WOW! What a battle!
This naval officer was accused of misconduct in 2020, which brought his once-rocketing career to a full stop. He contacted KML to assist him with the investigation, which took NCIS over a year to complete.
After that investigation, Navy authorities determined there was insufficient evidence to prosecute, and we hoped his ordeal was over. Wrong.
After waiting in limbo for two years, Navy authorities forced him to “show cause,” essentially forcing him to prove at a hearing that he didn’t commit the allegations in order to remain in the Navy. At this point, he and his family had been in the Navy for 17 years.
Almost FIVE MONTHS LATER, the Navy finally held the hearing, where we threw everything we had to defend him. It worked, and the Board acquitted him, unanimously. Usually, this means the ordeal is over and he can return to the Navy.
Wrong again.
Because this officer had failed to select for promotion twice while waiting in limbo, he went to a Continuation Board, essentially a Board to determine if the Navy will allow you to stay on active duty until retirement. The Continuation Board selected this officer for continuation, and we thought the ordeal was over.
Wrong again.
Navy Leadership then recommended to the Navy Secretary (SECNAV) that, because of the “severity of the allegations, and notwithstanding the Board’s unanimous [acquittal],” this officer should not be permitted to remain on active duty. Unbelievably, SECNAV agreed.
We were floored and dumbfounded by the unfairness of this decision and immediately requested that SECNAV reconsider. His staff refused, stating that “the matter is closed.”
Wrong again.
With the strong support of his leadership, KML worked with a Senator’s office to lobby a new SECNAV directly. Thankfully, that effort worked; the new SECNAV ordered his staff to reconsider the case, and he just issued the letter below granting our request.
This officer will now make it to the retirement he deserves.
At KML, we pride ourselves on never giving up and embracing unorthodox “that-won’t-work” methods to achieve success for our clients. This success story, this officer and his family, are why.
When you are fighting for your career, never settle for “this matter is closed.” And never settle for those who settle for orthodox.
