UCMJ Survival Guide: The Complete Military Justice Manual for Service Members & Families

Whether you’re facing an investigation, court-martial, Article 15 (NJP), or administrative separation, UCMJ Survival Guide is your essential resource for navigating the military justice system. Written by two of the most experienced and respected military defense lawyers in the field—Michael and Alexandra Waddington—this comprehensive guide delivers clear, actionable strategies to protect your career, reputation, and future.

Michael and Alexandra are among the top military defense lawyers and recognized as some of the most experienced sexual assault defense attorneys in the country. They have successfully defended service members in high-profile Article 120 UCMJ sexual assault cases, complex court-martials, and administrative separation proceedings across all branches of the U.S. military. Their expertise has helped thousands of military families worldwide.

This survival manual is written for service members and families—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard—who are under investigation, pending separation, or accused of UCMJ violations. The book demystifies the military legal process and equips you with the tools to mount an effective defense and take control of your future.

Inside you’ll learn how to:

• Survive and prepare for a court-martial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)

• Understand your Article 15/NJP rights—and when to turn it down

• Defend against Article 120 sexual assault allegations

• Respond to GOMORs (General Officer Memorandums of Reprimand)

• Win at administrative separation boards and Boards of Inquiry (BOI)

• Protect your military discharge characterization and fight for a discharge upgrade

• Safeguard your VA benefits, GI Bill, and retirement eligibility

• Navigate the harsh realities of sex offender registration and federal convictions

• Rebuild after separation, adverse action, or conviction

From SHARP and SAPR cases to security clearance issues and family support strategies, this manual prepares you for what’s ahead—and shows you how to fight back with skill, strategy, and purpose.

This is more than a book—it’s your lifeline when everything is at stake.

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