What action shall military personnel face on the first substantiated incident of sexual harassment?

The correct action for military personnel facing the first substantiated incident of sexual harassment is administrative separation. This measure is a significant response, indicating that the military takes such allegations seriously and seeks to maintain a professional and respectful environment. Administrative separation allows for the potential removal of personnel from military service due to conduct that fails to meet standards, especially in cases involving sexual misconduct.

This action underscores the military's commitment to addressing and preventing sexual harassment, fostering a culture of accountability. By implementing administrative separation for a substantiated incident, the military emphasizes that inappropriate behavior is not tolerated and that there are clear consequences for actions that undermine the trust and integrity of the service.

In this context, the other options, while they might seem relevant, do not reflect the established policies related to the first substantiated incident of sexual harassment as effectively as administrative separation does. Disciplinary action could be a component of the response but is typically part of a process that could lead to separation. Reassignment and mandatory counseling may also be utilized in different circumstances, but they are not the prescribed primary response for such serious allegations.