What type of punishment involves a loss of rank?

The type of punishment that involves a loss of rank is a reduction in pay grade. This form of disciplinary action typically results from significant misconduct or failure to meet the standards expected of service members. When a service member is reduced in pay grade, they experience not only a decrease in rank but also a reduction in pay, benefits, and responsibilities associated with their former position. This punishment serves as a clear indication of the severity of the infraction and is intended to reinforce accountability within the ranks.

In contrast, reprimands are primarily administrative actions that serve to formally address behavior without altering a service member's rank or pay. Confinement typically involves confinement to a facility as punishment but does not inherently affect rank or pay. Lastly, hard labor without confinement is a punitive measure that mandates physical work but does not result in any rank reduction or impact on pay. Each of these alternative options serves different purposes within the military disciplinary system but does not involve the direct consequence of losing rank like a reduction in pay grade does.