Commissioned Corps Management Information Site

What is an Involuntary Termination Board (ITB)?

An ITB is an administrative proceeding to review the record of an officer (who is not retirement eligible) when the Surgeon General (SG) or Director, CCHQ decides a review is warranted or a hearing for marginal or substandard performance.

What reasons would warrant a review of an officer's record by an ITB?

According to CCI 382.03, "Involuntary Termination of Commission," an ITB may review an officer's record for any of the following reasons:

Marginal or Unsatisfactory Performance;
Refusal to Undergo Physical Examination and/or Furnish Information;
Refusal to Accept Medical Supervision;
Removal from the Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL);
Unsuitability;
Security Requirements;
Licensure/Certification Noncompliance;
Force Readiness Non-compliance;
Uniform Wear Non-compliance;
Weight Non-compliance;
Substance Use;
Promotion Failure; and
Lack of a Suitable Assignment

What types of marginal or substandard performance warrant a referral to an ITB?

The Corps may refer an officer's records to an ITB when the officer has:

Two marginal or unsatisfactory annual COERs (may be non-consecutive);
Marginal performance over multiple reviews (COERs or other documentation); or
A progressive downward trend in performance (resulting in an unacceptable performance record).

What recommendations may an ITB make to the ASH?

After deliberating, the ITB may recommend any of the following:

Retention, with or without reassignment;
Delay in Promotion Eligibility (e.g., adjustment in time in grade, time in service, etc.);
Reduction in Grade (Temporary or Permanent);
Involuntary Separation (i.e., termination of commission);
Other Disciplinary Action (e.g., LOR).

Can a probationary period be extended when an officer is being investigated for involuntary separation?

Yes, a 36-month probationary period (except for officers originally appointed to the 0-3 grade or above) may be extended when an investigation has been initiated on an officer during the probationary period. This extension will end within 90 days of completion of the investigation, but may not extend beyond four years.

FAQs for Involuntary Termination Board

(Based on CCD 123.01 Involuntary Separation and CCD 111.02 Disciplinary Action)

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