — it is not a requirement.
If you’re now appealing disciplinary measures, you will first write an appeal statement from this viewpoint: “I was disciplined, but the discipline reason AND/OR the discipline measure was unfair.”
Writing your appeal statement is about compiling your side of the case. It should first include an introductory paragraph that states why you believe that the discipline reason AND/OR the discipline measure were unfair. State your case succinctly. For example: “My captain initiated a disciplinary action, saying that I insulted and demeaned him publicly. He has decided that the disciplinary measure is expulsion from the group. I believe that this disciplinary measure is unfair, because we were both involved in a heated discussion, where both sides said things they shouldn’t have.”
Now it’s time to plead your case. The more information you can provide, the better. Compile any e-mails, Instant Messenger logs, or anything else that shows you’re correct in your assessment that the disciplinary measures were unfair or unjust. If you feel that you may have been in the wrong, but that the disciplinary measures were unfair, be sure to talk about that and ask for what you want: a reduction in the disciplinary measures. Be as detailed as possible. Copy/paste all of the information in your statement into one e-mail, and send it to the JAG e-mail address.
Be aware: The information you provide will be e-mailed to the Captain who disciplined you. He or she will have a chance to read it, and write a rebuttal.
After a few days, you will receive an e-mail from the JAG officer, providing you with the disciplining captain’s Appeal Dossier. You may now read this information and write a rebuttal to it. Your goal in the rebuttal is to counter-point each of the arguments made by your commanding officer, to either try and explain why that point was wrong, or why it’s not a reason you should be disciplined (or disciplined as harshly as you were, if that’s the case). Provide as much factual information and evidence as you can. Then, send your reply to the JAG e-mail address.
If you are a CO who has disciplined an officer…
If you’re the Captain who disciplined one of your crew, you’re now writing your Appeal Dossier from this viewpoint: “I had to discipline this officer for many reasons, which I will now explain. The disciplinary measure was fair, based on the following reasoning.”
It’s time to compile “your side” of the case. First, write an introductory paragraph that states why you believe that the discipline reason AND/OR the discipline measure were fair. State your case succinctly. For example: “I initiated a disciplinary action because the offending officer insulted and demeaned me publicly. I expelled him from the group based on the language and behavior he used. I believe that this disciplinary measure is fair, because no one should have to be called names like the ones he used against me.”
Now it’s time to plead your case. The more information you can provide, the better. Compile any e-mails, Instant Messenger logs, or anything else that shows you’re correct. Write a detailed report of the information, and then copy/paste all of the information into one e-mail, and send it to the JAG e-mail address.
Be aware: The information you provide will be e-mailed to the officer you disciplined. He or she will have a chance to read it, and write a rebuttal.
After a few days, you will receive an e-mail from a staff member, providing you with the officer’s appeal statement. You may now read this information, and write a rebuttal. Provide as much factual information and evidence as you can. Then, send your reply to the JAG e-mail address.
