Massachusetts § 29 - Discharge of officers; grounds
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 29 — Discharge of officers; grounds, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 29. Discharge of officers; grounds
Section 29. (a) At any time, the moral character, capacity and general fitness for the service of any service member may be investigated and determined by an efficiency board of 3 commissioned officers, senior in rank to the service member and designated by the commander-in-chief. One board member shall be a noncommissioned officer senior in rank to the service member if the service member before the board is an enlisted person. Any such investigation and board proceedings shall provide the service member due process consistent with military practice. The investigation may include misconduct in civil life for which the service member is not subject to court-martial. If the findings of the board are unfavorable to the service member and are approved by the commander-in-chief, the service member shall be appropriately disciplined or discharged.
(b) A service member may be honorably discharged by the commander-in-chief upon tender of resignation or upon appointment in a regular component or in another reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
(c) The commander-in-chief may discharge a service member who is under sentence of imprisonment by a civilian court, whether suspended or not, or who has been absent without leave for 2 months continuously.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 29
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 29 cover?
Section 29 ("Discharge of officers; grounds") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 29?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 29" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 29 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.