U.S. Army OSTC "reachback" program

In a November 2024 public announcement, the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC) highlights significant efforts to "reach back" and prosecute retirees and active-duty members for alleged serious offenses that have previously gone unprosecuted.

Army prosecutors have revived over 100 cases of serious crimes. Task & Purpose, 13 November 2024.

The article discusses the OSTC authority to prosecute old cases, a power that significantly impacts the military community. Since December 2023, the office has reopened over 100 cases, each with profound implications for the victims and the military community. One case involved a soldier the Army recalled to active duty to face charges of sexual abuse and rape, a crime that profoundly affected the victims and military community. Another case involved a soldier who was charged with involuntary manslaughter, child endangerment, and negligent homicide after a child died while in his care, another instance with profound military implications.