More servicemembers than ever find themselves facing the administrative discharge process for things like pattern of misconduct, commission of a serious offense, drug abuse, and other justifications. It can be a confusing and overwhelming process with incredibly serious ramifications. I have heard many just say, “Oh well, no use in fighting it. I just ask for an upgrade later on.” Unfortunately, that thinking is flawed and just plain wrong. The time to fight the discharge process is prior to separation by requesting a board and fighting with everything you have. If you are going to hire a civilian attorney, it is better to hire one for the administrative separation board where the most can be done to prevent separation or prevent the worst kind of discharge. And while you always have the right and ability to petition a Discharge Review Board and the Board for Correction of Military/Naval Records after discharge, the emphasis should be on the fight in the board. Don’t wait. If you are facing administrative separation, the time to fight is now.