The servicemember's name, rank, Social Security number, and place of assignment must be included, as well as similar information for the offender in the complaint. Describe each incident that comprises the grievance, list any witnesses present, and include all available documentation. State what actions must be taken to redress the grievance. The complaint must, in many circumstances, be timely.
Documentation is of great importance to any complaint.
Do not assume the command or investigator will make a thorough and impartial investigation, and, if at all possible, gather documentation before the complaint is made. In particular, witnesses who might be intimidated can be asked for statements before the command is aware of the complaint, and documents which may be destroyed should be copied before the complaint is made. Keep copies of everything. All formal methods of complaint also share the same drawback. An evaluation of the complaint, even if it is done outside the member's chain of command and according to established criteria, is ultimately made within the military.