Step 1

We encourage complainants to first attempt to resolve their issue using their chain of command unless they have reason to believe that they will be subject to reprisal or have already addressed the issue with their chain of command without proper resolution.

Start at the lowest possible level and use command channels before elevating them to the next higher level. Discuss your problem with members in your chain of command such as the legal staff, union representative, chaplain, human resource personnel, equal opportunity advisor, your immediate supervisor, and Commanding Officer. Our experience has shown, with exceptions, that commands are responsive to complainant's issues.

Military members may want to bring the issue to the attention of:
His/Her immediate or second level supervisor
Department Head
Commanding Officer

Civilian personnel may want to bring the issue to the attention of:
His/Her immediate or 2nd level supervisor
Commanding Officer
Local Human Resource Office
Human Resource Service Center, etc.

If you are unable to resolve the matter using the chain of command, you may consider filing a formal grievance. These grievance procedures differ depending on your employment status.

Military members may consider filing one of the following grievances:
• Complaint of Wrongs Against the Commanding Officer (Article 138)
Any member of the Armed Forces who believes he/she has been wronged by his Commanding Officer must seek redress with the Commanding Officer personally.  The CO must act upon this request for redress in a timely manner (ordinarily within 30 days) and notify the complainant of the action taken.  If the CO denied you redress, submit a written complaint through the CO to the Secretary of the Navy via the General Court Martial Convening authority (the CO's immediate superior in the chain of command).  

• Complaint of Wrongs Against a Superior Outside your chain of command (Article 1150)
Any person in the naval service who considers him or herself wronged by an act, omission, decision or order of a person who is superior in rank or command may report the wrong to the proper authority for redress.     

• Equal Opportunity (EO) 

You may file a complaint of discrimination or sexual harassment, which includes a hostile work environment, using the command complaint resolution processes.  Military should seek assistance from their Command Managed Equal Opportunity (CMEO) representative.

Military members who feel they have been reprised against by a superior in their chain of command, may file a Military Whistleblower complaint with DoD IG or the Naval Inspector General.

Navy Federal civilian employees may request assistance with grievances through:
• Your Human Resource Office or Human Resource Service Center