Understanding “Titling” in the U.S. Military

In the U.S. armed forces, “titling” is an administrative act that can have lifelong consequences. It occurs when a military investigative agency, such as the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), or Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), formally identifies an individual as the subject of a criminal investigation. Once that determination is made, the service member’s name is entered into federal investigative databases even if the case is later closed without charges.

According to the Army’s official pamphlet on the subject, “titling is the decision to place the name of a person in the ‘subject block’ of a CID report of investigation.” Unlike a conviction or even a formal charge, titling requires only “credible information” suggesting that a person may have committed a criminal offense. This standard is significantly lower than the “probable cause” threshold used in civilian law for arrests or warrants.

How the Process Works

When a criminal investigation begins, investigators determine early on whether credible information exists that a specific individual might have committed the alleged offense. If so, that person is “titled” and becomes the subject of the report of investigation. This decision triggers automatic indexing in databases such as the Defense Clearance and Investigations Index (DCII) and, for Army cases, the U.S. Army Crime Records Center (CRC). Those systems are accessible not only to other military commands and federal law enforcement agencies but also to civilian employers conducting security clearance or background investigations.

Once entered, the record does not automatically disappear when an investigation ends. Even if the subject is cleared of wrongdoing or never charged, the titled status often remains unless the individual successfully petitions for removal. That process is complex because the original decision is based only on whether credible information existed at the time, rather than on whether later evidence disproved it.

The Consequences of Titling

Although titling is purely administrative, its effects can be far-reaching. A titled record can appear years later during a background investigation for promotion, assignment, or civilian employment. Even when no charges were ever filed, the presence of a criminal-investigative entry may cause decision-makers to deny or delay security clearances, reassign personnel, or remove them from sensitive duties.

Commanders must therefore balance awareness with restraint. A titled status does not prove guilt, but it can carry reputational weight. Service members often do not learn they have been titled until months or years after the investigation ends, when an employer or agency informs them of it. In some cases, individuals discover it only when applying for federal employment or a professional license.

What Titling Is – and What It Isn’t

Many misunderstand titling as a punitive measure. It is not an adjudication or a disciplinary outcome under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). It does not mean the person has been arrested, charged, or convicted. As the Army’s own guidance explains, “Titling does not mean a person has been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime.”

Removal is generally difficult. Even a formal finding of no probable cause or a full acquittal in court does not automatically erase the record. The standard for deleting a titling decision requires proof that the initial “credible information” did not actually exist at the time the record was created, which is an inherently high bar. Critics argue that the low threshold for titling, combined with the permanence of the record, creates a presumption of guilt that contradicts due process principles.

Addressing and Appealing Titling Decisions

Service members who discover they have been titled should first request a copy of their Report of Investigation to determine exactly what information was used. They may then seek legal assistance or consult a military defense attorney to explore removal options. Requests for correction typically go through the relevant investigative agency and, if denied, may be appealed to a Board for Correction of Military Records.

Commanders dealing with titled personnel should maintain confidentiality and fairness. Because titling is not proof of guilt, punitive administrative actions based solely on that status risk violating due process. Legal counsel should always be consulted before making personnel decisions influenced by a titled record.

Broader Policy Concerns

In recent years, the titling system has drawn scrutiny for its lasting impact on service members who were never charged. A 2025 investigation by The War Horse estimated that more than 10,000 veterans may have been titled during their careers, many without ever being notified. The same report documented cases in which titled individuals lost promotions or civilian opportunities despite exoneration. Critics inside and outside the Department of Defense have called for stronger procedural safeguards and clearer notice requirements.

The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act directed the Secretary of Defense to establish policies allowing service members to appeal and seek correction of titled records – a modest but significant step toward reform. Legal experts argue the military should continue to review the standard for “credible information” and ensure consistency across investigative agencies.

Why Awareness Matters

Understanding titling is essential for both commanders and service members. For commanders, it highlights the importance of due diligence before making personnel judgments. For service members, it underscores the need to monitor one’s investigative record and to act promptly if titled. Because the titling process intersects with security-clearance systems and federal employment databases, its consequences extend beyond uniformed service.

Ultimately, titling reflects the military’s effort to track credible investigative leads, but its low evidentiary threshold can unintentionally stigmatize the innocent. Awareness, transparency, and proper legal recourse are key to ensuring that the system serves accountability without undermining fairness. For a profession built on honor and justice, maintaining that balance is as vital as any procedural rule.