How long do DOD records depositories keep records resulting in unfavorable administrative actions or court-martial?

Documents resulting in unfavorable administrative actions or court-martial are retained in Department of Defense (DOD) records depositories for a period of 25 years. This long retention period is essential for several reasons. It allows for comprehensive historical tracking of an individual’s military conduct and performance, which is important for various assessments, such as security clearance renewals, future military assignments, or other administrative purposes.

The 25-year timeframe also aligns with the established standards in military records management, ensuring consistency in how long service-related actions that may impact personnel security are maintained. This duration provides a balance between the need for accountability and the recognition that individuals should not be permanently defined by past mistakes after a significant amount of time has passed, assuming they have demonstrated improvement or changed behavior. Retaining records for this length also supports legal requirements and facilitates transparency in personnel security processes.