Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. F08

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is

unlimited.

F08 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

3000 MARINE CORPS PENTAGON

WASHINGTON DC 20350-3000

MCO 1900.16 CH 2

MMSR

15 FEB 2019

MARINE CORPS ORDER 1900.16 CH 2

From: Commandant of the Marine Corps

To: Distribution List

Subj: SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT MANUAL (SHORT TITLE: MARCORSEPMAN)

Ref: (a) MCO 5215.1K

(b) 5 U.S.C. 552a

(c) SECNAVINST 5211.5E

(d) SECNAV M-5210.1

(e) SECNAV Notice 5210

(f) MCO 5210.11F

Encl: (1) Separation and Retirement Manual (MARCORSEPMAN)

1. Situation. It is the policy of the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC)

to provide guidance on the administrative separation and retirement of

Marines.

2. Cancellation. MCO 1900.16 CH 1.

3. Mission. To notify the distribution list of changes to this Manual.

4. Execution. In accordance with the references, this change is comprised

of administrative modifications and substantive amendments, including:

a. Paragraph 1002. Definitions have been updated or added, including:

Child Abuse, Commander/Commanding Officer, Domestic and Intimate Partner

Abuse, General Court-Martial Convening Authority, Legal Advisor, Sexual

Harassment, Victim, and Wrongful Distribution or Broadcasting of an Intimate

Image.

b. Paragraph 1004.2c(4). Marines being processed for administrative

separation with a characterization of service of under other than honorable

conditions must be informed that they may petition the Veterans Benefits

Administration for certain benefits under the laws administered by the

Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

c. Paragraph 1004.4f. Processing for involuntary administrative

separation is mandatory for Service members determined to have committed an

offense of child abuse or domestic or intimate partner abuse as defined in

paragraph 1002 of this Manual.

d. Paragraph 1008.2b(3). A Marine’s Expiration of Active Service (EAS)

may be adjusted in MCTFS in a ministerial manner to complete administrative

processing for grade and characterization of service.

MCO 1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

2

e. Paragraph 1011.2. All Regular component Marines and some Reserve

component Marines being separated from active duty must receive a Separation

History and Physical Examination health assessment.

f. Sections 1100, 1200, 1400, Appendix B, and Appendix E. Command and

control responsibilities of Marine Corps activities effecting separations

(IPAC/ADMINISTRATION RUC).

g. Paragraph 1101.2. Updated procedures for separating documents.

h. Paragraph 1101.7. Updated procedures for closing out a Marine’s

Service Treatment Record.

i. Paragraph 1104. Updates in policy pertaining to the separation of

alien non-citizens.

j. Section 1200. New policy pertaining to the accountability, control,

formatting, preparation, security, and delivery of the DD Form 214, and

sunset of the DD Form 215.

k. Paragraph 1307.1. Clarification of involuntary separation pay

eligibility for officers.

l. Paragraph 1401.3a(1). Updates in policy pertaining to creditable

service as an NROTC midshipman for active duty retirement computations.

m. Paragraphs 1402 and 1403. New policy pertaining to retired/retainer

pay due to sunset of the Career Status Bonus and implementation of the

Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System for the Regular component.

n. Section 1600. New policy pertaining to retention and separation

determinations for non-deployable Marines.

o. Paragraphs 2003.1b and 5002.2. New policy pertaining to obligated

service for officers attending a Service school or receiving special training

in compliance with official orders.

p. Paragraph 3005.3 and Figure 3-5. Clarification of reduced age

retirement calculations for Reserve component Marines who executed applicable

contingency support Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS) orders from 29

January 2008 to 30 September 2014.

q. Paragraph 3012.2c. Clarification of Reserve component time-in-grade

waiver authority.

r. Paragraph 3013.2. Implementation of the Uniformed Services Blended

Retirement System for the Reserve component.

s. Paragraph 3016. Updates in policy pertaining to application for

transfer to the retired Reserve.

t. Paragraph 4102.3. The CMC shall initiate processing for

administrative separation of officers reported by a promotion selection board

to the Secretary of the Navy who has been identified for substandard

performance, misconduct, moral or professional dereliction, or whose

retention is not clearly consistent with the interests of national security.

MCO 1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

3

u. Paragraphs 4103.2 and 6210.8. Processing for administrative

separation is mandatory following a violation of Article 1168 of United

States Navy Regulations 1990 W/CH 1, including, but not limited to, the

distribution or broadcasting of an intimate image, without consent, if done

for personal gain; or with the intent to humiliate, harm, harass, intimidate,

threaten, or coerce the depicted person; or with reckless disregard as to

whether the depicted person would be humiliated, harmed, intimidated,

threatened, or coerced.

v. Paragraphs 4103.3b and 6210.4b. Updates pertaining to articles of

the UCMJ involving sexual misconduct on and after 1 January 2019.

w. Paragraphs 4107 and 6106.5. New policy pertaining to Marines

undergoing legal processing for administrative separation concurrent with

Disability Evaluation System processing (dual processing).

x. Paragraphs 6105.3, 6303.3a(3) and 6304.1c; Figures 6-3 and 6-3a; and

Appendix D. Failure to complete an enlistment contract with an honorable

characterization of service may preclude eligibility for benefits from the

Department of Veterans Affairs or other organizations and have an adverse

effect on future civilian employment. If a Marine is separated with a

characterization of service under other than honorable conditions, the Marine

may petition the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of

Veterans Affairs for certain benefits under the laws administered by the

Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

y. Paragraph 6106.4. New policy pertaining to the processing of

involuntary administrative separation and requirements for FMCR/retirement-

eligible Marines.

z. Paragraph 6110. New policy pertaining to health assessments prior to

administrative separation.

aa. Paragraph 6203.2. Updates in policy pertaining to involuntary

administrative separation, basis Convenience of the Government, by reason of

Condition Not a Disability.

ab. Paragraph 6209. Updates in policy pertaining to involuntary

administrative separation, basis Alcohol-Abuse Rehabilitation Failure.

ac. Paragraph 6210.1. Any court-martial conviction or civilian

conviction (or ruling tantamount to a finding of guilty by a civilian court)

is binding on an administrative board. A conviction from a court of a

foreign nation, however, is not binding on an administrative board.

ad. Paragraph 6214. Updates in policy pertaining to involuntary

administrative separation, basis Separation in the Best Interest of the

Service.

ae. Paragraphs 6303.3a(8), and 6304.2c. A commanding officer must

provide written notice to any Marine being recommended for separation

including the right to request an administrative board if the Marine has six

or more years of total active and inactive-service, including inactive-

service in the Ready Reserve as a poolee in the Delayed Entry Program, at the

MCO 1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

4

time of notification of separation proceedings or if the least favorable

characterization of service is other than honorable.

af. Paragraph 6307.3. New policy pertaining to Marines reasonably

alleging PTSD, other mental disorder or TBI, and Marines with a ratable

condition under the VASRD that limits their performance of duty.

ag. Paragraph 6315. Updates in policy pertaining to the composition of

enlisted administrative separation boards.

ah. Paragraphs 6316.13, 6317, 6319.7. New policy pertaining to the

dignity and privacy of victims in cases involving sexual misconduct.

ai. Paragraph 6320. Updates in policy pertaining to enlisted

administrative separation board record of proceedings and report of the

board.

aj. Figures 6-2, 6-2a, 6-3, and 6-3a. Failure to complete an enlistment

contract with an honorable characterization of service may preclude

eligibility for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs or other

organizations and have an adverse effect on future civilian employment.

ak. Paragraph 7012. Updates in policy pertaining to characterization of

service and grade upon transfer to the FMCR or retired list.

al. Paragraph 8003. Definitions have been updated or added, including:

Duty Limitation Code “U” (LDES REFERRAL), Duty Limitation Code “V” (IDES

REFERRAL), Limited Duty Sailor Marine Readiness Tracker (LIMDU SMART),

Medical Extension, and Medical Hold (CofGM), Physical Disability, Presumption

of Fitness (PFit), and Temporary Limited Duty (TLD).

am. Paragraph 8102. Marines do not have to be assigned to limited duty

for 12 months to be referred to the DES if there is no reasonable expectation

of recovery and return to full duty.

an. Paragraph 8104. A Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) at a Military

Treatment Facility (MTF) is only authorized to approve up to 12 months of TLD

for enlisted Marines over the span of a career without approval from the CMC

(MMSR-4).

ao. Paragraph 8105.7. Only the CMC (MMSR-4) may approve a third or

subsequent period of TLD, either consecutive or over the span of a career,

regardless of the medical diagnosis for which the Marine was assigned.

ap. Paragraph 8111. New policy pertaining to medical extensions.

aq. Paragraph 8202. Only commanding generals of the recruit depots and

Training Command are authorized to discharge Marines by reason of physical

disability for a condition which existed prior to service.

ar. Paragraph 8203. Updates in policy pertaining to informal Physical

Evaluation Boards.

MCO 1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

5

as. Paragraph 8304. Updates in policy pertaining to disposition of

personnel awaiting final determination of physical disability (home awaiting

orders).

at. Paragraph 8503. Updates in policy pertaining to the Temporary

Disability Retired List (TDRL) pay procedures.

au. Paragraph 8504. Clarification in policy between periodic physical

examinations (PPE) and VA examinations.

av. Paragraph 8601. Updates in policy pertaining to minimum number of

years for computation purposes of disability discharge with severance pay.

aw. Paragraph 8607. Updates in policy pertaining to Reserve Marines who

become ill or injured while on active duty.

ax. Figure 8-9. Updated format for limited duty non-medical assessment.

ay. Figure L-11. Sample legal advisor appointing order.

az. Appendix M. All references are included and will be updated in

future changes via Appendix M.

ba. Sample format notification letters, acknowledgement letters,

endorsements, and orders at the end of Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and

Appendix L have been updated to reflect changes.

5. Administration and Logistics

a. Changes to Distribution Statement A directives issued by the CMC are

published electronically and can be accessed online via the Marine Corps

Publications Electronic Library (MCPEL) at

http://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/ELECTRONICLIBRARY.aspx.

b.

Privacy Act. Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure of Personally

Identifiable Information (PII) may result in both civil and criminal

penalties. The DON recognizes that the privacy of an individual is a

personal and fundamental right that shall be respected and protected. The

DON's need to collect, use, maintain, or disseminate PII about individuals

for purposes of discharging its statutory responsibilities shall be balanced

against the individuals' right to be protected against unwarranted invasion

of privacy. All collection, use, maintenance, or dissemination of PII shall

be in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (reference (b)) and

implemented per reference (c).

c. Records Management. Records created as a result of this Manual shall

be managed according to national archives and records administration (NARA)

approved dispositions per references (e) and (d) to ensure proper

maintenance, use, accessibility and preservation, regardless of format or

medium. Refer to reference (f) for Marine Corps records management policy

and procedures.

6. Command and Signal

a. Command. This change to the Order is applicable to the Marine Corps

Total Force.

MCO 1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

6

b. Signal. This change to the Order is effective the date signed.

M. A. ROCCO

Deputy Commandant for

Manpower and Reserve Affairs

DISTRIBUTION: PCN 10202730002

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is

unlimited.

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

3000 MARINE CORPS PENTAGON

WASHINGTON DC 20350-3000

MCO 1900.16 CH 1

MMSR

7 Aug 2015

MARINE CORPS ORDER 1900.16 CH 1

From: Commandant of the Marine Corps

To: Distribution List

Subj: SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT MANUAL (SHORT TITLE: MARCORSEPMAN)

Ref: (a) MCO 5215.1K

(b) 5 U.S.C. 552a

(c) SECNAVINST 5211.5E

(d) SECNAV M-5210.1

Encl: (1) New page inserts to MCO 1900.16

1. Situation. It is the policy of the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC)

to provide guidance on the administrative separation and retirement of

Marines.

2. Cancellation. MCO 1900.16 Admin Change.

3. Mission. To notify the distribution list of changes to paragraphs 1004,

1103, 1307, 1309, 6110 and 6203 of this Order.

4. Execution. In accordance with the references, changes are as follows:

a. Paragraph 1004.2.b(2). General (under honorable conditions)

characterization of service upon involuntary separation under Chapter 6 or

separation in lieu of trial by court-martial is clarified. A general (under

honorable conditions) characterization is authorized for involuntary

separations under Chapter 6 or if a Marine is requesting separation in lieu

of court-martial. However, if a Marine is requesting separation in lieu of

court-martial, a general (under honorable conditions) characterization is

appropriate only if the Marine's service is otherwise so meritorious that any

other characterization would clearly be inappropriate.

b. Paragraph 1103. The procedures for notifying the U.S. Citizenship

and Immigration Services of naturalized citizen and non-citizen Marines

discharged from the Marine Corps with other than honorable (OTH), bad-conduct

(BCD) and dishonorable (DD) characterization of service are updated.

c. Paragraph 1307.a.(1). Officer entitlement to separation pay is

clarified.

d. Paragraph 1307.d. Only the SECNAV may deny separation pay to Marines

meeting the criteria in paragraphs 1307 and 1308.

e. Paragraph 1309.o. In extraordinary cases, the SECNAV determines the

conditions under which the Marine is separated do not warrant separation pay.

MCO 1900.16 CH 1

07 AUG 2015

2

f. Paragraph 6110.3. This paragraph is rewritten and directs that post-

traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) evaluations

are only required as part of a separation health physical examination for

administrative separation if the Marine has been previously diagnosed with

these conditions or if the Marine reasonably alleges the influence of PTSD or

TBI. The commanding officer, after considering the advice of a medical

provider, shall determine if PTSD or TBI is reasonably alleged and should be

further evaluated by a more appropriate medical provider.

g. Paragraph 6203.2.c. Additional guidance is provided for some

conditions not a disability that may warrant the Marine be provided a

reasonable opportunity to correct any performance deficiencies prior to the

initiation of administrative separation.

5. Administration and Logistics

a. Changes to Distribution Statement A directives issued by the CMC are

published electronically and can be accessed online via the Marine Corps

Publications Electronic Library (MCPEL) at

http://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/ELECTRONICLIBRARY.aspx and MCPEL CD-

ROM.

b. The generation, collection or distribution of personally identifiable

information (PII) and management of privacy sensitive information shall be in

acordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, per references (b) and

(c). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.

c. Records created as a result of this Manual shall be managed according

to National Archives and Records Administration approved dispositions per

reference (d) to ensure proper maintenance, use, accessibility and

preservation, regardless of format or medium.

6. Command and Signal

a. Command. This change to the Order is applicable to the Marine Corps

Total Force.

b. Signal. This change to the Order is effective the date signed.

M. A. BRILAKIS

Deputy Commandant for

Manpower and Reserve Affairs

DISTRIBUTION: PCN 10202730001

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

3000 MARINE CORPS PENTAGON

WASHINGTON, DC 20350-3000

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is

unlimited.

MCO 1900.16 Admin Change

MMSR

30 Mar 2015

MARINE CORPS ORDER 1900.16 Administrative Change

From: Commandant of the Marine Corps

To: Distribution List

Subj: SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT MANUAL (SHORT TITLE: MARCORSEPMAN)

Ref: (a) MCO 5215.1K

(b) 5 U.S.C. 552a

(c) SECNAVINST 5211.5E

(d) SECNAV M-5210.1

Encl: (1) MCO 1900.16

1. Situation. It is the policy of the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC)

to provide guidance on the administrative separation and retirement of

Marines.

2. Mission. To notify all on the distribution list of the modified format

of this Manual.

3. Execution. In accordance with the reference, administrative changes are

as follows:

a. The format of the MARCORSEPMAN has been modified to incorporate the

program advantages of Adobe Reader Bookmarks, facilitate a more user friendly

search system and allow more rapid staffing and subsequent updates as changes

in law and policy are directed.

b. Throughout this Manual, the only corrections made have been spelling,

punctuation, standardization of abbreviations, and page headings and

numbering associated with the Bookmarks format.

c. No changes (additions or deletions) have been made to policies or

procedures.

4. Administration and Logistics

a. Distribution Statement A directives issued by the CMC are published

electronically and can be accessed online via the Marine Corps Publications

Electronic Library (MCPEL) at

http://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/ELECTRONICLIBRARY.aspx and MCPEL CD-

ROM.

b. The generation, collection or distribution of personally identifiable

information (PII) and management of privacy sensitive information shall be in

acordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, per references (b) and

(c). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.

c. Records created as a result of this Manual shall be managed according

to National Archives and Records Administration approved dispositions per

MCO 1900.16 Admin Change

30 Mar 2015

2

reference (d) to ensure proper maintenance, use, accessibility and

preservation, regardless of format or medium.

5. Command and Signal

a. Command. This change to the Order is applicable to the Marine Corps

Total Force.

b. Signal. This change to the Order is effective the date signed.

S. E. MURRAY

Deputy Commandant for Manpower

And Reserve Affairs

Acting

DISTRIBUTION: PCN 10202730000

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

3000 MARINE CORPS PENTAGON

WASHINGTON, DC 20350-3000

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is

unlimited.

MCO 1900.16

MMSR

26 Nov 2013

MARINE CORPS ORDER 1900.16

From: Commandant of the Marine Corps

To: Distribution List

Subj: SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT MANUAL (SHORT TITLE: MARCORSEPMAN)

Ref: (a) Title 10, U.S.C.

(b) MCO P1400.31C W/CH 1

(c) Manual for Courts Martial (MCM)

(d) MCO 5300.17

(e) MCO 1001R.1K

(f) DoD 7000.14-R

(g) Federal Register Vol 73, No. 128, pp 38030-69

(h) MCO P1610.7F W/CH 1-2

(i) MCO P1070.12K W/CH 1

(j) SECNAVINST 5300.28E

(k) MCO 7220.24N

(l) SECNAVINST 5820.4G

(m) MCO 1741.110D

(n) MCTIMS (Online)

(o) Title 38, U.S.C.

(p) NAVMED P-117

(q) SECNAVINST 1770.3D

(r) JAGINST 5800.7F

(s) SECNAVINST 5815.3J

(t) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 4

(u) Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR)

(v) MCO 1050.3J

(w) Online MCTFS Codes Manual

(x) Title 5, U.S.C.

(y) DoDI 1327.06

(z) MCO P5060.20 W/CH 1

(aa) National Defense Authorization Act of 1999

(ab) National Defense Authorization Act of 2000

(ac) MCO 1130.80A

(ad) MCO 1001.39K

(ae) MCO 1040.31

(af) MCO P10120.28G

(ag) MCO P1020.34G W/CH 1-5

(ah) DFAS APSM (Online)

(ai) DoDI 1332.29

(aj) MCO P1300.8R W/CH 1-8

(ak) Title 8, U.S.C.

(al) SECNAVINST M-5210.1

(am) SECNAVINST 5510.30B

(an) DoDI 1332.14

(ao) Title 14, U.S.C.

(ap) SECNAVINST 1920.7B

(aq) DoDD 1332.35

MCO 1900.16

26 Nov 2013

2

(ar) DoDI 1332.36

(as) SECNAVINST 1412.9B

(at) DoDI 1205.05

(au) DoDI 1200.15

(av) DoDI 1215.07

(aw) MCTFSPRIUM (Online)

(ax) DoDI 1310.02

(ay) MCO 1001.45J

(az) SECNAVINST 1000.7F

(ba) SECNAVINST 1850.4E

(bb) SECNAVINST 6320.24A

(bc) DoDI 6490.04

(bd) SECNAVINST 5300.30E

(be) MCO P1400.32D W/CH 1&2

(bf) MCO P1100.72C W/ERRATUM

(bg) MCO 1752.5B

(bh) MCO 1000.9A

(bi) DoDI 1332.30

(bj) DoDI 1215.13

(bk) DoDI 6495.02

(bl) MCO 1306.17F

(bm) MCO 1000.6

(bn) MCO 1740.13C

(bo) MCO 5000.12E

(bp) MCO 1306.16F

(bq) DoDI 1315.15

(br) MCO 1770.2A W/CH 1

(bs) DoDI 1332.42

(bt) MCO 6110.3 W/CH 1

(bu) MCO P5800.16A W/CH 1-6

(bv) MCO 1040R.35

(bw) DoDI 6040.44

(bx) MCO 6320.2E

(by) MCO 1754.11

(bz) MCO 3000.13

Encl: (1) Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual (Short Title:

MARCORSEPMAN)

1. Situation. Changes in Federal law (i.e., the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t

Tell), Department of Defense and Department of the Navy regulations (i.e.,

administrative separations, the creation of the Integrated Disability

Evaluation System) and other Marine Corps policy changes necessitated a

revision of the Separation and Retirement Manual.

2. Cancellation. MCO P1900.16F W/ CH 1-2.

3. Mission. To notify all on the distribution list of the revision to this

Order and to update regulations and policies on separations and retirements.

4. Execution. There have been substantial changes to this revision as

indicated throughout the order by asterisks by those paragraphs.

a. Commander’s Intent and Concept of Operations

MCO 1900.16

26 Nov 2013

3

(1) Commander’s Intent. This Order is a revision to MCO 1900.16F Ch 2

and provides guidance on the administrative separation and retirement of

Marines.

(2) Concept of Operations. This Order provides the necessary

direction to ensure that all Marines are separated or retired from the Marine

Corps in accordance with law, regulation and uniform Marine Corps policy.

b. Subordinate Elements Missions. This revision shall be reviewed and

applied by all commands in the separation or retirement of Marines.

5. Administration and Logistics

a. Distribution Statement A directives issued by CMC are published

electronically and can be accessed online via the Marine Corps homepage at

http://www.usmc.mil and MCPEL CD-ROM.

b. Access to an online medium will suffice for directives that can be

obtained from the Internet, CD-ROM, or other sources.

c. Records created as a result of this Order shall be managed according

to National Archives and Records Administration approved dispositions per

reference (al), to ensure proper maintenance, use, accessibility and

preservation, regardless of format of medium.

6. Command and Signal

a. Command. This change to the Order is applicable to the Marine Corps

Total Force.

b. Signal. This change to the Order is effective the date signed.

R. E. MILSTEAD JR

Deputy Commandant for

Manpower and Reserve Affairs

DISTRIBUTION: 10202730000

MCO 1900.16

26 Nov 2013

i

LOCATOR

SHEET

Subj: MARINE CORPS SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT MANUAL (SHORT

TITLE:

MARCORSEPMAN)

Location: _________________________________________________________________

(Indicate location(s) of copy(ies) of this Manual.)

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

ii Enclosure (1)

RECORD OF CHANGES

Log completed change action as indicated.

| | |

Change | Date of | Date | Signature of Person

Number | Change | Entered | Incorporated Change

| | |

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

iii Enclosure (1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER

1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

2 RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

3 SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

4 ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS FOR CAUSE

5 OFFICER RESIGNATIONS AND INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES AS A RESULT OF A SECOND

FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION WHILE ON THE ACTIVE DUTY LIST

6 ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

7 RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED MARINES AND TRANSFER TO THE FLEET MARINE CORPS

RESERVE (FMCR)

8 SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT FOR PHYSICAL DISABILITY

APPENDICES

A SEPARATION PROGRAM DESIGNATOR CODES (SPD)

B DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR DD FORMS 214WS, 214, AND 214C 215

C CHECKLIST FOR SEPARATIONS

D INFORMATION CONCERNING REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES OF THE BOARD FOR

CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS (BCNR) AND NAVAL DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD

(NDRB)

E AUTOMATED PROCESSING OF SEPARATION AND RETIREMENTS UNDER THE MARINE

CORPS TOTAL FORCE SYSTEM (MCTFS)

F STATE DIRECTORS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

G JURISDICTION AND ADDRESSES OF VA REGIONAL OFFICES

H RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE

I REENLISTMENT CODES

J RETIREMENT PREAPPLICATION CHECKLIST

K BENEFITS AT SEPARATION (BASED ON CHARACTERIZATION OF SERVICE)

L INVOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATIVE DISCHARGE OUTLINE, CHECKLIST, AND FORMS

M REFERENCES

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Chapter 1 TOC 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

PARAGRAPH

GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1001

DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1002

TYPES OF SEPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1003

CHARACTERIZATION OF SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1004

DISCHARGE FOR EXPIRATION OF ENLISTMENT OR FULFILLMENT OF SERVICE

OBLIGATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1005

TIME AND PLACE OF SEPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1006

EFFECTIVE TIME OF SEPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1007

RETENTION BEYOND DATE DUE FOR SEPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1008

TRAVEL UPON SEPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1009

ACCRUED LEAVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1010

MEDICAL QUALIFICATION FOR SEPARATION & HEALTH ASSESSMENTS MEDICAL

EVALUATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1011

RETIREMENT CEREMONY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1012

SECTION 1: ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS RELATIVE TO SEPARATION

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1101

AUTOMATION OF RETIRED PAY ACCOUNTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1102

NOTIFICATION TO IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE . . . . . . . 1103

SEPARATION OF ALIENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1104

DISCHARGE ADJUDGED BY SENTENCE OF COURT-MARTIAL . . . . . . . . . . 1105

SECTION 2: CERTIFICATE OF RELEASE OR DISCHARGE FROM ACTIVE DUTY

(DD FORM 214); CERTIFICATE OF RELEASE OR DISCHARGE FROM

ACTIVE DUTY WORKSHEET (DD FORM 214WS); CERTIFICATE OF

RELEASE OF DISCHARGE FROM ACTIVE DUTY CONTINUATION SHEET

(DD FORM 214C); AND CORRECTION TO DD FORM 214C, CERTIFICATE

OF RELEASE OR DISCHARGE FROM ACTIVE DUTY (DD FORM 215)

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Chapter 1 TOC 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

PARAGRAPH

FORMS WILL BE PREPARED USING THE DOCUMENT TRACKING AND MANAGEMENT

SYSTEM (DTMS) IN MARINE ONLINE (MOL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1200

GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1201

OCCASIONS, PREPARATION, DELIVERY, AND DISTRIBUTION . . . . . . . . . 1202

CONTROL AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND SAFEGUARDING SEPARATION OF DD FORM 214

SERIES AND 215. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1203

SPONSORSHIP OF THE DD FORM 214/215 SERIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1204

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ASSIGNMENT AND SAFEGUARDING SEPARATION PROGRAM

DESIGNATOR (SPD) CODES, NARRATIVE REASON, AND EXPLANATION. . . . . . 1205

SECTION 3: ENTITLEMENT TO SEPARATION PAY AND BENEFITS

PURPOSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1301

CANCELLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1302

APPLICABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1303

DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1304

POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1305

RATES OF SEPARATION PAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1306

MARINES ELIGIBLE FOR FULL SEPARATION PAY (NON-DISABILITY) . . . . . 1307

MARINES LIMITED TO HALF SEPARATION PAY (NON-DISABILITY) . . . . . . 1308

PERSONNEL NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SEPARATION PAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1309

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR RESERVE PERSONNEL . . . . . 1310

REPAYMENT OF SEPARATION PAY, SEVERANCE PAY OR READJUSTMENT . . . . . 1311

TRANSITION BENEFITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1312

SECTION 4: CREDITABLE SERVICE FOR ACTIVE DUTY RETIREMENT/TRANSFER TO

THE FMCR, ENTITLEMENT TO RETIRED/RETAINER PAY AND BENEFITS

CREDITABLE SERVICE FOR ACTIVE DUTY RETIREMENT/

TRANSFER TO THE FMCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1401

RETIRED/RETAINER PAY AND RETIRED PAY MULTIPLIER. . . . . . . . . . . 1402

CALCULATING RETIRED/RETAINER PAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1403

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Chapter 1 TOC 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

PARAGRAPH

PAY ACCOUNTS AND ALLOTMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1404

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR RETIERD/FMCR MARINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1405

SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN (SBP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1406

DEFENSE ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY REPORTING SYSTEM (DEERS)-

ID CARD AND MEDICAL BENEFITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1407

SECTION 5: VOLUNTARY RETIRE/RETAIN AND RECALL

RETIRE-RETAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1501

VOLUNTARY RECALL OF MARINES FROM THE RETIRED LIST OR FMCR . . . . . 1502

RETIRED/RETAINER PAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1503

SECTION 6: RETENTION AND NON-DEPLOYABILITY

POLICY AND GUIDANCE FOR NON-DEPLOYABLE MARINES . . . . . . . . . . 1601

RETENTION AND NON-DEPLOYABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1602

RETENTION AND SEPARATION AUTHORITIES . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 1603

FIGURE

DISCHARGE LETTER IN LIEU OF DISCHARGE CERTIFICATE . . . . . . . . . 1-1

SAMPLE ORDERS FOR LEAVE AWAITING SEPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

TABLE

CHARACTERIZATION OF SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

MCO

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26 Nov 2013

Para 1001 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1001

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-1

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9304/9305

DSN: 278-9304/9305

Reference: None

1001. GENERAL

1. This Manual provides procedures for separating Marines:

a. Upon fulfillment of service obligation/requirement by reason of

expiration of active service (EAS), expiration of obligated service (EOS),

resignation, and transfer to the Retired List, Fleet Marine Corps Reserve

(FMCR), or Retired Reserve; or,

b. Before completion of service obligation by reason of administrative

separation, both voluntary and involuntary; disciplinary action; disability;

failure of selection for promotion; and resignation for cause in the case of

certain officers.

2. This Chapter provides definitions, information, rules of interpretation,

and prescribes procedures and policies applicable throughout this Manual, and

where applicable to more than one Chapter, unless otherwise noted.

3. For the purposes of this Manual, the term “separation” will include

retirement and transfer to the FMCR, and the term “retirement” will include

transfer to the FMCR, except when otherwise specified.

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Para 1002 1 of 10 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1002

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-1

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9304/9305

DSN: 278-9304/9305

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(f) Title 50 U.S.C.

(i) Federal Register Vol 73, No. 128, pp 38030-69

(n) DoD 7000.14-R

(ai) DoDI 6400.06

(am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)

(ao) United States Navy Regulations 1990 W/CH 1

(ap) JAGINST 5800.7F

(ba) SECNAVINST 5815.3J

(bg) MCO 1001R.1L W/CH 1

(bx) MCO 1754.11

(cc) MCO 5354.1E W/Admin CH

(ck) MCO P1400.31C W/CH 1

(cs) MARADMIN 372/12

1002. DEFINITIONS

1. Active Commissioned Service. Service on active duty as a commissioned

officer in the grade of Chief Warrant Officer 2 or above.

2. Active Duty. Full-time duty in the active military service of the United

States to include full-time training duty, annual training, and active duty

for training.

3. Active Duty for Training. Active duty for Reserve training with

automatic reversion to inactive-duty upon completion.

4. Active Duty List. Lists required to be maintained by the Secretary of

the Navy of active duty officers per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C., other

than those excepted by Section 641. Reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section

574, addresses warrant officers and Section 620 all other officers.

Additional information on active duty lists is contained in reference (ck)

MCO P1400.31C W/CH 1, Officers Promotion Manual.

5. Active Reserve Program (AR). Marines who are part of the Selected

Reserve on full-time active duty under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section

12310, for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing,

or training the Reserve component.

6. Active Service. Service performed on active duty. One of the prime

factors upon which initial retirement eligibility is based.

7. Active Status. The status of a Reservist who is a member of the Ready

Reserve or the Active Status List of the Standby Reserve, including Reserve

officers on the active duty list.

8. Administrative Separation. Discharge or release from Regular or Reserve

active duty or reserve status upon or before expiration of enlistment, period

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of induction, or other required period of service, in the manner prescribed

in this Manual, by law, by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the

Navy, but specifically excluding punitive separation by the sentence of a

general or special court-martial.

9. Broken Service. Active duty or active duty for training in any branch of

military service of the United States broken by any period greater than

24 hours and after completing a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks of active

duty or active duty for training, unless such service results in continuous

service as defined below.

10. Bullying. Any conduct whereby a Service member or DoD employee

intentionally and without proper authority but with a nexus to military

service excludes or rejects a Service member or members, regardless of

Service or rank, through cruel, abusive, humililating, oppressive, demeaning,

or harmful behavior, which results in diminishing the Marine’s dignity,

position, or status. Bullying is evaluated by a reasonable person standard.

110. Characterization of Service. Classification of the quality of service

rendered.

12. Child Abuse. Per reference (ai) DoDI 6400.06, physical or sexual abuse,

emotional abuse, or neglect of a child by a parent, guardian, foster parent,

or by a caregiver, whether the caregiver is intrafamilial or extrafamilial,

under circumstances indicating the child’s welfare is harmed or threatened.

Such acts by a sibling, other family member, or other person shall be deemed

to be child abuse only when the individual is providing care under express or

implied agreement with the parent, guardian, or foster parent.

131. Commander/Commanding Officer. Interchangeable terms for a board-

selected or duly appointed commissioned officer or warrant officer who, by

virtue of rank and assignment and per reference (ao) United States Navy

Reulations 1990 W/CH 1, exercises special court-martial convening authority

and primary command authority over a military organization or prescribed

territorial area that under pertinent official directives is recognized as a

“command.”

142. Commissioned Officer. An officer in any of the military Services who

holds a grade and office under a commission signed by the President, and who

is appointed as a Regular or Reserve officer in the grade of CWO-2 or above.

153. Commissioned Service. All periods of service as a commissioned officer

or commissioned warrant officer, (CWO-2 and above), in the Army, Navy, Air

Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard while on active duty or in an inactive-

status.

164. Continental United States (CONUS). United States territory, including

the adjacent territorial waters, located within North America between Canada

and Mexico.

175. Continuous Service

a. For Officers. Military service unbroken by any period greater than

24 hours.

b. For Enlisted Personnel

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(1) Service in the Regular Navy or Naval Reserve or the Regular

Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve which is continued by reenlistment

“within 3 months” following discharge or release from active duty. A Marine

who is reenlisted on the same day of the month, three calendar months from

the date of discharge or release from active duty, is reenlisted “within

three months.”

(2) Reenlistment “within six months” following discharge or release

from active duty provided the Marine is classified RE-1, recommended for

preferred reenlistment, and holds an MOS listed as a “reenlistable” MOS. A

Marine who reenlisted on the same day of the month, six calendar months from

the date of discharge or release from active duty, is reenlisted “within six

months.”

186. Convening Authority. The separation authority or a commanding officer

empowered to convene a special court-martial, who has been authorized by the

Secretary of the Navy to process a case for final action and who otherwise

has the qualifications to act as a separation authority.

197. Counsel. A lawyer qualified and certified under reference (am) Manual

for Courts-Martial (MCM), Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article

27(b), assigned to represent a Marine during separation processing, or a

civilian lawyer retained at the Marine’s expense.

208. Discharge. Complete severance from all military status gained by

appointment, enlistment, or induction.

210. Dismissal. Separation of a commissioned officer, effected by sentence

of a general court-martial, or in commutation of such a sentence, or, in time

of war, by order of the President, or separation of a warrant officer (WO-1)

who is dismissed by order of the President in time of war. A complete

severance from all military status.

22. Dissident and Protest Activity (Including Supremacist Activity).

Knowing and wrongful conduct that involves actively advocating supremacist,

extremist, or criminal gang doctrine, ideology, or causes, including those

that advance, encourage, or advocate illegal discrimination based on race,

creed, color, sex (including gender identity), religion, ethnicity, national

origin, or sexual orientation or those that advance, encourage, or advocate

the use of force, violence, or criminal activity, or otherwise advance

efforts to deprive individuals of their civil rights.

2319. Domestic, Intimate Partner, and Immediate Family Member Abuse.

Domestic violence or a pattern of behavior resulting in emotional or

psychological abuse, economic control, and/or interference with personal

liberty that is directed toward a person who is: (a) a current or former

spouse; (b) a person with whom the abuser shares a child in common; (c) an

immediate family member or (d) a current or former intimate partner with whom

the abuser shares or has shared a common domicile. Domestic violence is

further defined as the use, attempted use, or threatened use of force or

violence against a person, or a violation of a lawful order issued for the

protection of a person who is: (a) a current or former spouse; (b) a person

with whom the abuser shares a child in common; (c) an immediate family member

; or (d) a current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares or

has shared a common domicile.

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241. Drop From the Rolls. A complete severance of military status pursuant

to a specific statutory authority, without characterization of service.

252. Effective Date of Retirement. All retirements, except those by reason

of physical disability and Reservists who are retiring with pay at age 60,

are effective on the 1st day of the month. In the case of mandatory

retirements, retirements will be effected on the 1st day of the month

following the month in which the officer meets the statutory limit.

263. Entry-Level Status. Upon enlistment, a Marine qualifies for entry-

level status during: (1) the first 180 days of continuous active military

service; or, (2) the first 180 days of continuous active service after a

service break following more than 92 days of active service. A Marine of a

Reserve component who was not on active duty or is serving under a call or

order to active duty for 180 days or less begins entry-level status upon

enlistment in a Reserve component. Entry-level status for a Marine of a

Reserve component terminates as follows: (1) 180 days after beginning

training if the Marine is ordered to active duty for training for one

continuous period of 180 days or more; or, (2) 90 days after the beginning of

the second period of active duty training, if the Marine is ordered to active

duty for training under a program that splits the training into two or more

separate periods of active duty. For the purposes of characterization of

service or description of separation, the Marine’s status is determined by

the date of notification as to the initiation of separation proceedings. The

period of entry-level status is not interrupted by unauthorized absence or

desertion.

274. Expiration of Active Service (EAS). The day active service terminates,

including voluntary extensions of enlistment, Convenience of the Government

Legal (CofGL), or Convenience of the Government Medical (CofGM) status, for

Marines voluntarily retained on active duty.

285. Expiration of Current Contract (ECC). The date the current contract

expires, excluding voluntary extensions of enlistment thereof that have not

become effective.

296. Expiration of Obligated Service (EOS). The termination of the

obligation under the terms of reference (f) Title 50 U.S.C., the Military

Selective Service Act, and Section 651 of reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

3027. Foreign Service. Service performed outside the fifty United States or

its territories (American Samoa, Northern Marianas Islands, Guam, Puerto

Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands). Permanent assignment to sea duty (sea

service) is not counted as foreign service. (See “Overseas” and “OCONUS”.)

31. General Court-Martial Convening Authority (GCMCA). Defined by reference

(am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM), Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)

Article 22, and reference (ap) JAGINST 5800.7F Section 0120(a). (Note: In

some commands the Secretary of the Navy has designated colonels as the

GCMCA.)

32. Harassment. Any conduct whereby a Service member or DoD employee

knowingly, recklessly or intentionally and without poper authority but with a

nexus to military service engage in conduct that is unwelcome or offensive to

a reasonable person or that is unwelcome and based on race, color, religion,

sex (to include gender identity), national origin, or sexual orientation, and

where (1) enduring the unwelcome or offensive conduct becomes a condition of

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continued employment or service, or (2) the conduct is severe or pervasive

enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider

intimidating, hostile, abusive or as otherwise having an adverse impact on

the unit.

3328. Illegal Drug Involvement. Officers, see paragraph 4103.1. Enlisted,

see paragraph 6210.5.

34. Immediate family. That person’s spouse, parent, brother or sister,

child, or other person to whom he or she stands in loco parentis; or any

other person living in his or her household and related to him or her by

blood or marriage.

35. Intimate partner. A former spouse of the specific person, a person who

shares a child in common with the specific person, or a person who cohabits

with or has cohabited as a spouse with the specific person; or a person who

has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the

specific person, as dtermined by the length of the relationship, the type of

relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved

in the relationship.

3629. Inactive-Duty Service. Duty authorized for Reserve Marines by

appropriate authority and performed on a voluntary basis in connection with

prescribed training or maintenance activities of assigned units. Inactive-

duty service may be creditable for pay purposes. For additional guidance see

reference (bg) MCO 1001R.1L W/CH 1, and reference (n) DoD 7000.14-R.

370. Legal Advisor. A lawyer, uniformed or civilian, under the professional

supervision of either the Judge Advocate General of the Navy or Staff Judge

Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or General Counsel of the

Navy, certified under, or otherwise meeting the professional requirements of

reference (am) Manural for Courts-Marital (MCM), UCMJ Article 27(b).

381. Mandatory/Involuntary Retirement. Retirement required by law or

enlisted regulations or as a result of actions by a selective early

retirement board.

392. Mandatory Separation Processing. A general term used to ensure the

commander initiates the involuntary administrative separation process to the

separation authority. This term does not mean that a board hearing is

mandatory or that the separation of the respondent is mandatory.

4033. Marine. Officer or enlisted member of the Regular or Reserve

components establishment of the Marine Corps.

4134. Member (also Service member). A term used in law and regulation to

describe persons in the Regular or Reserve components of the Armed Forces.

4235. Military Record. An individual’s overall performance while a member

of the military Service, including personal conduct and performance of duty.

4336. Nonprobationary Officers. A commissioned officer other than a

probationary commissioned officer.

4437. Obligated Service. All service prescribed in the officer program

through which an officer was accessed and all service incurred by the officer

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in consideration of being tendered an initial appointment, or any additional

obligation incurred.

4538. Officer. A member of the naval service serving in a commissioned or

warrant officer grade, either temporary or permanent. The term “officer”

does not include any midshipman at the Naval Academy; midshipman, U.S. Navy;

midshipman, U.S. Naval Reserve; aviation cadet; or other person in an officer

candidate status similar to any one or more of the foregoing.

4639. Other Than Active Reserve. Reserve warrant officers on the Reserve

Active Status List (RASL), but not in the AR program.

47. Ostracism. Any conduct whereby a Service member or DoD employee

intentionally and without proper authority but with a nexus to military

service excludes a Service member or members, regardless of Service or rank,

from social acceptance, privilege, or friendship with the intent to inflict

emotional distress, discourage the reporting of a criminal offense, or

otherwise discourage the due admininstration of justice.

480. Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS). Any area of the world

other than the CONUS, to include Alaska and Hawaii.

491. Overseas. All locations, including Alaska and Hawaii, outside the

continental United States.

5042. Prior Enlistment or Period of Service

a. Service in the Regular or Reserve component of the Armed Forces,

including the Coast Guard, under a DD Form 4 (enlistment contract) or an

extension of an enlistment contract and which was terminated by issuance of a

DD Form 214, discharge certificate, certificate of service, or report

attesting to the type and character of service rendered during that period.

b. In determining characterization for separation from the Reserve

component, “Prior Enlistment of Period of Service” does not include service,

pursuant to orders or an agreement by a Marine of the Reserve component on

active duty for training or active duty for special work, even if the end of

that service is memorialized by a DD Form 214 indicating release from active

duty.

5143. Probationary Commissioned Officer

a. A commissioned officer on the Active Duty List with less than six

years of active commissioned service; or,

b. A Reserve commissioned officer with less than six years of

commissioned service. However, a Reserve commissioned officer serving in an

active status before 1 October 1996 who was in a probationary status before

that date, is a probationary commissioned officer for a period of three years

from the date of his or her appointment as a Reserve commissioned officer.

5244. Qualified Resignation. A resignation for which the least favorable

characterization of service allowed is general (under honorable conditions).

5345. Release from Active Duty. Termination of active duty status and

transfer or reversion to a Reserve component not on active duty, including

transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).

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5446. Resignation. The request, by an officer, to be divested of his or her

commission or warrant. Such requests may be classified as “Unqualified,”

“Qualified,” or “For the Good of the Service” as defined in this Chapter.

Upon acceptance by the Secretary and completion of all administrative

procedures, it represents a complete severance from all military status.

5547. Resignation for the Good of the Service. A resignation for which the

least favorable characterization of service allowed is under other than

honorable conditions.

5648. Respondent. A Marine who is the subject of separation proceedings.

57. Retaliation. Any conduct whereby a Service member or DoD employee

intentionally and without proper authority but with a nexus to military

service takes or threatens to take any unfavorable action or witholds or

threatens to withold a favorable action against an individual because that

individual: made or was preparing to make or was perceived as making or

preparing to make a protected communication; reported or was planning to

report a criminal offense; engaged or was preparing to engage in activity in

furtherance of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) or Military Equal

Opportunity (MEO) laws and regulations; or , opposed direction to engage in

an action that violates law, rule, or regulation or reference (cc) MCO

5354.1E W/Admin CH.

5849. Retention on Active Duty. The continuation of an individual in an

active duty status in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve.

590. Revocation of Appointment/Revocation of Commission/Termination of

Appointment. A complete termination of the military service status of an

officer.

6051. Separation. A general term which includes discharge, dismissal,

dropping from the rolls, revocation of an appointment or commission,

termination of an appointment, release from active duty, release from custody

and control of the Marine Corps, or transfer from active duty to the: IRR,

Fleet Marine Corps Reserve, Retired List, Temporary or Permanent Disability

Retired List, or Retired Reserve, and similar changes in a Regular active or

Reserve status.

6152. Separation Authority. The Secretary of the Navy or an official

authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to take final action with respect to

a specified type of separation.

6253. Separation Processing. Processing is initiated on the date a command

receives a written request for separation from a Marine, or on the date a

command delivers a Marine notice of separation proceedings per Section 3 of

Chapter 6. Processing is not completed until the appropriate separation

authority takes final action.

6354. Sexual Assault Initial Disposition Authority (SA-IDA). An O-6 special

court-martial convening authority who has the non-delegable responsibility

for initial disposition under R.C.M. 306, reference (am) Manural Courts-

Martial (MCM), and Withholding of IDA, reference (cs) MARADMIN 372/12 for

certain sexual assault offenses.

6457. Sex Offender. A person having been convicted of a criminal offense

according to guidelines in The National Guidelines for Sex Offender

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Registration and Notification July 2, 2008, per reference (i) Federal

Register Vol 73, No. 128, pp 38030-69.

6555. Sex Offense. A criminal conviction for an offense that requires

registration as a sexual offender per the National Guidelines for Sex

Offender Registration and Notification, per reference (i) Federal Register

Vol 73, No. 128, pp 38030-69.

6656. Sexual Harassment. Per reference (cc) NCI 5354.1E W/Admin CH, any

conduct whereby a Service member or DoD employee knowingly, recklessly or

intentionally and without proper authority but with a nexus to military

service engages in conduct that is unwelcome or offensive to a reasonable

person, and where (1) enduring the unwelcome or offensive conduct becomes a

condition of continued employment or service, or (2) the conduct is severe or

pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would

consider intimidating, hostile, abusive or as otherwise having an adverse

impact on the unit. A form of sex discrimination that involves unwelcome

sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical

conduct of a sexual nature when:

a. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a

term or condition of a person’s job, pay, career; or,

b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is used as a

basis for career or employment decisions affecting that person; or,

c. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering

with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or

offensive work environment. Abusive work environment harassment need not

result in concrete psychological harm to the victim, but rather need only be

so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would perceive, and the

victim does perceive, the work environment as hostile or abusive.

a. Knowing, reckless, or intentional conduct with a nexus to military

service is that which:

(1) Involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,

and deliberate or repeated offensive comments or gestures of a sexual nature

when:

(a) Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or

implicitly a term or condition of a person’s job, pay, career; or,

(b) Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is

used as a basis for career or employment decisions affecting that person; or,

(c) Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably

interfering with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating,

hostile, or offensive working environment; or,

(2) Is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would

perceive, and the victim does perceive, the work environment as hostile or

offensive.

b. Any knowing, reckless, or intentional use or condonation, by any

person in a supervisory or command position, of any form of sexual behavior

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to control, influence, or affect the career, pay, or job of a Service member

or DoD employee.

c. Any conduct whereby a Service member or DoD employee knowingly,

recklessly, or intentionally and without proper authority but with a nexus to

military service makes deliberate or repeated unwelcome verbal comments or

gestures of a sexual nature.

d. There is no requirement for concrete psychological harm to the

complainant for behavior to constitute sexual harassment.

6758. The Secretary. The Secretary of the Navy; includes the Under

Secretary of the Navy or an Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

68. Unlawful discrimination. Any conduct whereby a Service member or DoD

employee knowingly and wrongfully and without proper authority but with a

nexus to military service treats another Service member or DoD employee

adversely or differently based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex

(including gender identity), or sexual orientation.

6959. Unqualified Resignation. A resignation for which the only

characterization of service allowed is honorable.

70. Victim. Per reference (ba) SECNAVINST 5815.3J, a person who has

suffered direct physical, emotional, or pecuniary harm as a result of the

commission of a crime.

7160. Voluntary Retirement. Retirement effected as a result of a request

from a Marine.

72. Wrongful Distribution or Broadcasting of an Intimate Image

a. Per reference (cc) MCO 5354.1E W/Admin CH, distribution or

broadcasting of an intimate image is wrongful if the person making the

distribution or broadcast does so without legal justification or excuse,

knows or reasonably should know that the depicted person did not consent to

the disclosure, and the intimate image is distributed or broadcast:

(1) With the intent to realize personal gain; or,

(2) With the intent to humiliate, harm, harass, intimidate, threaten,

or coerce the depicted person; or,

(3) With reckless disregard as to whether the depicted person would

be humiliated, harmed, intimidated, threatened, or coerced.

b. Distribution means the act of delivering to the actual or

constructive possession of another, including transmission by electronic

means. Broadcasting means the act of electronically transmitting a visual

image with the intent that it be viewed by a person or persons. An intimate

image is any visual depiction, including by electronic means, that:

(1) Includes another person who is identifiable from the depiction

itself or from information conveyed in connection with the depiction;

(2) Depicts that person engaging in sexually explicit conduct or

depicts the private area of that person; and,

MCO

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15 FEB 2019

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(3) Taken under the circumstances in which the person depicted has a

reasonable expectation of privacy.

c. “Sexually explicit conduct” and “private area” have the meaning

assigned to them in Part IV of reference (am) Manual for Courts-Martial

(MCM).

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Para 1003 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1003

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(x) DoDI 1332.14

(aa) DoDI 1332.30

(am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)

1003. TYPES OF SEPARATION. The most common types of separations are listed

below. The first six are administrative separations and may be awarded per

this Manual. The last two are punitive and may only be awarded as a result

of an approved sentence of the appropriate level court-martial. In certain

cases, service upon separation may be uncharacterized.

Types of Separation Character of Separation Action

Release from active Honorable, General (Under Administrative

duty Honorable Conditions),

Uncharacterized

Honorable discharge Honorable Administrative

General discharge General (Under Honorable Administrative

Conditions)

Discharge Under Other Under Other Than Honorable Administrative

Than Honorable Conditions

Conditions

Entry-level separation Uncharacterized Administrative

(entry-level

status)

Order of release from Uncharacterized Administrative

custody or control

of the Marine Corps

Bad-conduct discharge Bad-conduct General CM

Special CM

Dishonorable discharge Dishonorable General CM

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Para 1004 1 of 8 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1004

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

References: (x) DoDI 1332.14

(ai) DoDI 6400.06

(al) DoDM 6400.01 Vol 3

(am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)

(ax) SECNAVINST 5300.28E

(bs) MCO 1610.7

(bx) MCO 1754.11

(cj) MCO P1070.12K

1004. CHARACTERIZATION OF SERVICE

1. Importance of Proper Characterization. Per applicable regulations,

separation authorities and the Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve

Affairs (DC M&RA) determine characterization of service for enlisted Marines,

and the DC M&RA and the Secretary of the Navy determine the characterization

of service for officers.

a. Characterization is recognition of the quality of a Marine’s

performance and conduct. Determining the proper characterization should not

be underestimated. Characterization serves as a goal for each Marine and as

a meaningful endorsement to potential employers.

b. Most Marines serve honorably. In fairness to those Marines,

commanders and separation authorities should ensure that undeserving Marines

receive no higher characterization than is due.

2. Types of Characterization or Description. In addition to information

provided in Table 1-1, characterization of service or description of

separation based upon administrative action is authorized as follows:

a. Honorable. This is the highest quality of characterization.

(1) Honorable Upon EAS Separation. Honorable characterization is

appropriate when the quality of the Marine’s service has met the standards of

accepted conduct and performance of duty for military personnel.

Characterization will normally be honorable for Marines with both average

proficiency marks of 3.0 or higher and average conduct marks of 4.0 or

higher. Marines with proficiency marks below 3.0 and conduct marks below 4.0

may receive an honorable characterization at the separation authority's

discretion. The separation authority may determine an honorable

characterization of service is warranted in cases where a Marine’s service is

otherwise so meritorious that any other characterization would clearly be

inappropriate.

(2) Honorable Upon Involuntary Administrative Separation Under

Chapter 6 or Separation in Lieu of Trial by Court-Martial. If a Marine is

being separated as a result of adverse conduct, unsatisfactory performace, or

is requesting separation in lieu of court-martial, an honorable

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15 FEB 2019

Para 1004 2 of 8 Enclosure (1)

characterization is appropriate only if the Marine’s service is otherwise so

meritorious that any other characterization would clearly be inappropriate.

b. General (Under Honorable Conditions). This is the second highest

quality of characterization and is appropriate if the Marine’s service has

been honest and faithful, but significant negative aspects of the Marine’s

conduct or performance outweigh positive aspects of the Marine’s military

record.

(1) General Upon EAS Separation. A separation authority may assign a

general (under honorable conditions) characterization of service to enlisted

Marine regardless of the Marine’s rank. See paragraph 1005 of this Manual

for authority to discharge enlisted Marines upon the expiration of

enlistment, extension of enlistment, or period of induction. The separation

authority for enlisted Marines with 18 or more years of service is the DC

M&RA.

(a) Corporals and below with average proficieny marks below 3.0

and conduct marks below 4.0. Characterization of service for Marines in this

category should be general (under honorable conditions). No additional

documentation or justification is required to assign a general (under

honorable conditions) characterization of service in these cases.

(b) In all other enlisted cases, the conduct at issue must meet a

basis that could result in involuntary administrative separation per

paragraphs 6210, 6212, 6213, or 6215 of this Manual Order. The Marine must

be notified in writing and be afforded a reasonable opportunity to submit

matters for consideration. If a separation authority then concludes that a

general (under honorable conditions) characterization of service is still

warranted, the reasons for that determination must be documented on page 11

of the Service Record Book/Electronic Service Record (SRB/ESR). All

supporting documents shall be forwarded to CMC (MMRP-20) for inclusion in the

Marine’s Official Military Personnel File (OMPF). If the Marine chooses not

to submit matters for consideration, no further page 11 entries are required.

The following page 11 entry will be used to document a separation authority's

intent to characterize a Marine’s service as general (under honorable

conditions):

“(DATE): I have been informed by my separation authority that I may

receive a general (under honorable conditions) characterization of

service upon release from active duty based on (describe incident(s),

e.g. DUI, NJP(s), act(s) of misconduct). This behavior is a

significant departure from the conduct expected of a Marine and could

be the basis for involuntary administrative separation in accordance

with this Manual Order, paragraph (6210, 6212, 6213, 6215). I was

advised of my right to seek legal advice and to submit matters for my

separation authority’s consideration and that such matters may be

submitted within 5 working days after acknowledgement of this

notification. I wish (to)/(not to) submit matters for consideration.”

SNM CO

This entry must be signed certified by the Marine and the separation

authority. The following page 11 entry will be used to document a separation

authority’s decision after consideration of any matters submitted by the

Marine:

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1004 3 of 8 Enclosure (1)

“(DATE): After careful consideration of (Marine’s Rank, Name) (conduct

and matters submitted for consideration), I have concluded that a

general (under honorable conditions) characterization of service

(is)/(is not) warranted. My decision is based on the incident cited on

(date of the page 11 above) (and or any additional incidents or

circumstances).” CO

(2) General Upon Involuntary Administrative Separation Under Chapter

6 or Separation in Lieu of Trial by Court-Martial. A general (under

honorable conditions) characterization is authorized for involuntary

administrative separations under Chapter 6 or if a Marine is requesting

separation in lieu of court-martial. However, if a Marine is requesting

separation in lieu of court-martial, a general (under honorable conditions)

characterization is appropriate only if the Marine's service is otherwise so

meritorious that any other characterization would clearly be inappropriate.

c. Under Other Than Honorable Conditions (OTH). This is the least

favorable administrative characterization.

(1) OTH Upon EAS Separation. Not authorized.

(2) OTH Upon Involuntary Administrative Separation Under Chapter 6 or

Separation in Lieu of Trial by Court-Martial. OTH is appropriate when the

basis for separation is commission or omission of an act that constitutes a

significant departure from the conduct expected of a Marine. Examples of

factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to: the use of

force or violence to produce serious bodily injury or death, abuse of special

positions of trust, disregard of customary senior-subordinate relationships,

acts or omissions endangering the security of the Marine Corps, deliberate

acts or omissions seriously endangering the health and safety of others, and

drug abuse. OTH characterization is authorized only if (1) the Marine has

been afforded the opportunity to request an administrative board, or (2) the

Marine requests separation in lieu of trial by court-martial under paragraph

6419 of this Manual Order.

(3) When an enlisted Marine serving in pay grade E-4 or above is

administratively separated with an other than honorable characterization of

service, the Marine shall be administratively reduced to pay grade E-3, with

such reduction to become effective upon separation. The automatic reduction

to pay grade E-3 does not apply for Marines transferred to the FMCR. See

paragraph 6106.4.

(4) Marines being processed for administrative separation with a

characterization of service under other than honorable conditions must be

informed, in writing, that they may petition the Veterans Benefits

Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs for certain benefits

under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, despite the

characterization of the member's service. Notification will be provided to

the Service member in conjunction with the notification of the separation or

as soon thereafter as practicable.

d. Uncharacterized. See paragraph 1004.5.

3. Guidelines for Determining Characterization for Involuntary

Administrative Separations Under Chapter 6. A board or separation authority

may consider the following factors and any other relevant information in

determining characterization:

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15 FEB 2019

Para 1004 4 of 8 Enclosure (1)

a. Standards of performance and conduct as determined by reference (bs)

MCO 1610.7, reference(cj) MCO P1070.12K, and customs of the Service form the

primary bases for determining characterization of service. Minimum

acceptable average proficiency and conduct markings during an enlistment are

3.0 and 4.0 respectively. Failure of a Marine to achieve either of these

standards is evidence of significant negative aspects, outweighing all but

the most meritorious military records. Marines who do not achieve these

standards should not receive an honorable discharge.

b. The reason for separation.

c. The type of behavior which is the basis for separation. Generally,

characterization will be based on a pattern of behavior rather than an

isolated incident, although a single instance of misconduct or poor

performance may be the basis for characterization.

d. The limitations on characterization in paragraph 1004.4 and Sections

2 and 4 of Chapter 6.

e. The Marine’s age, length of service, grade, aptitude, and physical

and mental condition.

f. Conduct in the civilian community, whether or not such conduct is

subject to disciplinary action under the UCMJ per reference (am) Manual for

Courts-Martial (MCM), which brings discredit to the Service or prejudices

good order and discipline.

4. Limitations on Characterization

a. Prior Enlistment or Period of Service

(1) Characterization. Characterization of the current enlistment or

period of service is determined by conduct, actions, or performance during

that enlistment or service plus any extensions prescribed by law or

regulations or effected with the consent of the Marine. Thus, positive or

negative conduct, acts, or performance during a period of prior military

service--including court-martial, nonjudicial punishment, absence without

leave, misconduct for which a reenlistment waiver was granted, or commission

of other offenses for which punishment was not imposed or adjudged--cannot be

considered in determining the characterization to be recommended for the

current enlistment. (Note: 6105 counseling entries from previous

enlistments carry over and remain valid in current enlistment.) The issuance

of a DD Form 214 to a Marine of the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) or

Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) after any period of active duty is used in

determining characterization of separation from the Reserve component.

(2) Retention. Prior conduct, acts, or performance can be considered

in determining whether the board or separation authority will recommend or

decide retention or separation. If such matter is considered on the issue of

retention or separation, the record shall include a statement that the

separation authority did not consider such matter on the issue of

characterization.

b. Pre-Service Activities. Pre-service activities, including misconduct

for which an enlistment waiver was granted, may not be considered in

determining characterization except in a proceeding concerning fraudulent

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15 FEB 2019

Para 1004 5 of 8 Enclosure (1)

entry into the Marine Corps. Evidence of pre-service misrepresentations

about matters that would have precluded, postponed, or otherwise affected the

Marine’s eligibility for enlistment or induction may be considered.

c. Serious Offense. When separation is based solely upon a serious

offense or serious offenses (including a violation of Article 112a, UCMJ)

that resulted in a conviction by a special or general court-martial that did

not adjudge a punitive discharge, and the general court-martial convening

authority (GCMCA) recommends a characterization of service as under other

than honorable conditions under the guidance in Sections 1 and 2 of Chapter

6, separation and characterization must be approved by the DC M&RA on a case-

by-case basis. However, referral to the DC M&RA is not required if the

special or general court-martial was not authorized to adjudge a punitive

discharge. For the purpose of this paragraph, summary court-martial,

nonjudicial punishments, and other misconduct considered at a special or

general court-martial do not, thereby, become part of the serious offense(s)

resulting in conviction. Referral to the DC M&RA is not required when the

Marine is notified of processing based upon misconduct in addition to the

serious offense(s) of which convicted at special or general court-martial,

when the additional misconduct would form the basis, in whole or in part, for

an other than honorable characterization of service.

d. Conduct by Reservists. Conduct in the civilian community by a Marine

of the Reserve component (including the IRR) who, at the time of the conduct,

is not on active duty or active duty for training, may form the basis for

characterization under other than honorable conditions only if such

conduct directly affects the performance of military duties (service-

related). Such conduct may form the basis of characterization as general

(under honorable conditions) only if such conduct adversely affects the

overall effectiveness of the Marine Corps including military morale and

efficiency.

e. Drug Abuse. Confirmed illegal drug use requires mandatory

administrative separation processing. If processing is based solely upon

evidence that may not be considered in determining characterization of

service, the separation authority may direct retention or approve an

honorable or general (under honorable conditions) characterization of service

as warranted by the respondent’s service record. In all other administrative

separation proceedings based on drug abuse, the GCMCA may act as the

separation authority and take final action per paragraph 6309 of this Manual

Order (except in cases that must be forwarded to the Secretary of the Navy or

the CMC (DC M&RA) under paragraph 1004.4c or paragraph 6307). See reference

(ax) SECNAVINST 5300.28E, for a detailed discussion.

(1) Using Urinalysis Results. Evidence obtained from an involuntary

urinalysis taken under Military Rules of Evidence 312-316 (bodily or medical

examinations or intrusions, inspections, search, or seizure) per reference

(am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM), may be used in determining

characterization of service and can support an OTH characterization.

Urinalysis results obtained during fitness for duty examinations, if not

based on a probable cause determination or valid medical purpose, cannot be

used as the basis for an unfavorable characterization of service except when

used for impeachment or rebuttal in any proceeding in which evidence of drug

abuse has been first introduced by the Marine.

(2) Rehabilitation. A Marine’s voluntary submission to a DoD

treatment and rehabilitation program, and evidence voluntarily disclosed by

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15 FEB 2019

Para 1004 6 of 8 Enclosure (1)

the Marine as part of the course of treatment in such a program, may not be

used against the Marine on the issue of characterization of service. In such

cases, the separation authority may only direct or approve an honorable or

general (under honorable conditions) characterization of service as warranted

by the respondent’s service record if the separation authority does not

direct retention. This limitation does not apply to:

(a) Introducing evidence for impeachment or rebuttal in any

proceeding in which evidence of drug abuse has been first introduced by the

Marine; or

(b) The taking of action based on independently derived evidence,

including evidence of continued drug abuse after initial entry into a

treatment and rehabilitation program, information disclosed by the Marine to

persons other than military substance abuse program personnel, or information

disclosed in connection with investigation or disciplinary proceedings.

f. Domestic, Intimate Partner, and Immediate Family Member Abuse.

Processing for involuntary administrative separation is mandatory for Service

members determined to have committed an offense of child abuse or domestic,

intimate partner, and immediate family member abuse as defined in paragraph

1002 of this Manual. Per reference (al) DoDM 6400.01 Vol. 3, separation

authorities may not take administrative or disciplinary action against a

Service member based solely upon an Incident Status Determination for an act

allegedly committed by the Service member. Repetition of a child abuse or

domestic, intimate partner, and immediate family member abuse offense for

which rehabilitation or behavior education and counseling services had

previously been afforded, or failure to meet the conditions of court orders

or terms of probation, shall result in processing for administrative

separation. Additionally, Service members who have admitted to having

committed--or who have been found guilty at NJP, court-martial, or a civilian

criminal trial—domestic, intimate partner, and immediate family member abuse,

and who thereafter refuse rehabilitation, refuse to cooperate with or

complete behavior modification programs, or who are not able to cease their

abusive behavior during or after an education or counseling program, shall be

processed for administrative separation. Separation authorities who convene

administrative discharge proceedings in child sexual abuse cases shall, in

all cases, assign a judge advocate as the recorder unless there is a

compelling reason not to do so. In cases of domestic or intimate partner

abuse and other types of child abuse, separation authorities shall, where

available, assign judge advocates as recorders. Nothing in this paragraph

limits the right of convening authorities to take appropriate measures under

the UCMJ. Per reference (aj) DoDI 6400.06, when initiating an administrative

separation as a result of child abuse or domestic or intimate partner abuse,

the separation authority must include the abuse as part of the reason for

separation so that the spouse and family may initiate the application process

for financial compensation and retention of ID card benefits and privileges

through the Transitional Compensation for Abused Family Members program per

reference (bx) MCO 1754.11. Domestic Abuse Repeat Offenders. Separation

authorities shall initiate administrative separation proceedings for Marines

determined to have committed a “Substantiated” second domestic abuse offense

as defined and required by reference (by) MCO 1754.11. When initiating an

administrative separation as a result of domestic abuse involvement, the

separation authority must include domestic abuse as part of the reason for

separation so the spouse and family may initiate the application process for

financial compensation and retention of ID card benefits and privileges

through the Transitional Compensation for Abused Family Members program.

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Para 1004 7 of 8 Enclosure (1)

g. The separation authority for all enlisted Marines with 18 or more

years of active/active constructive service is the DC M&RA. The

characterization of service for these Marines is normally honorable.

Characterization of service for Marines in this category, who are separated

as a result of misconduct, may be less than honorable. In cases which

warrant such a characterization, the command must forward a recommendation to

the CMC (MMSR-2) with supporting documentation including written notification

to the Marine, the Marine’s matters submitted for consideration, and command

endorsements for a determination by the DC M&RA.

5. Uncharacterized Separations

a. Uncharacterized. An uncharacterized description shall be used as

follows: (Note: With respect to administrative matters not pertaining to

Service--i.e., Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits, civilian

employment, etc.-–an uncharacterized separation shall be considered as the

equivalent of an honorable or general (under honorable conditions)

characterization.)

(1) When a separation is initiated while a Marine is in an entry-

level status (see paragraph 1002.23 of this Manual), except in the following

circumstances:

(a) When separation for misconduct or fraudulent enlistment is

authorized and when characterization under other than honorable conditions is

warranted by the circumstances of the case;

(b) When separation in lieu of court-martial is authorized and

when characterization under other than honorable conditions is warranted by

the circumstances of the case; or,

(c) When characterization of service as honorable is clearly

warranted by the presence of unusual circumstances involving personal conduct

and performance of military duty and is approved on a case-by-case basis by

the Secretary of the Navy. Honorable characterization will be considered

when the Marine is separated by reason of selected changes in service

obligation, Convenience of the Government (CofG), disability, or Secretarial

plenary authority.

(2) When a Marine with broken service is separated while in

indoctrination or MOS training and fails to satisfactorily complete such

training; or;

(3) When a Marine is separated while in the Delayed Entry Program

because of ineligibility for enlistment. Separation is effected per

paragraph 6204 of this Manual.

b. Void Enlistment or Induction. A Marine whose enlistment or induction

is void shall not receive a discharge certificate. Characterization of

service shall be uncharacterized. The separation shall be described as an

order of release from custody or control of the Service concerned. When a

constructive enlistment arises, characterization is required.

(1) An enlistment is void in the following circumstances:

(a) If it was effected without the voluntary consent of a person

who has the capacity to understand the significance of enlisting in the

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Para 1004 8 of 8 Enclosure (1)

Marine Corps, including enlistment of a person who is intoxicated or insane

at the time of enlistment;

(b) If the person is under 17 years of age;

(c) If the person is a deserter from another military Service; or

(d) If the person tests positive for drugs or alcohol during the

entrant drug and alcohol test, follow the procedures in paragraph 6211.

(2) Although an enlistment may be void at its inception, a

constructive enlistment arises in the case of a person serving with the

Marine Corps who:

(a) Submitted voluntarily to military authority;

(b) Met mental competency and minimum age qualifications at the

time of voluntary submission to military authority;

(c) Received military pay or allowances; and,

(d) Performed military duties.

(3) If an enlistment is void at its inception and is followed by a

constructive enlistment within the same term of service, characterization of

service, or description of separation, shall be per paragraphs 1003 and 1004.

If the enlistment was void by reason of desertion from another Service, the

Marine shall be separated by an order of release from the custody and control

of the Marine Corps, regardless of any subsequent constructive enlistment,

unless the Secretary of the Navy determines that retention is appropriate.

(4) The occurrence of such a constructive enlistment does not

preclude the CMC, in an appropriate case, from either retaining or separating

the Marine on any basis for separation provided in this Manual.

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1900.16 CH 2

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Para 1005 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1005

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(ch) MCO 7220.24P

1005. DISCHARGE FOR EXPIRATION OF ENLISTMENT OR FULFILLMENT OF SERVICE

OBLIGATION

1. Commanders are authorized to discharge enlisted Marines upon expiration

of enlistment, extension of enlistment, or period of induction. The

expiration of enlistment for any of the above is the date of the month

immediately preceeding the appropriate anniversary of the date of enlistment

as adjusted for any time lost. Refer to paragraph 1007.9 of this Manual

Order for additional guidance regarding the date of separation should this

date fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.

2. Marines who elect to reenlist within 90 days before their expiration of

active service are afforded the same benefits as though they were discharged

at their EAS except as provided in reference (ch) MCO 7220.24P, Selective

Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) Program. The reason for discharge will be

expiration of enlistment.

3. Except for reenlistment or when discharge is otherwise directed by

competent authority, enlisted Marines who have not completed the military

service obligation prescribed in reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 651

will not be discharged upon expiration of enlistment. They will be released

from active duty and transferred to the IRR. Marines separated before their

expiration of enlistment will be transferred to the IRR subject to the

guidance in paragraphs 6311.3 and 6401.5 of this Manual Order.

4. When a Reservist is released from extended active duty vice initial

active duty for training and transferred to the Reserve component vice

discharged (e.g., recruiter’s aide assigned to temporary active duty), use

MBK4 as the separation program designator (SPD) code. See Appendix A for

instructions on accessing SPD codes.

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Para 1006 1 of 5 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1006

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

References: (ah) DoDI 6040.46

(an) Joint Travel Regulations (JTR)

(bb) SECNAVINST 5820.4G

(bv) MCO 1741.11D

(cp) MCTIMS (Online)

1006. TIME AND PLACE OF SEPARATION

1. Commanding officers will separate Marines under their command when due or

directed except:

a. When the unit is located outside the limits of the United States or

in Alaska. (Marines stationed in Hawaii will be separated in Hawaii);

b. When the CMC (MMEA/MMOA) or CMC (RAM) for AR Marines, directs

transfer for separation elsewhere based upon humanitarian or hardship

circumstances;

c. When the Marine is in an unauthorized absence (UA) status on the

effective date of separation, unless the Marine meets the criteria of

paragraph 6312 of this Manual.

2. There may be occasions in which assignments and deployment schedules

cause a unit to have an excess number of first-term Marines, resulting in

lack of billeting spaces and equipment that negatively impacts the quality of

life and morale of the command. In these instances, commanding generals,

endorsed by the appropriate commander, Marine Forces, may request the

separation of selected first-term Marines within 90 days of their EAS. Such

requests should be forwarded to the Director, Manpower Management Division

(MM/MMEA) with an information copy to the Director, Manpower Plans and Policy

Division (MP/MPE) and include the grade, name, EDIPI/MOS, and EAS of the

affected Marines. If approved, these Marines should be separated from their

unit location unless prior coordination and approval is received from a

regional separations site.

3. In no case will Marines be separated more than 90 days before their EAS

without approval by the CMC (MMSR-2). Requests for separation more than 90

days before EAS require Secretary of the Navy approval under paragraph 6421.

4. Marines will be separated in the United States unless other provisions in

this Manual allow for separation OCONUS. Commanding officers of units

overseas must transfer Marines pending separation to a Marine Corps activity

in CONUS that has U.S. Government messing, quarters, medical, and Marine

Corps disbursing facilities (see paragraphs 1006.5 and 1006.6). Commanders

will ensure that Marines arrive at the separation location as close to, but

not less than 10 days before, the effective date of separation (coordinate

with MMEA and MMOA as required). Marines returning from permanent overseas

duty stations who are within 90 days of completing their active service

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Para 1006 2 of 5 Enclosure (1)

obligation may request separation upon return to CONUS. Upon completion of

the administrative requirements of this paragraph, voluntary separation may

be effected pursuant to paragraphs 6401 and 6420 of this Manual.

a. Criteria for Early Separation Upon Return to the United States

(1) The Marine’s enlistment (including any extension thereof) or

period of extended active duty will expire 90 days or less after the date of

arrival in the United States. The intent of this paragraph is to discharge

Marines no earlier than 90 days from their established EAS. If no leave has

accrued the EAS would be adjusted to the date of separation by up to 90 days.

If the Marine had accrued leave and/or PTAD, EAS would be adjusted from the

date of departure from the separation site to give the Marine credit/pay for

those accrued days;

(2) Marine consents in writing as outlined in paragraph 1006.4e;

(3) Marine is not indebted to the U.S. Government;

(4) Marine does not intend to reenlist;

(5) Marines transferring to the Retired List/FMCR are not eligible

for early separation under the provisions of this paragraph; and

(6) The provisions of this paragraph will not be used in conjunction

with other special early release programs.

b. Military Service Obligation (MSO). Separation should be consistent

with the MSO of the Marine. Enlisted Marines whose total obligated service

will expire within a 60-day period may be discharged rather than released to

inactive-duty and their obligation shall be considered fulfilled. Marines

desiring to immediately reenlist will not be separated under this authority.

c. Expiration of Current Contract (ECC) Date. Commanders must report

via unit diary a change of ECC date to coincide with the discharge date.

d. Early Separation Overseas. A Marine who is entitled to and elects

early separation overseas may do so provided the Marine meets the criteria of

paragraphs 1006.4a and 1006.8 and the following:

(1) The Marine consents to such separation in writing as outlined in

paragraph 1006.4e; and

(2) It is more economical to the U.S. Government. Commanders will

advise the the CMC (MMEA/MMOA) by message at least 10 days before separation

so that appropriate orders may be issued.

e. Member’s Consent. The following statement of consent will be entered

on the administrative remarks page (page 11) of the service record and signed

by the Marine concerned:

“I hereby consent to be (discharged) or (released) on (date) in lieu of

my normal or established date of discharge or release on (date). My

enlistment (including any extension thereof) or period of extended

active duty will expire 90 days or less after the date of my arrival in

the United

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1006 3 of 5 Enclosure (1)

States. I am not indebted to the U.S. Government. I do not intend to

reenlist. I am not transferring to the Retired list/Fleet Marine Corps

Reserve. I understand that entitlement to pay and allowances and

credit for active Federal service ceases on the actual date of my

separation from active service.”

(1) If the Marine does not consent to early separation, the Marine

will be discharged or released, as appropriate, upon the expiration of

obligated active service (EAS).

(2) Refer to paragraph 1007.6 for information concerning the

effective date of separation of a Reservist assigned to active duty.

f. Recoupment of Reenlistment Bonus. Recoupment of reenlistment bonuses

will not be made from Marines separated under this paragraph.

g. Recall Status. During a recall, Marines separated early under this

paragraph will be considered in the same status as those who have completed

their enlistment or periods of extended active duty.

h. Good Conduct Medal. Marines consenting to early discharge or release

to inactive-duty per this paragraph shall be granted a waiver (contact CMC –

MMMA) not to exceed the actual number of days that the early release is

effected, provided they are otherwise eligible for this award.

i. Separation of Marines Pending Foreign Criminal Jurisdiction

Proceedings. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 1008.2d and reference

(bb) SECNAVINST 5820.4G, a Marine in custody or confinement in a foreign

country may be separated from the naval service OCONUS while in custody or

confinement.

5. Separation Locations

a. Marines returning to the United States for immediate retirement,

transfer to the FMCR, or for separation may select one of the following CONUS

locations for separation processing per reference (an) Joint Travel

Regulations (JTR).

(1) Marine Corps Installation, West, CAMPEN CA 014

(2) Marine Corps Installation, East, CAMLEJ NC 013

b. The commanding officer at the old duty station shall:

(1) Counsel the Marine on the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) per

reference (bv) MCO 1741.11D, if retiring or transferring to the FMCR;

(2) Ensure that the service record accompanies the Marine to the

separation activity;

(3) Ensure a Separation History and Physical Examination (SHPE)

medical evaluation is completed per reference (ah) DoDI 6040.46;

(4) Ensure that the DD Form 2648 is completed;

(5) Submit to the separation activity, before the Marine’s

detachment, travel and arrival information of the Marine and dependants in

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1006 4 of 5 Enclosure (1)

addition to biographical information on the Marine suitable for reading at a

retirement or separation ceremony, should the Marine desire one at the

separation site;

(6) Advise the Marine that dislocation allowance (DLA) and proceed

are not authorized in conjunction with travel to the home of selection (HOS),

or in the execution of orders (MCC W95) to a separation site in CONUS; and

(7) Comply with instructions in paragraphs 1101, 2004 (retiring

officers), 7005, and 7007 (retiring enlisted).

6. Exceptions. Marines stationed overseas who are eligible for separation

and who desire separation at a Marine Corps activity not listed in paragraph

1006.5 of this Manual, will request (MCC W95) orders via AA Form naval

message to the CMC (MMIBMMIA) and info the CMC (MMEA/MMOA) for separation at

that activity. Marines with family members in U.S. Government quarters at a

CONUS site must request separation at that site.

a. These requests will not normally be approved unless a humanitarian or

hardship situation exists, or the Marine can demonstrate that the location

requested is the closest location to where they are establishing a permanent

residence post-service. Documentation considered as acceptable in this case

includes (but is not limited to): DMO TMO documents that list a location

near the proposed separation site as the final household goods destination, a

bona fide employment offer in the proposed separation site vicinity or proof

of legal permanent residence at the proposed separations site.

b. Required Paragraph in Orders. Orders issued by the CMC (MMOA/MMEA)

authorizing Marines to proceed to a station not listed in paragraph 1006.5

for separation processing will include the following paragraph:

“At your request you are authorized to report to (name and location of

activity) instead of (the separation activity in the United States to

which ordered) for separation processing. Entitlement to

reimbursement for mileage or expenses will be determined by the Joint

Travel Regulations (JTR) and the online Marine Corps Travel

Instructions Manual (MCTIM), as applicable. Travel time in excess of

that authorized for the direct travel will be charged as leave. If you

do not desire to bear additionally incurred expenses, this

authorization is revoked and you will report as directed in your basic

orders.”

7. Non-retirement-eligible Marines stationed OCONUS desiring to request

voluntary separation are required to request a date within 60 days after

completion of their RTD, or they will be required to serve a minimum of 1

year at a new duty station. These 60 days are designed to allow Marines to

take terminal leave after completion of all outprocessing at a separation

center. Marines pending mandatory retirement are not required to serve 1

year at a new duty station. Marines will not be assigned temporary

additional duty (TAD) at the separation center awaiting outprocessing.

Marines who have no accrued leave or are selling back leave will check into a

separation center as close to, but not less than 10 working days before their

retirement/transfer FMCR date. Marines desiring to take terminal leave will

check into a separation center as close to, but not less than 10 working

days, plus the number of days for leave before the retirement/transfer FMCR

date. Greater than 60 days requires approval of the CMC (MMEA/MMOA). The

preceding does not account for any PTAD the Marine may be authorized.

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26 Nov 2013

Para 1006 5 of 5 Enclosure (1)

8. Separation OCONUS

a. Marines serving overseas whose permanent residence is OCONUS may

request separation at the Marine Corps activity nearest their home rather

than returning to the United States. A Marine stationed in Alaska may

request separation at that duty station. Marines who are residents of, and

stationed in, Hawaii or Alaska will separate at their duty station.

Commanding officers must ensure the Marine is properly counseled about travel

allowances and shipment of personal property/household goods and time

limitations on exercising these entitlements.

b. Marines serving in a foreign country may request separation at their

duty station under the following conditions:

(1) The Marine is eligible for separation under honorable conditions;

(2) The country in which the Marine is separating is nonbelligerent;

(3) The Marine has a passport and permission to remain in the

country; and

(4) To approve such requests, the commanding officer may accept a

written statement from the appropriate consular or diplomatic representative

certifying that the Marine has applied for, and is eligible to receive, a

passport upon separation. A written statement from the foreign government

authorizing a Marine permission to travel or reside in the country will

suffice for proof of permission to remain in the country. For enlisted

Marines, approval authority under this paragraph rests with the commanding

officer. Officers desiring separation or retirement under this paragraph

must forward their requests and supporting documents to the CMC (MMOA).

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15 FEB 2019

Para 1007 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1007

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (e) Title 38 U.S.C.

1007. EFFECTIVE TIME OF SEPARATION

1. A discharge or separation takes effect at 2359 on the date of the

discharge or separation. Members of the Marine Corps Reserve who are

separated under other than honorable conditions, or with a bad-conduct or

dishonorable discharge, will be issued a copy of the letter in Figure 1-1 by

the command.

2. In cases where discharge has been authorized or directed and the Marine

is unavailable due to confinement in a civilian jail, prison, or institution,

and personal delivery of the certificate is not possible or feasible, the

discharge will be effective at 2359 on the date shown on the discharge

certificate. If the Marine is unavailable due to unauthorized absence, a

discharge in absentia will not be effected without the approval of the

CMC (MMSR) unless the Marine meets the criteria in paragraph 6312.

3. For the purpose of entitlement benefits administered by the Department of

Veterans Affairs, a Marine discharged or released from a period of active

duty may be entitled to benefits after the date of discharge, during the

period of time required to proceed home by the most direct route, or, in any

event, until 2359 of the date of such discharge or release. Per reference

(e) Title 38 U.S.C. Section 106(c), if a discharged or released Marine is

injured while returning home by the most direct route and requires

hospitalization, the Marine will be deemed to have been on active duty

regardless of the date of discharge or release.

4. If discharge is being effected as a result of immediate entry or re-entry

into any component of the Armed Forces, the discharge certificate will be

dated as of the day immediately preceding such entry or re-entry.

5. When the date of discharge is not indicated, an approved administrative

discharge will be effected at the earliest practicable date and normally not

later than five working days from the time of receipt of the discharge order

by the command concerned. Independent units which do not have an organic

disbursing office will effect an approved administrative discharge not later

than 20 working days from the time of receipt of the discharge order.

6. The release of a Reservist from active duty is effective at the

expiration of authorized travel time. The discharge of a Reservist as the

result of expiration of enlistment or fulfillment of service obligation will

be effective on the date shown on the discharge certificate.

7. Final pay or a substantial portion of final pay will be prepared and

delivered to the Marine on the date of discharge or release from active duty.

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15 FEB 2019

Para 1007 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

8. Marines desiring to extend or reenlist are required to execute a

reenlistment contract or extension of enlistment on or before the date their

current enlistment contract expires. Providing this requirement is met,

Marines will not be discharged early under this paragraph. The reenlistment

contract or extension must be effective on the day after the date of

discharge or expiration of enlistment.

9. Consistent with the Marine’s military service obligation, commanders are

authorized to effect discharge (Regular or Reserve), or to order release from

active duty (Regular or Reserve) on the last working day preceding a

Saturday, Sunday, or holiday liberty period when the separation date falls on

one of those days, provided the Marine concerned consents in writing per

paragraph 1006.4e of this Manual. If the Marine is not returning from

overseas, omit the second sentence of the page 11 entry in its entirety.

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15 FEB 2019

Para 1008 1 of 4 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1008

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(n) DoD 7000.14-R

(ap) JAGINST 5800.7F

(aq) NAVMED P-117

(at) SECNAVINST 1770.5

(av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

(ba) SECNAVINST 5815.3J

(bb) SECNAVINST 5820.4G

(bg) MCO 1001R.1L W/CH 1

1008. RETENTION BEYOND DATE DUE FOR SEPARATION

1. A Marine may be retained for the convenience of the U.S. Government

beyond the established separation date in the following cases:

a. Hospitalized, undergoing medical treatment, or not physically

qualified for release (see paragraph 1011). A Marine on active duty who is

hospitalized, undergoing medical treatment, or who is found not physically

qualified for release will, with the Marine’s written consent, unless the

Marine is incapable of consenting due to emergency circumstances, be retained

on active duty until disposition of the case is made by medical authorities

except in the case of:

(1) A Marine subject to mandatory separation or an approved

retirement. In such cases, only the Secretary of the Navy or CMC, may

authorize deferral for medical reasons.

(2) A Marine subject to selective early retirement or service limits.

In such cases, only the Secretary of the Navy or the CMC, acting within

specific limited guidelines, may authorize deferral of a mandatory separation

for medical reasons.

(3) Marines receiving either an unsuspended punitive or

administrative separation upon a basis that may result in an other than

honorable characterization of service. See reference (aq) NAVMED P-117

(MANMED) Article 18-5.

(4) Reserve component Marines on orders for a period of less than 30

consecutive days.

b. See reference (at) SECNAVINST 1770.5, and reference (bg) MCO 1001R.1L

W/CH 1, for further guidance for medical retention of Reserve Marines.

c. Disciplinary Status

(1) Those personnel to whom jurisdiction has attached by commencement

of action with a view to trial, as by apprehension, arrest, confinement, or

filing of charges, before release from active duty, may be retained on active

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1008 2 of 4 Enclosure (1)

duty. Once jurisdiction has been so attached, it continues for purposes of

trial, sentence, and punishment. Additionally, personnel may be retained if

subject to the initiation of a preliminary inquiry, subject to information of

a discreditory nature that may lead to a preliminary inquiry or investigation

or the assumption of jurisdiction, to include, but not limited to, a

restraining order against their person.

(2) Entitlement to pay and allowances for personnel retained after

expiration of term of service in a disciplinary status is prescribed in

reference (n) DoD 7000.14-R.

(3) Personnel retained beyond EAS due to serving a confinement

sentence or awaiting appellate review of a court-martial may be punitively

discharged upon compliance with the provisions of reference (ap) JAGINST

5800.7F and/or reference (ba) SECNAVINST 5815.3J. Confinees who have

completed the appellate review process and have had the opportunity to submit

one clemency request to the Naval Clemency and Parole Board may be discharged

while in confinement. Discharged Marines will be provided a DD Form 214 at

the time of their release from confinement at expiration of their sentence,

or upon their parole or transfer to a Federal institution.

2. Marines shall not be retained beyond their separation date in the

following instances:

a. Witness. Marines will not be retained on active duty to be a witness

before a court-martial, investigative body, or administrative board. In

appropriate cases, depositions should be obtained, taking into account the

limitations upon their use in court-martial proceedings, or resort to the use

of subpoenas of witnesses no longer subject to military orders.

b. Administrative Discharge. Marines undergoing administrative

separation processing will not be involuntarily retained on active duty past

their release date. However, Marines involuntarily retained on active duty

pursuant to paragraph 1008.1.c.(1) above, may be administratively separated

pursuant to their own request in lieu of trial by court-martial, or pursuant

to a negotiated pretrial agreement at or in anticipation of a court-martial.

In either case, said request or agreement by the Marine must be made with the

assistance of counsel. This provision does not apply to officers.

Reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5 governs controls the administrative

separation of officers and takes precedence over any conflicting provisions

of this Manual.

(1) If a Marine’s EAS is extended due to time lost pursuant to

reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 972, for unauthorized absence,

desertion, confinement, or inability to perform duties because of intemperate

use of drugs or alcohol, the Marine may be administratively separated during

the extended period. Serving a punishment of restriction does not extend a

Marine’s EAS under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 972.

(2) A Marine’s EAS may be adjusted in the Marine Corps Total Force

System (MCTFS) in a ministerial manner to complete the administrative

requirements of discharging the Marine. This EAS adjustment is not an

extension of the enlistment contract. The EAS adjustment is not a new basis

or authority to involuntarily administratively separate a Marine.

(3) A Marine’s EAS may be adjusted in MCTFS in a ministerial manner

to complete administrative processing for grade and characterization of

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1008 3 of 4 Enclosure (1)

service per paragraph 6106.4 of this Manual. This EAS adjustment is not an

extension of the enlistment contract. The EAS adjustment is not a new basis

or authority to involuntarily administratively separate a Marine.

c. Indebtedness to the Government. Indebtedness to the U.S Government

does not bar release from active duty. However, every effort should be made

to recoup all indebtedness to the U.S. Government before separation.

d. Marines awaiting disposition of criminal proceedings by a foreign

jurisdiction are afforded statutory and regulatory protection and benefits

attendant to their status as a member of the Armed Forces. The policy of the

Marine Corps is to ensure both that the Marine is afforded the fullest

possible protection and that the Marine Corps meets its international

obligations. In implementing this policy, the following procedures will be

applied in all cases where foreign criminal jurisdiction is being, or may be,

exercised over a Marine of the naval service by action such as apprehension,

arrest, investigation, or filing of charges that may result in trial and

where the foreign criminal proceedings are not likely to be completed before

the date of the Marine’s release from service because of the expiration of

the Marine’s term of service.

(1) At least one month before EAS, a Marine will be offered the

opportunity to extend his/her enlistment voluntarily for the duration of

legal proceedings and any subsequent punishment. Inform Marines of the

protection and benefits they will receive as members of the Marine Corps

during the foreign criminal proceedings--e.g., counsel may be provided at

Marine Corps expense, court costs (but not fines) paid, and an interpreter

made available. In most countries, the Marine will remain in U.S. custody

vice foreign custody, at least during the trial proceedings. Also inform

Marines that they will remain subject to the UCMJ and may be subject to

processing for administrative discharge. In some situations, advice of

Article 27b, UCMJ, counsel will be provided when exposure to military

criminal charges is possible. Advise the Marine that an election not to

voluntarily extend his/her enlistment shall result in the following:

(a) Foreign authorities will be advised of the impending EAS and

the inability of the Marine Corps to guarantee the Marine’s presence after

discharge.

(b) Foreign authorities will be offered custody of the Marine at

a mutually agreed upon time immediately before EAS. If the foreign

authorities desire custody, the Marine will be transferred to the foreign

authorities at the agreed upon time.

(c) Assuming custody is accepted by foreign authorities, the

Marine will be discharged from the naval service as soon as practicable,

terminating any special considerations that the Marine would be entitled to

if they were still a member of the Armed Forces. After such transfer of

custody, the Marine’s commanding officer will, at EAS, discharge the Marine

and so notify the Navy JAG, the CMC (MMSR), and the U.S. Embassy or Consul.

(2) If the Marine elects to voluntarily extend his/her enlistment,

such requests will be approved, and an appropriate page 11 entry will be made

in the Marine’s service record and acknowledged by the Marine.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1008 4 of 4 Enclosure (1)

(3) Should the foreign authorities, upon being notified of the

Marine’s impending EAS and the inability of the Marine Corps to maintain

custody after discharge, state that the member need not be present within the

jurisdiction and is not required nor desired to be available for any further

criminal proceedings, the Marine should be returned to the CONUS for

separation or discharge. In such cases, foreign authorities have in effect

released the Marine Corps from any obligation to keep the Marine within the

foreign jurisdiction or to make the Marine available for foreign authorities.

The release should be in writing, if possible; if not, a memorandum for the

record should be made to document the agreement.

(4) The foregoing policy does not apply to a Marine who is in the

custody/confinement of foreign authorities before the approach of EAS. In

such situations the provisions of reference (bb) SECNAVINST 5820.4G, Status

of Forces Policies, Procedures and Information, would continue to apply and,

except under extraordinary circumstances and only with approval of the

Secretary of the Navy, the Marine would not be discharged while in

custody/confinement of foreign authorities.

e. Alcohol or Drug Rehabilitation Treatment. A Marine on active duty

who is found to be alcohol or drug dependent or is found to have an alcohol

or drug abuse problem will not be involuntarily retained beyond the

established separation date. The separating Marine will be advised to

contact a VA facility for counseling and/or treatment after discharge.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1009 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1009

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

TRAVEL UPON SEPARATION

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (an) Joint Travel Regulations (JTR)

(cp) MCTIMS (Online)

1009. TRAVEL UPON SEPARATION

1. Detailed instructions relating to the travel of Marines upon separation

from the Service or release from active duty are contained in reference (cp)

MCTIMS (Online) and reference (an) Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

Certificates in lieu of orders are not authorized.

2. When separated from active duty, Marines will be furnished the necessary

forms and instructions, as follows, to enable them to file timely claims for

personal/family travel, upon completion of the travel:

a. Furnish the Marine a DD Form 1351-2, travel voucher or subvoucher;

b. Furnish an envelope and provide instruction for the submission of

claims after completion of travel;

c. Inform the Marine of the time limitations for completion of travel as

provided per reference (an) Joint Travel Regulations (JTR);

d. Furnish a DD Form 1351-4, voucher or claim for dependent travel and

dislocation or trailer allowance, if entitled to family Marine

transportation;

e. If entitled to travel and travel allowances to their home of

selection from the last duty station, reference (an) Joint Travel Regulations

(JTR) requires that the Marine be:

(1) Informed of the time limitations covering completion of travel;

and

(2) Informed that once a home is selected and travel allowances are

received for travel to such home, such selection is irrevocable.

f. If returned from an OCONUS permanent duty station for separation in

CONUS at an activity elected under paragraph 1006.5 of this Manual, inform

the Marine of entitlement to travel allowances as specified in reference (an)

Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

3. Counsel the Marine that all final travel claims must be submitted as

follows:

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26 Nov 2013

Para 1009 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

a. Travel Completed Within 60 Days. Forward the final travel claim to

Servicing Finance/Disbursing Office that supports the Marine’s last active

duty station.

b. Travel – All Other. Forward the final travel claim to the servicing

Finance/Disbursing Office that supports the Marine’s last active duty

station.

c. At a minimum, two copies of the original orders, completed DD Form

1351-2, and DD Form 1351-4 (if appropriate) are required to settle the final

travel claim.

d. To obtain an extension on filing a final travel claim and movement of

household goods, forward a written request with appropriate justification,

per current directives, to:

Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps

I&L LPD

3000 Marine Corps Pentagon

Pentagon Room 2E227

Washington, DC 20350-3000

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1010 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1010

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

ACCRUED LEAVE

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (a) Title 5 U.S.C.

(g) Title 5 C.F.R.

(n) DoD 7000.14-R

(w) DoDI 1327.06

(bm) MCO 1050.3J

1010. ACCRUED LEAVE

1. Leave in conjunction with separation may be authorized under the

provisions of reference (bm) MCO 1050.3J Regulations for Leave, Liberty and

Administrative Absence. The provisions that apply to the granting of annual

leave apply equally to leave in conjunction with separation. Consequently,

the commander authorized to grant leave is not bound to grant leave to a

Marine who is separating, retiring, or transferring to the FMCR. Refer to

Figure 1-2: Sample Orders for Leave Awaiting Separation.

2. Terminal Leave. Terminal leave is accrued leave granted to both first-

term and career Marines at the discretion of the commanding officer to ease

the transition back to civilian life. Terminal leave is not an entitlement;

it is a privilege. Terminal leave is not granted until all separation

requirements--both administrative and medical--are complete. Terminal leave

runs continuously from the first day of leave until the date of EAS or

transfer to the Retired List/FMCR. The following policies apply in granting

or requesting leave in conjunction with separation.

a. Leave is granted by the commander authorized to grant leave.

Commanders will play an active role in ensuring that their Marines take

adequate leave as a respite from the strenuous duties of military life and

specifically warn Marines not to accrue large leave balances for the purpose

of selling back leave upon separation.

b. Reference(bm) MCO 1050.3J, authorizes the commanding officer to

approve up to 90 days of terminal leave at a CONUS command and up to 60 days

if at an OCONUS command. A greater period of terminal leave may be

authorized by the CMC (MMEA/MMOA) or the CMC (RAM) for AR Marines on a case-

by-case basis.

c. No replacement will be provided for a Marine in a separation leave

status.

d. If leave is desired in conjunction with a request for separation, the

appropriate separation request should be submitted at least 120 days plus the

amount of desired leave (to include PTAD) before the effective date of

separation. When the request is submitted via unit diary, enter the planned

detachment date (PDD) as part of the unit diary request for separation.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1010 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

Departure on terminal leave will not be authorized until the request has been

approved by the CMC and all required administrative and medical actions

incident to separation have been completed--e.g., completion of medical

evaluation, transition classes, etc. Marines will be advised that should

they subsequently incur a previously undiagnosed illness or injury, they may

be directed to return to duty at their last permanent duty station for

medical treatment and further processing.

e. Do not approve leave in excess of the number of days which the Marine

can accrue before the end of current contract (ECC). Leave taken beyond that

which can be earned is excess leave and results in nonentitlement to pay and

allowances. Marines anticipating terminal leave in conjunction with

separation must inform the CMC (MMSR) of the date and duration of the desired

leave upon submission of the request. For separating officers, not career

designated and not retirement-eligible, provide this information to the CMC

(MMOA-3). This ensures that the Marine is in receipt of orders before

detachment. This is particularly critical when the Marine is OCONUS. The

Marine will be transferred to the CONUS command responsible for separation.

f. Dual pay is authorized per reference (a) Title 5 U.S.C. Section 5534,

during separation leave for a Marine who has accepted civilian employment or

employment with the U.S. Government or the District of Columbia. Civilian

employment and/or compensation is prohibited during periods of PTAD per

reference (g) Title 5 C.F.R. Section 2635.705.

g. Marines returning from OCONUS may be authorized leave in conjunction

with separation from active duty upon return to the CONUS. In these cases,

the commanding officer at the separation location may authorize leave, not to

exceed 60 days, upon completion of all checkout processing.

(1) Marines desiring to take terminal leave will report to a

separation center as close to, but not less than, 10 working days plus the

number of days for leave (greater than 60 days requires approval of the CMC

(MMEA/MMOA) or the CMC (RAM) for AR Marines) and PTAD before the separation

date.

(2) Marines who have no accrued leave or are selling back leave will

check into a separation center as close to, but not less than, 10 working

days plus PTAD before the separation date.

(3) Marines will not be assigned temporary additional duty (TAD)

while awaiting outprocessing at a separation center.

h. Post-Deployment Mobilization Respite Absence (PDMRA) and terminal

leave may be taken in conjunction with PTAD per reference (bm) MCO 1050.3J.

3. Any Marine who is discharged under other than honorable conditions shall

forfeit all accrued leave to his or her credit at the time of discharge

according to reference (w) DoDI 1327.06, enclosure (2), paragraph 1g.

4. Reference (w) DoDI 1326.06, enclosure (2), paragraph 1g, directs the

forfeiture of all accrued leave of those Marines who are discharged before

completing six months of active duty because of a failure to serve

satisfactorily.

5. Accrued leave creditable upon separation may be liquidated by a lump sum

readjustment or payment subject to the provisions of reference (n) DoD

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7000.14-R. Marines separating, particularly those who have received a prior

leave settlement, should determine the extent of their eligibility, if any,

as a preliminary step to requesting terminal leave and a separation date.

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MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1011

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-4

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9308

DSN: 278-9308

References: (ah) DoDI 6040.46

(an) Joint Travel Regulations (JTR)

(aq) NAVMED P-117

(bj) MCO 1040.31

1011. MEDICAL QUALIFICATION FOR SEPARATION AND HEALTH ASSESSMENTS MEDICAL

EVALUATIONS

1. References (ah) DoDI 6040.46 and (aq) NAVMED P-117 Chapter 15 and

Articles 15-20 and 15-21, provides health assessment describe the medical

evaluation requirements for separation and retirement. Reference (aq) NAVMED

P-117 Article 18-25, further describes fitness to separate and is the

controlling article of these documents.

2. All Regular component Marines, Reserve Marines with 180 days or more of

continuous service on active duty orders, and Reserve Marines with more than

30 days of continuous service on active duty orders in support of contingency

operations A Marine being separated from active duty (i.e., statutory or

voluntary retirement/transfer to FMCR, discharge, expiration of enlistment,

etc.) must receive a Separation History and Physical Examination (SHPE) per

reference (ah) DoDI 6040.46 medical evaluation. A Marine evaluated by a

medical evaluation board (MEB) incident to separation need not undergo

further health assessment medical evaluation at the time of separation. A

Marine should schedule a SHPE medical evaluation not less than six months

before the effective date of separation to allow time for necessary medical

treatment or disability processing. A SHPE is Evaluations are not required

for Marines being discharged or retired upon the approved report of a MEB or

the Secretary of the Navy Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). While every

reasonable attempt will be made to provide a separating Marine with a SHPE,

final medical evaluation, it is recognized that there will be rare situations

when that will be difficult or impossible to provide.

a. The health assessment medical evaluation of Marines convicted by (and

in the hands of) domestic civil authorities may be conducted and reported by

any of the following: a medical officer of the Armed Forces or other U.S.

federal Government agency; credentialed civilian contract physicians; penal

institution physician; or, in the absence of the foregoing, a certificate

signed by the official in charge of the penitentiary reflecting an opinion

about the present state of health of the Marine to be discharged.

b. When a Marine is otherwise beyond the control of the Marine Corps,

(e.g., in the hands of foreign authorities) the separating command will

contact the holding authority and request a SHPE evaluation be conducted.

The request for health assessment medical evaluation must be in writing and

sent via certified mail, if available. If, after a reasonable amount of time

(approximately 45 days) has elapsed, there is no response or a negative

answer is received, the separating command will make a page 11 entry in the

Marine’s service record book explaining the situation and why it was

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Para 1011 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

impossible to provide the evaluation. Similarly, a page 11 entry will be

made for will be similaryly annotated for Marines separated under the

conditions set forth in paragraph 6312 of this Manual. All documents and

actions taken will be included in the service record book.

3. Deferral or Modification of Separation Date. Immediately notify the CMC

(MMSR) if medical processing requires deferral of a CMC directed separation

date. Include pertinent details. The Marine Corps Total Force System

(MCTFS) will not allow commands to modify a CMC approved separation date.

Once a CMC approved separation date passes, a Marine is dropped from the

rolls without CMC (MMSR) intervention.

a. Mandatory Separation and Approved Retirement. Mandatory separation

(i.e., twice failed of selection, service limits, age limits, selection for

early retirement) may only be deferred by the Secretary of the Navy for a

commissioned officer. Only the CMC may defer other officer and mandatory

enlisted separation or retirement dates. Medical modification of mandatory

separation and approved retirement dates are based on incur the following

considerations:

(1) The Marine’s condition is so serious that disability

determination by the PEB is warranted or separation without further medical

treatment will jeopardize the health of the Marine and treatment is not

deferrable or elective. Examples are stage-4 cancer or a serious vehicle

accident. These cases require: (1) a medical board report for referral to

the PEB or letter from a doctor describing diagnosis, prognosis and

likelihood of disability and (2) chain of command endorsements; or

(2) A MEB(R) directs referral to the disability system;

(3) A request for deferral of a statutory officer separation must be

approved by the Secretary of the Navy before the effective date; otherwise

the separation shall, by law, remain in effect. For all other officers and

enlisted Marines, the CMC must approve the deferral before the effective

date, or the separation shall remain in effect; and,

(4) Marines within one year of mandatory retirement or with an

approved retirement date incur a rebuttable presumption of fitness that a

medical condition did not prevent completion of a military career. Medical

modification of retirement will not be approved for completion of elective or

deferrable treatment, temporary limited duty or for physical therapy, as the

Marine’s health is not in serious jeopardy, such procedures do not meet the

above criteria, and all medical treatment is readily available as a retired

Marine.

b. Marines not eligible for retirement or facing mandatory separation

may be retained for 60 days beyond EAS for completion of a SHPE separation

medical evaluation and/or minor medical treatment. Retention beyond 60 days

from disease or injury incident to service, not due to their own misconduct,

for further medical treatment requires the Marine’s consent, referral to a

MEB per the temporary limited duty (TLD) process, and notification to the CMC

(MMSR-4). See Chapter 8 of this Manual. Commanders and medical providers

should also consider the availability of post-separation VA medical

treatment.

c. Separation will not be effected when a Marine is undergoing local

medical evaluation board proceedings or disability determination by the PEB.

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d. When a separation is held in abeyance, the command should employ the

Marine to the fullest extent possible, as constrained by the injury or

illness.

4. Dual Processing: Involuntary Administrative Separation and Disability

Evaluation. See paragraphs 4107 and 6106.5. MANMED article 18-5 provides

for separation without the benefit of the disability evaluation system when

separation proceedings may result in a characterization of service of other

than honorable conditions. If a service related medical condition is

sufficiently mitigating and amounts to a significant disability, the

separation authority may direct disability processing, vice administrative

separation. See paragraph 8308 of this Manual.

5. If a Marine with an approved resignation or retirement is found unfit by

the PEB, notify the CMC (MMSR-2). If a Marine is found unfit by the PEB,

notify the CMC (MMSR-2) for retirements and the CMC (MMSR-2) for

resignations. Disability separation or retirement orders will be directed by

the CMC (MMSR-4) per Chapter 8 of this Manual.

6. Orders are not required for SHPEs medical evaluations except when travel

is required. Request TAD orders from the appropriate command per reference

(an) Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Travel costs are chargeable to the

command issuing the orders.

7. HIV Testing. In accordance with reference (aq) NAVMED P-117 Article 15-

20, HIV testing is no longer required at the time of separation.

8. Marines held beyond their approved separation date due to medical

treatment or evaluation must be extended per reference (bj) MCO 1040.31, as

updated per reference (ct) MARADMIN 229/17 and paragraph 8111 of this Manual,

and will be separated when they are found qualified for separation.

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Para 1012 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1012

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

References: (j) NDAA 1999

(k) NDAA 2000

(cm) MCO P5060.20 W/CH 1

1012. RETIREMENT CEREMONY

1. An appropriate retirement ceremony is to be held within the capabilities

of the command for Marines retiring (includes transfer to the FMCR, TDRL, and

PDRL).

2. Commanders will personally interview and discuss plans for the ceremony

with the Marine.

3. While command resources may vary, each command will ensure the preference

of the Marine is fulfilled to the extent feasible.

4. Commanders should take appropriate steps to duly recognize the spouse of

a retiring Marine (e.g., by the presentation of a spouse’s letter of

appreciation.)

5. Refer to Chapter 18 of reference (cm) MCO P5060.20 W/CH 1, for

information on retirement parades.

6. A retirement certificate, letters, and USMC lapel pin are provided by the

CMC (MMSR) for presentation upon retirement.

7. Reference (j) NDAA 1999, directed that commanders present a United States

flag to active duty Marines upon their transfer to the Fleet Marine Corps

Reserve or retired list on or after 1 October 1998. Reference (k) NDAA 2000,

directed that commanders present a United States flag to Reserve Marines upon

their transfer to the retired list awaiting pay on or after 1 October 1999.

Commanders are directed to use local operating funds to procure flags

(NSN 8345-00-656-1435).

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MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1101

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(n) DoD 7000.14-R

(ab) DoDI 1332.35

(ag) DoDI 6040.45

(bf) MCO 1001.39K

(bj) MCO 1040.31

(bp) MCO 1130.8B

(bu) MCO 1741.8

(bz) MCO 4400.201 Vol. 13

(ci) MCO P1020.34H

(cj) MCO P1070.12K W/CH 1

(cp) MCTIMS (Online)

(cq) DoDI 1332.45

1101. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS

1. General. This section covers administrative procedures and requirements

for separating Marines. See Appendix C for the Separations Checklist.

a. Pre-separation Process. The transition process from active duty to

civilian life is a complex undertaking. There are three transition

assistance events that a separating/retiring Marine should complete before

separation: (1) attend a pre-separation interview, (2) attend transition

training, and (3) Completion of the the Pre-separation Counseling Checklist,

DD Form 2648 (Regular component) or 2648-1 (Reserve component). The

installation transition program sponsors all pre-separation activities and

transition classes.

b. Pre-separation Interview

(1) This requirement shall be met either by individual or group

counseling sessions with the Unit Transition Counselor (UTC) or a designated

individual. This requirement shall be provided when the Marine is within 12

months of EAS or within 24 months of retirement, but no later than 90 days

prior to separation/retirement, regardless of whether or not a request for

reenlistment has been submitted.

(2) The pre-separation interview shall consist of an explanation of

the transition requirements for separating/retiring Marines (see Appendix C

of this Manual); timeframes for attendance and information about mandatory

transition training; procedures for obtaining a copy of the Verification of

Military Education and Training (VMET) document (DD Form 2586); completion of

DD Form 2648, Section II, one through six; and a brief description of the

Pre-separation Counseling Checklist (DD Form 2648) to include where a Marine

may obtain additional information or resources, services and encouraging

spouse attendance.

c. Transition Training

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(1) Attendance is Mandatory. Under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

Section 1142, all separating or retiring Service members shall attend

transition training within 12 months of separation or within 24 months of

retirement, but no later than 90 days prior to separation/retirement,

regardless of whether or not a request for reenlistment has been submitted.

This requirement shall be met by either individual or group training

sessions. It is strongly recommended that Marines attend transition training

at least 180 days before separation. See DD Form 2648/2648-1 for the Pre-

separation Counseling Checklist.

(2) This counseling shall provide specific, detailed information on

all items listed on the Pre-separation Counseling Checklist (DD Form

2648/2648-1). Family members’ attendance is highly recommended.

(3) The completed DD Form 2648/2648-1, signed by the separating or

retiring Marine and a designated transition official, shall be forwarded to

MMRP-20 for inclusion in the Marine’s OMPF.

(4) If a Marine is stationed at another Service’s installation or is

on independent duty, the Marine shall attend pre-separation activities and

transition training at the nearest DoD transition assistance office. Marines

shall attend training no later than 90 days before separation/retirement.

Commanding officers Unit commanders of Marines scheduled to deploy during

this period are encouraged to have Marines attend transition/training briefs

prior to deployment.

(5) Attendance is mandatory at the Disabled Transition Assistance

Program (DTAP) for Marines referred to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB).

This briefing is designed specifically for Service members who are awaiting a

medical discharge. The main objective of the DTAP is to inform Service

members of disability entitlements and to enroll in the appropriate VA

vocational and educational programs. Attendance at DTAP does not eliminate

the requirement for all Marines to attend regular transition training.

(6) Retiring Marines may attend specialized retirement transition

assistance seminars (where available). The retirement seminars provide all

of the same information as a regular seminar; however, a greater emphasis is

placed on various topics that have a larger impact on retirees than those

Marines who have completed one or two enlistments. These areas include, but

are not limited to, financial planning, self assessment, medical briefings,

and second career/job search assessments.

(7) In accordance with reference (ab) DoDI 1332.35, Reserve component

Service members may waive pre-separation or transition assistance program

counseling for each successive period of active duty consisting of 180 days

or more of continuous active duty.

(8) In accordance with reference (ab) DoDI 1332.35, Marines being

administratively or punitively separated shall participate in all mandatory

components of transition training.

2. Separating Documents

a. DD Form 214. The DD Form 214 will be prepared by Marine Corps

activities effecting separations (IPAC/Administration RUC) the organization

having administrative control of the Marine. In those cases where a DD Form

214 was not prepared for a previous period of Marine Corps active duty for

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Para 1101 3 of 10 Enclosure (1)

which a DD Form 214 was warranted, Marine Corps activities effecting

separations (IPAC/Administration RUC) the organization having administrative

control of the Marine will reconstruct the DD Form 214. Contact MMRP-10 if

assistance is necessary to reconstruct the missing DD Form 214. See Section

1200 of this Manual for further instructions. All Marines who have served 90

or more continuous days of active duty from either the Regular or Reserve

component must be issued a signed DD Form 214, copies 1 and 4, on the earlier

date of (1) the effective date of separation or (2) the date PTAD, PDMRA,

terminal leave and authorized departure commence and the Marine permanently

departs the separation site command. This is to facilitate enrollment in the

VA and other U.S. Government benefits programs and to apply for civilian

employment. All other copies will be distributed no more than five days

after the EAS by the administrative unit as outlined in Appendix B. After

the delivery of the DD Form 214, should subsequent events occur that

invalidate the EAS, separation code, or characterization of service--for

example, death, misconduct, etc.--commands must issue a new DD Form 214

cancel the DD Form 214 by issuing a DD Form 215 and distribute the copies

immediately. See Appendix B.

b. Honorable Discharge Certificate (DD Form 256). A discharge

certificate will not be issued unless the Marine is being honorably

discharged or reenlisted after completion of the service obligation or

through involuntary administrative separation proceedings. (NOTE: General

Discharge Certificate, DD Form 257, was canceled by DoD in August 2003 and

shall not be used.)

(1) Custody

(a) Discharge certificates shall be kept in the custody of the

commander or a designated representative responsible for their safekeeping,

accountability, and proper issue.

(b) When an organization is disbanded, unused discharge

certificates shall be forwarded by registered mail to the Navy Cognizance I

Supply System under instructions contained in the Introduction to NAVSUP Pub

2003.

(1) Preparation

(a) Discharge certificates will be prepared by the organization

having custody of the service record.

(b) The characterization of discharge is determined per paragraph

1004 of this Manual.

(c) Regular and Reserve Marines separated under honorable

conditions will receive the appropriate discharge certificate. Marines

separated under general (under honorable conditions), other than honorable,

bad-conduct, and dishonorable conditions will not be issued a discharge

certificate.

(2) Completion of the Discharge Certificate

(a) Name. Grade and full name in capital letters beginning with

the first name. In the case of Reservists, no additional statement will be

placed on the discharge certificate. The requirement for including the full

middle name is waived for the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve

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(COMMARFORRES), but a middle initial, if applicable, must be included. Do

not indicate component (USMC or USMCR).

(b) Date. As shown in the following example: on the “l0th” day

of “June 2001.”

(c) Signature. The normal signature of the commissioned officer

who signs will be made on the top line. The bottom line will be completed as

shown in the following example: “J. P. JONES, MAJOR, USMC.”

(3) Delivery

(a) Every effort should be made to deliver honorable discharge

certificates in person by a commissioned officer, preferably the commanding

officer. Delivery should be accompanied by an expression of well good

wishes.

(b) In those instances where personal delivery cannot be made,

the following action will be taken:

1. The commanding officer will mail the discharge

certificate to the person concerned using first class mail with the return

address:

Commander

Marine Forces Reserve

2000 Opelousas Avenue

New Orleans, LA 70146-5400

2. Marines at Home Awaiting Results of a Physical Evaluation

Board. Commanders will mail the discharge certificate to the Marine

concerned using first class mail. Returned undelivered certificates will be

forwarded to the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve as specified in the

preceding paragraph.

(c) The discharge certificate will not be delivered to the Marine

until a Security Termination Statement (OPNAV 5511/14) is completed, if such

statement is required.

(4) Replacement of Lost or Destroyed Discharge Certificate

(a) Enlisted Marines. Upon request, the CMC (MMRP-10) will issue

a replacement honorable discharge certificate.

Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (MMRP-10)

2008 Elliot Road

Quantico, VA 22134

(b) Officers. Upon request, the CMC (MMSR-2) will issue a

replacement honorable discharge certificate.

c. In addition to the discharge certificate and DD Form 214, Marines

receiving an honorable characterization of service will be presented the

following items at separation:

(1) Honorable Discharge Lapel Pin (only worn with civilian attire).

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Para 1101 5 of 10 Enclosure (1)

(a) Members of the Marine Corps Reserve who have served on

continuous active duty for 30 days or more should be presented a lapel pin

upon discharge.

(b) A supply of pins should be maintained locally and obtained

through normal supply channels under NSN 8455-00-543-7096.

(2) Benefits Pamphlet. Each Marine separated honorably will be given

a copy of “Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents.”

(3) CMC Separation Package. In recognition of their true and

faithful service, as determined by the commanding officer, Marines honorably

separated at the end of their active service requirement and transferred to

the Individual Ready Reserve will be presented a letter from the Commandant

and a Certificate of Appreciation. The Certificate of Appreciation should be

removed from the CMC Separation Package prior to presentation if the Marine

is not being transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve. An appropriate

ceremony will be held within the capabilities of the command. Units may

requisition the CMC separation package with the Commandant’s letter through

the Marine Corps Publications Distribution System (MCPDS). The Publication

Control Number is 50100565000.

3. Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

a. Marines on active duty entitled to full-time SGLI coverage per

reference (bu) MCO 1741.8 can convert to Veteran’s Group Life Insurance

(VGLI) without proof of health by submitting the premium within 120 days

following the date of separation from service. After 120 days, Marines have

up to one year to apply for VGLI, but must complete and meet requirements for

proof of health.

b. The Marine normally receives an application and notification of

terminating SGLI coverage from the VA following separation. If an

application is not received, request information by contacting the local VA

office or writing to:

Office of Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance

80 Livingston Avenue

Roseland, NJ 07068-1733

Or, call 1-800-419-1473.

4. Additional Counseling/Advice Before Separation. Before separation each

Marine will be afforded pre-separation counseling. See Appendix C.

a. Career Advisory Interviews. Before discharge each Marine will be

interviewed by a career planner and advised of:

(1) The benefits of continued service in the Marine Corps, if the

Marine is considered eligible.

(2) The benefits of affiliation with the Marine Corps Reserve, if the

Marine does not desire to reenlist.

(3) Procedures for applying to the nearest recruiting station, should

reenlistment become an option at a later date. Recruiters have the latest

information on prior service opportunities. Recruiters may refer individual

cases to the CMC (MMEA-1) per reference (bp) MCO 1130.8B.

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(4) Ensure completion of any Marine Corps Exit and Retention Survey

if one is currently being conducted.

b. Address of Commander, Marine Forces Reserve. Each Marine discharged

and not reenlisted in the Regular Marine Corps will be informed that

questions relating to Marine Corps Reserve service may be obtained from the

address below. See reference (bf) MCO 1001.39K, Pre-Separation Counseling

Cncering Marine Corps Reserve (MCR) Participation.

Commander

Marine Forces Reserve

2000 Opelousas Avenue

New Orleans, LA 70146-5400

Or, call 1-800-255-5082.

c. Marines Not Recommended, or Recommended But Not Eligible, for

Reenlistment.

(1) Marines not recommended, or recommended but not eligible, for

reenlistment per reference (bj) MCO 1040.31, Enlisted Retention and Career

Development Manual, will be counseled by their commanding officer. Record

the following entry on page 11 of the service record when an RE-3 or RE-4

reenlistment code is assigned.

“I have been informed by my CO that I am (not recommended / recommended

but not eligible) for reenlistment because (state reason), and (will be

/ have been) assigned a reenlistment code of (RE-3_ / RE-4).”

______________________________ ______________________________

(Signature of Marine) (Date) (Signature of Commanding Officer)

NOTE: Also use this entry when the CMC assigns a reenlistment code of RE-lB

and RE-1C; the specific reason will be provided.

d. Warning to Marines Not Eligible for Reenlistment. Every Marine

discharged who is not eligible for reenlistment will be informed that

concealment of prior service and subsequent fraudulent enlistment in any

branch of the Armed Forces is punishable under the UCMJ.

e. VA Dental Treatment Eligibility. Public Law 97-35, the Omnibus

Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982, limits the eligibility for outpatient

dental treatment of Service members being discharged or released from active

duty to that provided by the VA. The law further requires that a written

explanation of the new eligibility criteria be provided to Service members

discharged or released from active duty. This paragraph, 1101.4e, suffices

for that written explanation.

(1) The veteran must have served not less than 180 days of active

duty to be eligible for dental treatment provided by VA.

(2) Application for VA dental treatment must be made within 90 days

of discharge or release from active duty.

(3) The veteran will not be eligible for dental treatment if the DD

Form 214 contains a statement that the veteran was provided a complete dental

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Para 1101 7 of 10 Enclosure (1)

examination and all appropriate dental services and treatment were completed

within 90 days before separation from active duty.

(4) Marines who have completed at least 180 days of service at the

time of separation must be provided a written explanation of eligibility

requirements. The Marine will sign this document acknowledging receipt and a

copy will be filed in the electronic on the document side of the service

record. If the Marine refuses to sign the statement, the commanding officer

should so note that fact on the statement and file it in the service record.

Additionally, on block 18 (remarks section) of the DD Form 214, indicate that

the Marine was counseled, but refused to sign an acknowledgement.

“I (Marine’s Name), have been counseled concerning VA dental

treatment eligibility requirements. I understand that application for

VA dental outpatient treatment must be made within 90 days of

separation from active duty. I further understand that if a complete

dental examination and all appropriate dental services and treatment

were completed within 90 days of separation from active duty, I will

not be eligible for VA dental outpatient treatment.”

___________________________________

(Signature of Marine) (Date)

(5) The statement pertaining to a Marine’s dental examination and

treatment within 90 days before separation from active duty will be made in

block 18 of the DD Form 214 as prescribed in Appendix B.

f. BCNR/NDRB Advisory. Explain in writing (see Appendix D) the purpose

and authority of the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) and the

Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) to all Marines during separation

processing, except when the separation is due to an immediate reenlistment.

Include an explanation that a discharge under other than honorable

conditions, resulting from a period of continuous unauthorized absence of 180

days or more, is a conditional bar to benefits administered by the VA

notwithstanding any action by the NDRB. These requirements are a command

responsibility and not a procedural requirement. Failure on the part of a

Marine to receive and understand the explanation required by this paragraph

does not create a bar to separation or characterization.

g. Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members (UCX Program).

Marines who have completed their first-term of service and are separated from

active duty may be eligible for unemployment compensation. Additionally,

Marines who have served in excess of 179 days and are separated because of

medical disqualification, pregnancy, parenthood, hardship, service-incurred

disabilities, convenience of the U.S. Government, or who are denied further

service may also be eligible. Entitlement to benefits is based upon the

circumstances of separation. Final determination on applications rests with

the state.

h. Selective Service Registration. Marines are automatically registered

upon enlistment or commissioning. No action is required at separation.

i. G.I. Bill – Active Duty

(1) Marines who entered active duty after 30 June 1985 and enrolled

in the new Montgomery G.I. Bill while in the Service may be eligible for

benefits.

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Para 1101 8 of 10 Enclosure (1)

(2) The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill provides financial support for education

and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate active duty

service on or after 11 September 2001 and to individuals discharged with a

service-connected disability after 30 days. Service members must have

received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.

(3) For further information, review the “Contact Us” section at

www.gibill.va.gov for a personalized response within 3-5 business days or

contact a state VA office.

j. Permanent Mailing Address (PMA). The PMA of the Marine after

separation is an address where mail can be delivered to, picked up by, or

forwarded to the Marine. It also serves for potential mobilization and is a

prerequisite for initiation/receipt of retired pay.

(1) Advise each Marine that failure to provide a valid PMA upon

separation will result in IRS Forms W-2 and safekeeping bonds being returned

to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) as undeliverable. To

receive active duty W-2s, contact DFAS at 1-888-332-7411 or use the internet

address www.dfas.mil. Follow the links to the Marine Corps site.

(2) Retired Marines failing to maintain a current PMA with the DFAS

risk termination of retired pay. Send address changes to the CMC (MMSR-6)

at:

Headquarters United States Marine Corps

Manpower and Reserve Affairs (MMSR-6)

3280 Russell Road

Quantico, VA 22134-5103

Or, call (800) 715-0968. Fax (703) 784-9834

5. Government Property, Uniforms, and Clothing

a. Government Property. Recover before discharge all U.S. Government

property held by or charged to a Marine. If a shortage exists, commanders

will take appropriate action to determine responsibility per current

instructions.

b. Uniforms and Clothing

(1) Specific guidelines and instructions apply for the uniform

clothing of separating Marines and are contained in reference (bz) MCO

4400.201 Vol. 13. Marines separated with a remaining service obligation (IRR

personnel) must be counseled to maintain their uniforms throughout their

obligation.

(2) Individual uniform clothing, less worn underclothing, gloves, and

footwear, will be recovered from individuals discharged from the Marine Corps

for reasons of unsatisfactory performance, misconduct, good of the Service,

security, or sentence of court-martial, regardless of characterization per

reference (bz) MCO 4400.201 Vol. 13. Clothing to be recovered includes all

uniform coats, raincoats, overcoats, liners, trousers, utility uniforms, caps

and covers, all grade and service insignia, service stripes, and uniform

buttons in the Marine’s possession.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1101 9 of 10 Enclosure (1)

(3) Civilian clothing, supplemented by certain articles of uniform

clothing, may be issued, when necessary, when the reason for separation

requires recovery of clothing. Reference (bz) MCO 4400.201 Vol. 13 addresses

funding and allowances.

(4) Wearing of the Uniform After Separation. Wearing of the uniform

requires maintaining the high standards of reference (ci) MCO P1020.34, and

meeting the provisions specified in those regulations regarding authorization

and occasion of wear.

(a) After Discharge. Marines whose characterization of service

upon discharge is honorable or general (under honorable conditions)--except

when discharge is for unsatisfactory performance, misconduct, good of the

Service, or security--may retain and wear their uniforms from the place of

discharge to their home, within three months after the date of such

discharge. The phrase “from the place of discharge to their home, within

three months after the date of such discharge” refers to the period between

the date of discharge and the date of arrival at their home and does not

permit the wearing of the uniform after arrival home, even though the three-

month period has not expired. Marines who served honorably during a declared

or undeclared war shall, when not on active service, be entitled, upon

occasion of ceremony, to wear the uniform of the highest grade held during

their war service.

(b) FMCR and Retired Marines. These Marines are entitled to wear

the prescribed uniform of the grade held on the retired list when wear of the

uniform is appropriate under the provisions of reference (ci) MCO P1020.34.

6. Pay Accounts

a. The disbursing officer maintaining the Marine’s account will be

provided with a properly completed NAVMC Form 11060, Separation/Enlistment

Voucher within one working day of a properly reported Drop Entry OR TTC 378.

See Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Kansas City Center Publication

(DFAS-KC 7220.31R), Marine Corps Total Force System, Automated Pay Systems

Manual DFAS-KC 7220.31R, MCTFS, reference (cp) MCTIMS (Online), and reference

(cq) DoDI 1332.45.

b. All separating Marines must request separations travel via their

supporting Administrative Office. The disbursing officer maintaining the

Marine’s account will be provided with a properly completed NAVMC Form

11060, Separation/Enlistment Voucher via DTMS, requesting a separation

travel advance within 10 working days before member’s departure date. All

approved payments shall be made via EFT to the member’s active duty direct

deposit account.

c. An enlisted Marine discharged from brig to parole, appellate leave,

or expiration of sentence, discharged under other than honorable conditions,

fraudulent or void enlistment, and who would be otherwise without funds to

meet immediate needs, upon discharge shall be paid a discharge gratuity, a

sum not to exceed $25 or such portion thereof, together with other funds

available to the Marine concerned, totaling $25. For detailed instructions

refer to reference (n) DoD 7000.14-R, paragraph 350601, Table 35-11.

7. Closing Out the Service Record

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1101 10 of 10 Enclosure (1)

a. Refer to reference (cj) MCO P1070.12K, for the close-out of service

and health records.

b. Every Marine must submit their Service Treatment Record (STR) to

their Marine Corps activity effecting separations (IPAC/Administration RUC)

prior to execution of transitional PTAD, terminal leave, transfer to the IRR,

separation or retirement. A complete STR includes: Service provided medical

and dental documentation, civilian provided medical and dental documentation,

Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA) web print

(AWP) information, and a completed DD Form 2963.

c. Marine Corps activities effecting separations (IPAC/Administration

RUC) are responsible for mailing paper copies of STRs via USPS with signature

confirmation no earlier than the date a Marine commences transitional PTAD,

terminal leave, transfer to the IRR, separation or retirement, and no later

than 5 working days past the Marine’s EAS or Reserve ECC to:

Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs

Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps

3280 Russell Road,

Quantico, VA 22134

Attn: Service Treatment Record Central Cell

d. Once a paper STR folder has been scanned and uploaded into electronic

archiving systems, the DD Form 2963 should be separately uploaded to the

electronic record archive, indicating that the electronically archived record

constitutes a complete STR.

e. To avoid confusion and delay in the final pay settlement, no

financial transfers or allotments will be made or authorized after a Marine’s

pay accounts have been closed immediately before separation.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 1102 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1102

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-6

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9317/9318

DSN: 278-9317/9318

Reference: None

1102. AUTOMATION OF RETIRED PAY ACCOUNTS

1. Background. During July 1994, the Marine Corps implemented the Defense

Retiree and Annuitant Pay System (DRAS). This is a DoD-mandated

consolidation of all retiree and annuitant pay accounts to a single DoD

system. To support this initiative, extensive modifications to the Marine

Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) were necessary. Separation data is

exchanged between the CMC, the parent command and DFAS by using the unit

diary system in MCTFS.

2. Overview. Retired pay data to DFAS-CL is triggered by a command running

a successful unit diary “drop” entry. The CMC approvals are generated to the

parent command and responsible order writing unit exclusively via the unit

diary. See Appendix E for detailed procedures. Naval messages are not

issued granting authority to release Marines for routine separation. A diary

advisory is generated to the administrative reporting unit code (ARUC) with

the responsibility to issue orders and an information copy is provided to the

reporting unit code (RUC). Reporting units must coordinate with the higher

headquarters ARUC to ensure timely issuance of orders. Compliance with

established directives will minimize or eliminate late payment of retired

pay. Proper and timely drops are critical to the success of the process.

3. Summary. A primary objective in the DRAS implementation and MCTFS

modifications was to decrease the administrative burden of field commands.

Additionally, the modifications were developed to streamline processing and

decentralize execution of separations once approved. See Appendix E for

further details.

MCO

1900.16 CH 1

7 Aug 2015

Para 1103 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1103

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: None

1103. NOTIFICATION TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES (USCIS) The

USCIS is responsible for initiating revocation of naturalization proceedings

and taking adverse action on applications for naturalization for naturalized

citizen and non-citizen Marines who are discharged from the Marine Corps with

an other than honorable (OTH), bad-conduct (BCD), or dishonorable (DD)

characterization of service. Commanding officers shall immediately forward

to the CMC (JLA) reports of such cases so that the required certification may

be prepared and transmitted to the USCIS upon the Marine’s discharge.

Reports will include the date and reason for discharge and any information in

the Marine’s service record with respect to naturalization. Mailing address

for reports: Judge Advocate Division (JLA), 3000 Marine Corps Pentagon, Rm

4D558, Washington DC 20350-3000.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1104 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1104

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (b) Title 8 U.S.C.

(x) DoDI 1332.14

(ae) DoDI 5500.14

1104. SEPARATION OF ALIENS

1. Marine Corps activities effecting separations (IPAC/Administration RUC)

Commanders are authorized to discharge an alien upon completion of obligated

active service or active Reserve service, upon the written request

of the Marine concerned, provided the Marine indicates that immediately

after discharge the Marine will establish permanent residence in their native

country or country other than the United States.

2. Aliens who have fulfilled their active duty obligation and who signify

their intent to establish permanent residency outside the United States may

be retained in an obligatory status at their request.

3. When Marines who are not citizens of the United States are to be

separated within the United States or its territories or possessions, the

nearest district office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) INS

shall be notified of such pending separation and the prospective date.

Submit such notification in sufficient time to permit the immigration

authorities to take such action as they may deem appropriate before the date

on which the Marine is to be separated.

4. Reference (b) Title 8 U.S.C. Section 1439, and reference (ae) DoDI

5500.14 requires expeditious naturalization of a permanent resident alien

upon completion of one year of three continuous years of active service in

the Armed Forces of the United States, provided the alien:

a. Has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent

residence;

b. Was separated from the military service under honorable conditions;

c. Files a petition while still in the military service or within six

months after the termination of such service; and

d. Can comply in all other respects with the provisions of reference (b)

Title 8 U.S.C. Section 1439, except when:

(1) No period of residence or specified period of physical presence

in the United States or in the state in which the petition for naturalization

is filed is required; and,

(2) Residence within the jurisdiction of the court is not required.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1104 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

5. The prescribed one year period may be satisfied by a combination of

active duty and inactive-duty in a Reserve status. In order to not

jeopardize their eligibility for naturalization, permanent resident aliens

serving on an enlistment or tour of extended duty of three years or more will

not be discharged solely for the convenience of the U.S. Government under the

provisions of any early release program until completion of three years of

service. Further, the above provisions will be explained to any alien who

applies for discharge for hardship before completion of three years of

service. The prescribed three-year period may be satisfied by a combination

of active duty and inactive-duty in a Reserve status. Not withstanding the

foregoing, an alien desiring discharge for the preceding reason (i.e.,

hardship or for the convenience of the U.S. Government under the provisions

of an early release program) must include the following statement in the

request for discharge:

“I understand that requesting discharge before completion of three full

years of service may jeopardize my eligibility for expeditious naturalization

under Title 8 U.S.C. Section 1439. However, understanding the above, I

request early discharge.”

6. An alien member desiring to fulfill naturalization requirements through

Military Service shall not be separated prior to completion of one year of

active duty unless: The above policy should not be construed as giving

aliens an entitlement to retention in service for at least three full years

regardless of their military records. Adequate provisions are contained in

this Manual for the separation of Marines whose performance of duty or

conduct does not justify their continued retention in the Service.

a. The member’s performance or conduct does not justify retention.

Adequate provisions are contained in this Manual for the separation of

Marines whose performance of duty or conduct does not justify their continued

retention in the Service; or

b. The member is to be transferred to inactive-duty in a Reserve

component to:

(1) Complete a Reserve obligation; or

(2) Attend a recognized institution of learning under the early

release program as provided in reference (x) DoDI 1332.14.

7. Caution shall be exercised to ensure that an alien’s affiliation with the

Armed Forces of the United States, regardless of duty status as a Reservist,

is not terminated even for a few days short of the 1 year statutory period,

since failure to comply with the exact 1 year requirements of reference (b)

Title 8 U.S.C. will automatically preclude a favorable determination by the

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service on any petition for naturalization

based on an alien’s military service.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1105 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1105

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)

(ap) JAGINST 5800.7F

(bm) MCO 1050.3J

1105. DISCHARGE ADJUDGED BY SENTENCE OF COURT-MARTIAL

1. The word “discharge” as used in this paragraph refers to punitive

(dishonorable and bad-conduct) discharges adjudged by sentence of a court-

martial.

2. It has been, and continues to be, the Department of the Navy’s (DON)

policy that convening and reviewing authorities should approve discharges

only in those cases where a Marine’s record and conduct show conclusively

that he or she is not fit for retention and where retention is clearly not in

the U.S. Government’s interest.

3. The appropriateness of a punitive discharge as the sentence or as part

of the sentence of a court-martial is discussed in reference (am) Manual for

Courts-Martial (MCM) Rules for Court-Martial.

4. Personnel retained beyond EAS serving a sentence or awaiting appellate

review of a court-martial may be discharged. See paragraph 1008.1c(3) of

this Manual.

5. Except when the discharge has been suspended and not vacated, the

transfer of Marines sentenced to discharge who are serving OCONUS will be

governed by the following instructions:

a. When an enlisted Marine sentenced to discharge is serving OCONUS,

whether it is ashore or aboard ship, transfer will be made to the Marine

Corps activity within the CONUS nearest the port of debarkation for retention

or redesignation of a place of temporary custody or confinement per

current directives. Marines who are permanent residents of Alaska or Hawaii

and serving in their respective state should not be returned to the CONUS.

b. Unless appellate leave has been granted and the action completed as

required by reference (bm) MCO 1050.3J, a Marine sentenced to a punitive

discharge will not be transferred to the CONUS until a review has been

completed by the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction, the

promulgating order issued, and service record entries made reflecting the

action by the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction.

c. Transfer Marines to the CONUS after appropriate entries have been

made in the service record to show the action taken by the convening

authority when, pursuant to reference (ap) JAGINST 5800.7F, the record of

trial is submitted directly to the Office of the Judge Advocate General of

the Navy without review by an officer exercising general court-martial

jurisdiction.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1105 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

d. When transfer to the CONUS is directed, forward a report to the Judge

Advocate General of the Navy per the latest version of reference (am) Manual

for Courts-Martial (MCM), with a copy to the CMC (SJA). Indicate the type of

court-martial, sentence as approved at the time of transfer, the name of the

activity to which the Marine is transferred, and the estimated report date to

the new activity. Upon the Marine’s arrival at the new activity, the

commander will immediately advise the Judge Advocate General of the Navy by

naval message with a copy to the CMC (SJA). When a different activity or

disciplinary command is designated as the place of temporary custody or

confinement, this will be set forth in the report and the date of transfer

will be stated.

e. No punitive discharge shall be effected OCONUS, except as directed by

the Secretary of the Navy or the CMC.

6. When an enlisted Marine serving at a station within the CONUS is

sentenced to discharge and the discharge has not been suspended for a stated

number of months to permit the Marine to continue in the Service after

satisfactorily serving during a probationary period, the Marine will be

retained at the place of trial or transferred to another activity or

disciplinary command per regulations governing designation of places of

confinement. When a Marine is transferred to another station or to a

disciplinary command, forward a report of the transfer to the Judge Advocate

General of the Navy with a copy to the CMC (SJA). See the current version of

reference (am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM).

7. When an enlisted Marine serving within the CONUS attached to a vessel or

organization destined for a transfer to foreign duty has been sentenced to

discharge and the discharge has not been suspended for a stated number of

months to permit the Marine to continue serving satisfactorily during a

probationary period, the Marine shall be transferred to a disciplinary

command if the established criteria for transfer to such a command is met;

otherwise, transfer the Marine to the Marine Corps activity nearest to the

port of departure before sailing. Report the transfer per paragraph 1105.6.

8. Where the execution of a portion of a sentence which adjudged a discharge

is suspended subject to a probationary period, the suspension may be vacated

pursuant to the procedures in reference (am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM).

Commanders must give careful consideration to reports of offenses committed

by Marines serving in such status and to undertake proceedings for the

vacation of suspension of the sentence only where it is established by the

record that such action is appropriate and in the best interest of the Marine

Corps.

MCO

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15 FEB 2019

Para 1200 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1200

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: (ad) DoDI 1336.01

1200. Forms will be prepared using the Document Tracking and Management

System (DTMS) in Marine OnLine (MOL). Where DTMS is not available for more

than 48 hours, forms may be prepared using the 8-part paper form e.g. DD Form

214, August 2009, or an approved electronic form software. When using DTMS,

All accountability, control, formatting, preparation, and security of the DD

Form 214 series permissions will be accomplished within DTMS.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1201 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1201

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: (ad) DoDI 1336.01

1201. GENERAL

1. DD Form 214WS. This is a single-sheet standard form to aid the

separating activity in preparing the DD Form 214. Its use is not mandatory,

but if used it may be retained for not more than six months at the discretion

of the separating activity.

2. DD Form 214. This is a multi-copy standard form designed to provide:

a. The Marine Corps and other organizations within the DoD with

information pertaining to a Marine or former Marine for administrative

purposes.

b. The recipient with a record of active service in the Marine Corps at

the time of transfer, release, or discharge, and changes in status or

component while on active duty; and,

c. Appropriate U.S. Government agencies with official information

required in administering Federal and state laws applicable to Marines who

have been discharged, otherwise released from active duty, transferred to a

Reserve component of the Marine Corps, or retired.

3. DD Form 214C. This is a multi-copy standard form to be used as a

continuation sheet, if required, and will reference information from blocks 1

through 3 and the applicable block(s) being continued.

4. Correct Copy DD Form 214 and DD Form 215 This is a multi-copy standard

form for use by:

a. Correct Copy DD Form 214 electronic versioning is available in the

Document Tracking Management System (DTMS) for use by the CMC (MMRP-10) in

order The separating activity to provide a separated the separating Marine

information not available when the Marine’s original DD Form 214 was prepared

and delivered. The CMC (MMRP-10) separating activity will provide furnish

the separated Marine with a Correct Copy DD Form 214 215 if determined

necessary for items not completed on the DD Form 214 at the time of the

Marine’s departure from the separation site. A Correct Copy DD Form 214 may

be provided without a request from the separated Marine if the Service is so

directed by applicable regulation or authority. A separated Marine may also

request a Correct Copy DD Form 214 if they become aware of an administrative

error or omission on the original DD Form 214. A DD Form 215 will be

provided without a request from the separated Marine. See Appendix B.

b. Per reference (ad) DoDI 1336.01, the DD Form 215 is no longer

produced. As an exception to policy, the CMC (MMRP-10) may produce and issue

the DD Form 215 on a case-by-case basis as necessary. Once a Marine has

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1201 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

received their DD Form 214 and has departed from the separation site, only

the following entities may issue a DD Form 215: the separating activity, up

until the Marine is separated (dropped from the rolls); COMMARFORRES, while

the Marine is in the IRR; CMC (MMRP-10) or Marine Corps Liaison Officer at

the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) for all others.

5. DoD has directed the authorized use of an electronic DD Form 214, and the

CMC (MI) has disseminated guidance to commanding officers or directors of

Marine Corps activities effecting separations (IPAC/Administration RUC) with

procedures for DD Form 214 generation, versioning, correction, cancelation,

and processing via DTMS. computer-generated DD Forms 214 and 215 and, via

the Headquarters Marine Corps Forms Manager, HQMC has disseminated Portable

Document Format (PDF) versions to forms management officers throughout the

Marine Corps with guidance for the use of these forms.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1202 1 of 6 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1202

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: (ad) DoDI 1336.01

(bn) MCO 1070.5

1202. OCCASIONS, PREPARATION, DELIVERY, AND DISTRIBUTION

1. The care in properly preparing the DD Form 214 cannot be overemphasized.

This is the most important document of service a Marine possesses. Marine

Corps activities effecting separations will ensure that every Marine--

excluding those listed in paragraph 1202.4 of this Manual--separated from a

period of active duty is issued a completed DD Form 214. See Appendix B for

detailed instructions on completion of DD Form 214 and 215.

2. Events requiring active duty eligibility and DD Form 214 issuance are

calculated on a “day-for-day” basis to include the 31st day of those relevant

months. Use a Julian calendar if necessary to determine eligibility. See

paragraph 1401 for additional guidance on creditable service computation.

3. DD Form 214 Occasions

a. Release from Active Duty Service. A DD Form 214 will be issued to

each Marine, except as directed in paragraph 1202.4 of this Manual, upon

separation from a period of active duty. This includes:

(1) Separation from a period of actual (de facto) or apparent (de

jure) service;

(2) Release from a voided minority enlistment;

(3) Separation for cause or for physical disability regardless of the

length of time served on active duty; and

(4) When service was required by the Secretary of the Navy for

shorter periods.

b. Release of Reservists from a Period of Active Duty Service. A DD

Form 214 will be issued as soon as possible upon impending release from

active duty in order to facilitate administrative processing in the following

instances:

(1) Separation from an initial or subsequent period of Reserve

Incremental Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT);

(2) Separation from a period of active duty, active duty for training

(ADT), full-time training duty, or Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS) of

90 days or more, calculated using a Julian (day-for-day) calendar per

paragraph 1202.2 above;

(3) When required by the Secretary of the Navy for shorter periods;

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1202 2 of 6 Enclosure (1)

(4) Separation from active duty while in the Active Reserve (AR)

Program; and,

(5) Separation when ordered to active duty for a contingency

operation regardless of the number of days served on active duty.

c. Continuation of active duty when status or component changes for the

following reasons:

(1) Discharge from the Marine Corps for immediate enlistment into a

Reserve component of the Armed Forces;

(2) Termination of enlisted status to accept a permanent appointment

to warrant or commissioned officer grade;

(3) Termination of Reserve component status to integrate into a

Regular component of the Armed Forces;

(4) Termination of temporary appointment to accept a permanent

warrant or commissioned status in the Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve;

(5) Termination of an officer appointment in the Marine Corps to

accept appointment in another branch of the Armed Forces;

(6) Upon retirement or transfer to the FMCR and immediate

commencement without any break in service for a period of retired-retained on

active duty;

(7) When retained or recalled retirees are reverting to inactive-

status on the retired list regardless of the period of active duty served.

d. The DD Form 214, once issued, will not be reissued except:

(1) When directed by appropriate appellate authority, executive

order, or by direction of the Secretary of the Navy;

(2) When it is determined by the CMC that the original DD Form 214 is

in error. cannot be properly corrected by issuing a DD Form 215 or when the

correction would require issuing more than two DD Forms 215.

(3) When 2 DD Forms 215 have been issued and additional correction is

required.

e. When circumstances require the issue or reissue of the DD Form 214,

an appropriate entry stating the fact and the date of such action will be

recorded in block 18, Remarks, unless specifically denied by the authority

referenced in paragraph 1202.3.d of this Manual.

4. DD Form 214 will not be issued to:

a. Marines discharged for the purpose of immediate reenlistment in the

Marine Corps and remaining on active duty;

b. Marines found disqualified upon reporting for active duty and who do

not perform duties in accordance with orders;

c. Marines whose active duty, active duty for training, or AR duty is

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1202 3 of 6 Enclosure (1)

terminated by death;

d. Marines released from a period of less than 90 days active duty for

training, except as specified in paragraph 1202.3b;

e. Enlisted Marines receiving temporary appointment to warrant or

commissioned officer grade;

f. Marines who have temporary officer status terminated and remain on

active duty as an enlisted Marine;

g. Personnel removed from the TDRL;

h. Enlisted Reservists released from a period of Active Duty Operational

Support (ADOS) or active duty for training of less than 90 days or discharged

from the Reserve component status to integrate into a Regular component

unless otherwise directed under paragraph 1202.3b. Although not issued a DD

Form 214, such Reservists will be assigned a reenlistment code from Appendix

I for record purposes (e.g., page 11 entries, discharge letters, statements

of service) and MCTFS entries per PRIUM;

i. Reserve officers released from a period of less than 90 days of

active duty or active duty for training; or

j. Marines separated or discharged who have been furnished a prior

edition of the DD Form 214, unless the form is in need of reissuance for some

other reason.

k. Reserve Marines executing discharge, including transfer to the FMCR

or retirement, unless in connection with an occasion identified under

paragraph 1202.3b.

5. Document Preparation

a. The DD Form 214 is accepted as an official record of the Marine’s

military service by the VA and the other agencies to which copies are

furnished. Care must be exercised to ensure accuracy in the preparation of

the form to ensure each copy is completely legible.

b. Avoid Abbreviations. Civilians, who may not be familiar with

military terms, will read the form and may fail to understand the meaning.

c. If more space is required for entering information, entries may be

continued using block 18 of the form or on DD Form 214C, the Continuation

Sheet. Documents prepared using DTMS in MOL will automatically carry over

the date into block 18 and create the DD Form 214C. If no detailed

information is applicable for an entry, DTMS will automatically enter “None.”

DoD instructions require that each item of the DD Form 214 be completed

before delivery to the Marine. In cases where any item cannot be completed

at the time of delivery, the separating activity must establish follow-up

procedures to obtain the missing data and issue a corrected DD Form 214 to

the Marine at the earliest possible date. When information for one or more

of the items on the DD Form 214 is not available and the document is issued

to the Marine, the applicable block(s) will be annotated “See Remarks.” In

such cases, block 18 will contain the entry “A Correct Copy DD Form 214 DD

Form 215 will be issued to provide missing information.” The same procedure

applies for a release from a period of active duty for training of 90 days or

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1202 4 of 6 Enclosure (1)

more, or for Marines being separated from active duty for training under a

Reserve Special Enlistment Program as specified in paragraph 1202.3b of this

Manual. DD Form 214C, the Continuation Sheet, if required, will reference:

the DD Form 214 being continued, information from blocks 1 through 3, and the

applicable block(s) continued. The DTMS will automatically enter “CONT” in

block 18 and ensure a legible DD Form 214C with the Marine’s signature, date,

and the authorizing official’s signature is placed with each copy of the DD

Form 214.

d. The form contains spaces for all items deemed appropriate; therefore,

no additional entries will be made unless specifically authorized by the CMC

(MMSR).

e. All entries apply to the current continuous period of active duty

service, except where specifically noted otherwise.

f. In the event that a DD Form 214 is lost, destroyed, or requires

alteration or correction, the following applies:

(1) Any unavoidable corrections or changes made in the unshaded areas

of the form during the preparation shall be neat and legible on all copies

and initialed by the authenticating official. No corrections will be

permitted in the shaded areas. Once copy 1 and copy 4, if applicable, have

been delivered to the Marine, no corrections may be made to any other copies

of the DD Form 214 by the separation activity. Corrections at this point

will require issuance of a DD Form 215.

(1) The Marine must be cautioned not to make changes or alterations

to the form; to do so will render it void. If the Marine discovers an error

after receipt of the form and after departure from the separation site, or

distribution of copies has been made, corrections or changes to blocks 1

through 29 will be made by the CMC (MMRP-10) via a Correct Copy DD Form 214

the activity having administrative control of the SRB/OQR/ESR. Changes will

be made using the DD Form 215 via DTMS. However, in the event an

administrative error is made in the characterization of a Marine’s discharge,

or a discharge upgrade has been approved through proper channels, the DD Form

214 shall be cancelled and a new one issued. Requests for correction to DD

Form 214 will be addressed to:

Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (MMRP-10)

2008 Elliot Road

Quantico, VA 22134-5030

Requests should include the Marine’s full name, grade, Electronic Data

Interchange Personal Identifier (EDIPI), and effective date of separation.

(2) Requests for replacing a lost or destroyed DD Form 214 will be

handled by the CMC (MMRP-10).the activity having administrative control of

the SRB/OQR/ESR.

*g. Special Follow-Up Procedures. DOD instructions require that each

item of the DD Form 214 be completed before delivery to the Marine. In cases

where any item cannot be completed at the time of delivery, the separating

activity must establish follow-up procedures to obtain the missing data and

issue a DD Form 215 to the Marine at the earliest possible date. DOD policy

requires the Marine Corps separating activity to issue a DD Form 215 to

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1202 5 of 6 Enclosure (1)

complete any item not available at the time of separation without a request

being generated by the separated Marine.

6. Delivery and Distribution

a. The original signed DD Form 214, copies 1 and 4, will be physically

delivered by Marine Corps activities effecting separations

(IPAC/Administration RUC) to all Marines on the earlier date of (1) the

effective date of separation or (2) the date PTAD, PDMRA, terminal leave and

authorized departure commence and the Marine permanently departs the

separation site command. Early delivery facilitates enrollment in the VA and

other U.S. Government benefits programs and to apply for civilian employment.

All copies must be distributed and certified in DTMS no later than two 5 days

after from EAS. Upon certification of the DD Form 214 and the Marine’s

subsequent EAS, DTMS will automatically generate the following TTC

transactions to MCTFS: 378-000 (drop), 499-040 (cell phone), and 386-007

(personal email address). Additionally, the certifier will be prompted to

exposed poster edits at the time of certification if the aforementioned TTC

transactions will fail when sent to MCTFS. Copy 4 contains the statutory or

regulatory authority, reenlistment code, separation program designator (SPD)

code, and narrative reason for separation.

b. The Commander must ensure that copies 2, 3, and 5 through 8 of the

DD Form 214 are distributed within 5 days of the effective date of separation

and that each copy is forwarded to the appropriate unit or organization per

Appendix B. After the delivery of the DD Form 214, should subsequent events

occur that invalidate the Marine’s EAS, separation code, or characterization

of service--for example, death, misconduct, etc.--separation activities

commands must correct and reissue the a new or cancel the DD Form 214 by

issuing a DD Form 215 and distributing the copies immediately or cancel the

document in DTMS in entirety. See Appendix B.

(1) Failure by the separating activity to make prompt and correct

distribution of each copy of the DD Form 214 results in a delay of services

for deserving Marines from the VA, potential employers, and financial

institutions.

(2) The VA may require that a certified true copy 4 of DD Form 214

must be submitted with any application requesting veteran benefits. The

decision to release this information to the VA rests with the Marine;

however, providing this information will expedite the VA process of

verification, eligibility determination, and approval of benefits.

Additionally, upon certification of the DD Form 214 in DTMS, member data will

be automatically sent electronically to the Defense Manpower Data Center

(DMDC) for distribution purposes.

(3) Prior to Marines being issued their DD Form 214, a statement of

service (SoS) may also be provided as an interim working document. The SoS

allows Marines to document military service when seeking a loan or to provide

information to various U.S. Government and civilian agencies as needed.

Ensure that the following statement is contained in the remarks section of

the SoS: “The above information is current as of (insert date prepared).

The addressee is not actually scheduled for release from active duty until

(insert date of separation).”

(4) Mailing of Medical and Dental Records

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1202 6 of 6 Enclosure (1)

(a) Per reference (bn) MCO 1070.5, in order to facilitate the

timely and accurate submission and processing of a Marine's medical and

dental history by the VA, Marine Corps activities effecting separations

(IPAC/Administration RUC) will serve as the primary administrative control

point for Service Treatment Record submission. It is a mandatory requirement

for all Service Treatment Records to be mailed via USPS with signature

confirmation no earlier than the date a Marine commences transitional PTAD,

PDMRA or separation/terminal leave, and no later than 5 working days past the

Marine's EAS. For all other Marines who are discharged, retired or

separated, Service Treatment Records will be mailed to:

Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs

Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps

3280 Russell Road,

Quantico, VA 22134

Attn: Service Treatment Record Central Cell

(b) Records for Marines assigned to the Temporary Disability

Retired List (TDRL) shall be handled in the same manner as all other STR’s.

(a) For Marines who are being transferred to the Temporary

Disability Retired List (TDRL), the medical and dental records are sent to

CMC (MMRP-16) at the following address:

Commandant of the Marine Corps (MMRP-16)

2008 Elliot Road

Quantico, VA 22134-5030

(b) For all other Marines who are discharged, retired, or

separated, the medical and dental records are sent to the Veterans Affairs,

Records Management Center at the following address:

Dept of Veterans Affairs

Records Management Center

P.O. Box 5020

St Louis, MO 63115-8950

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15 FEB 2019

Para 1203 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1203

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: (ad) DoDI 1336.01

(bd) SECNAVINST M-5210.1

1203. CONTROL AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND SAFEGUARDING THE PHYSICAL COPIES OF DD

FORM 214 SERIES AND 215

1. DD Forms 214WS, 214, and 214C, and 215 are official documents used by

civilian and U.S. Government agencies for determination of VA benefits,

reemployment rights, unemployment insurance, etc.

2. The following control and accountability features will be implemented by

commanding officers or IPAC directors of Marine Corps activities effecting

separations (IPAC/Administration RUC) each unit or activity authorized to

create and requisition, store, and issue DD Forms 214WS, 214, and 214C, and

215.

a. The commanding officer or director officer in charge shall:

(1) Establish written procedures and assign an E7/GS7 equivalent or

above for control and accountability management of forms created held and/or

issued via DTMS. Document in writing the non-availability of a person in the

required grade if assigning a lower grade individual who shall not be lower

than an E5 or GS5 equivalent;

(2) DTMS in MOL will assign, log and maintain the serial number when

the DD Form 214/215 is produced in DTMS. When DTMS is not used, assign a

serial number for the DD Form 214 and maintain these serial numbers in either

an electronic or paper log. The serial number must consist of three

elements: command UIC, four-digit calendar year, and at a minimum, a four-

digit consecutive number (e.g., “SER: 54883-2002-0001”). The log will

consist of, at a minimum, the DD Form 214/215 serial number, the name of the

Marine discharged/separated, effective date of discharge or separation, full

name, EDIPI, and printed name of preparer. Per reference (bd) SECNAVINST M-

5210.1, the log will be maintained at the activity for two years. Marine

Corps activities effecting separations (IPAC/Administration RUC) Commands are

authorized to add additional control and accountability elements as desired.

(3) Ensure all obsolete forms are destroyed;

(4) Ensure all blank or partially completed forms are destroyed;

(5) Ensure reproduced copies of the DD Forms 214WS, 214, and 214C,

and 215 are destroyed;

(6) Ensure blank forms used for educational or instructional

purposes, and forms maintained for such use, are clearly voided in an

unalterable manner (i.e., overstamped “FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY”);

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1203 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

(7) Ensure effective permission management in DTMS and appropriate

computer access and password protection for form creation software; and,

(8) Add additional security/accounting elements as deemed necessary.

b. No forms will be discarded intact, but shall be properly destroyed.

c. The commanding officer or director officer in charge will monitor and

periodically review the above procedures to ensure compliance. Additionally,

the above procedures are subject to review and evaluation for compliance by

the Inspector General of the Marine Corps (IGMC).

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1204 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1204

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: (ad) DoDI 1336.01

1204. SPONSORSHIP OF THE DD FORM 214 SERIES. The Under Secretary of

Defense, Personnel and Readiness (USD (P&R)) sponsors DD Forms 214WS, 214,

and 214C, and 215. Each Service is required to publish preparation and

distribution instructions under the guidance of reference (ad) DoDI 1336.01.

Deviation in format or modification of content is not authorized without

prior approval by the DoD. Requests to add or delete information will be

coordinated with the other military Services in writing, before submission to

the USD (P&R). Submit requests to modify these forms to the CMC (MMSR-2).

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1205 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1205

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: (ad) DoDI 1336.01

(co) MCTFS Codes Manual (Online)

1205. RESPONSIBILITY FOR ASSIGNMENT AND SAFEGUARDING SEPARATION PROGRAM

DESIGNATOR (SPD) CODES, NARRATIVE REASON, AND EXPLANATION

1. The standard SPD codes for officer and enlisted personnel were developed

under the direction of the DoD and are published in reference (co) MCTFS

Codes Manual (Online). Copy 4 of the DD Form 214 contains the statutory or

regulatory authority, reenlistment code, separation program designator (SPD)

code, and narrative reason and explanation for separation. Forward requests

for additions, deletions, or modifications to SPD codes to the CMC (MMSR-2).

2. With the exception of official U.S. Government business, only the

individual being separated or discharged is entitled access to his/her SPD

code and narrative reason. Any list(s) of SPD codes with narrative reasons

and/or explanations shall be marked “For Official Use Only,” shall be

provided appropriate security and limited access for official use only, and

shall not be provided to any organization or individual outside of the DoD.

SPD codes are intended for DoD internal use only in collecting data to

analyze statistical reporting trends that may, in turn, influence changes in

separation policy.

MCO

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15 FEB 2019

Para 1301 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1301

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(z) DoDI 1332.29

1301. PURPOSE. To prescribe policy and procedures for award of separation

pay upon involuntary separation, discharge, or release from active duty, as

authorized by reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. (c) Title 10 U.S.C.Section 1174,

and reference (z) DoDI 1332.29.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1302 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1302

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: None

1302. CANCELLATION. This section supersedes SECNAVINST 1900.7G, which was

cancelled, with the authorities therein delegated to the DC M&RA.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1303 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1303

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(z) DoDI 1332.29

1303. APPLICABILITY. This instruction applies to Marines involuntarily

separated from active duty on or after November 1990. Reserve Marines

separated from inactive-duty are not normally eligible for separation pay

under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 1174, unless specific eligibility

requirements are met per reference (z) DoDI 1332.29.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1304 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1304

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (z) DoDI 1332.29

(bi) MCO 1001.65

1304. DEFINITIONS. The phrase “involuntarily separated, discharged, or

released from active duty” includes separation under conditions not adverse

in nature wherein the Marine is released from active duty at any time prior

to the completion of a stipulated period of active service or tour of active

duty and not at the Marine’s own request, or denied reenlistment or extension

on active duty. Examples include release due to Reduction In Force (RIF) or

a failure of selection for promotion, and release of Reserve Marines not

accepted for an additional tour of active duty for which they volunteered.

1. The phrase “not accepted for an additional tour of active duty for which

they volunteered” refers to career Marines who, prior to completing a tour of

active duty or a stipulated period of active service, or upon notification of

the intent to separate them from active duty, volunteer to remain on active

duty for an additional tour but are not accepted.

2. The phrase “involuntarily separated” does not apply to Marines (enlisted

or officer) at the end of an initial period of obligation, even if the Marine

requested re-enlistment (enlisted) or career designation (officer).

MCO

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15 FEB 2019

Para 1305 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1305

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (z) DoDI 1332.29

1305. POLICY. Separation pay is intended to assist Marines who are

involuntarily separated in returning to civilian life. It is intended to

encourage the pursuit of a military career through the assurance that those

unable to remain on active duty until eligible for retired or retainer pay

receive compensation to ease their re-entry into civilian life. Separation

pay will be paid to Marines involuntarily separated from active service and

to those not accepted for an additional tour of active duty for which they

volunteered.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1306 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1306

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (z) DoDI 1332.29

1306. RATES OF SEPARATION PAY. The amount of separation pay for a Marine

shall be calculated as follows:

1. Full separation pay is 10 percent of the product of years of active duty

military service (a) and 12 times the monthly basic pay to which the Marine

was entitled at the time of discharge or release from active duty (b).

Full Separation Pay = .1(a x (12 x b))

2. To determine years of active duty military service for use in computing

separation pay, count each full year of creditable service as a year and

count each full month of service of creditable service as 1/12 of a year.

Disregard any remaining fractional part of a month.

3. Periods for which a Marine previously has received separation pay,

severance pay, or readjustment pay may be counted for eligibility purposes

(to ensure the Marine meets the minimum required years of active duty), but

may not be used in the multiplier to determine the amount of separation pay

for subsequent separation.

4. Do not count periods of unauthorized absence, confinement awaiting trial

that resulted in conviction, time lost through disease or injury due to

misconduct, or service as a midshipman or cadet at a service academy or in an

NROTC program.

5. Half separation pay is 1/2 the amount computed under paragraph 1306.1 of

this Manual.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1307 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1307

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(z) DoDI 1332.29

(bi) MCO 1001.65

1307. MARINES ELIGIBLE FOR FULL SEPARATION PAY (NON-DISABILITY). Reference

(c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 1174, and reference (z) DoDI 1332.29, govern

separation pay. Marines involuntarily separated from active duty whose

separation is characterized as honorable or general and who meet the criteria

in paragraphs 1307.1 and 1307.2 of this Manual, except those excluded in

paragraphs 1308 and 1309 of this Manual, are entitled to the full rate of

separation pay. The qualifying years for separation pay do not have to be

continuous; however, the last phase of the qualifying term must be six

continuous active duty years and end immediately before the separation,

discharge, or release.

1. Minimum Service

a. Officers on the active duty list must have completed at least six

continuous years of active duty service prior to separation to be eligible

for full separation pay. Officers released or discharged upon completion of

an initial period of obligated service as an officer or who are not selected

or decline to accept career designation are not eligible for separation pay

unless prior periods of completed service are combined to meet eligibility

requirements set forth in reference (z) DoDI 1332.29 paragraph 3.1a(1),

regardless of the number of previous years of active duty service, unless

specifically separated under reference (a) section 647. Failure of selection

for career designation is not a provision of reference (a) section 647.

b. Regular enlisted Marines must have completed at least six continuous

years of active duty service prior to separation.

c. Reserve officers and Reserve enlisted Marines not on the active duty

list when separated must have completed at least six years of continuous

active duty service immediately prior to separation. A period of active duty

service is continuous if any break in service does not exceed 30 days.

2. Reserve Obligation. The Marine must enter into a written agreement to

serve in the Individual Ready Reserve for a period of not less than three

years following separation from active duty. A Marine who enters into this

written agreement and who is not qualified for appointment or enlistment in

the Individual Ready Reserve need not be enlisted or appointed to be

considered to have met this condition of eligibility for separation pay. If

the Marine has a service obligation remaining at the time the Marine is

separated from active duty, the three-year obligation will begin on the day

after the date on which the Marine completes this obligation.

3. Enlisted Marines fully qualified for retention, but denied reenlistment

or continuation on active duty due to established promotion or high-year

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1307 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

tenure policies are eligible for full separation pay. It must be understood

that due to manpower constraints, an individual Marine with an otherwise

competitive record may be denied reenlistment due to lack of allocations in a

particular skill or grade. These Marines will not be deprived of full

separation pay. Likewise, Marines twice failed of selection for promotion to

the next higher grade may be granted full separation pay.

4. Only the Secretary of the Navy may deny separation pay to Marines meeting

the criteria in paragraphs 1307 or 1308 of this Manual.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1308 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1308

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (z) DoDI 1332.29

1308. MARINES LIMITED TO HALF SEPARATION PAY (NON-DISABILITY)

1. Marines whose separation is characterized as honorable or general, and

who are involuntarily separated from active duty through denial of

reenlistment/continuation, or separation in lieu of board action, are

eligible for half separation pay under the following specific conditions:

a. The Marine is not fully qualified for retention due to;

(1) Expiration of service obligation.

(2) Selected changes in service obligation.

(3) Drug abuse rehabilitation failure.

(4) Alcohol abuse rehabilitation failure.

(5) Retention not consistent with the interest of national security.

(6) Convenience of the Government.

(7) Physical Fitness Test, Combat Fitness Test and Weight Control

failure, or for officers being separated for substandard performance of duty

by reason of failure to conform to prescribed standards of weight. This

applies to Marines separated from active duty on or after 10 March 1992.

b. The Marine is being separated under a Service-specific program

established as a half-payment level by the Secretary; or

c. The Marine accepts an earlier separation date from active duty after

denial of reenlistment or continuation on active duty.

2. The DC, M&RA may award full separation pay to individual Marines

discharged under the conditions in paragraph 1308.1 of this Manual. Such

payments will be granted in extraordinary instances when the specific

circumstances of the separation and overall quality of the Marine’s service

have been such that denial of such pay would be clearly unjust. Requests for

full separation pay shall be submitted to the CMC (MMEA-1 for enlisted and

MMSR-2 for officers) via the Marine’s chain of command.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1309 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1309

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(x) DoDI 1332.14

(z) DoDI 1332.29

(av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

1309. PERSONNEL NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SEPARATION PAY. See reference (c) Title 10

U.S.C. Section 1174, and reference (z) DoDI 1332.29, for further guidance.

1. Marines separated from active duty at their own request. A Marine who

declines training to qualify for a new skill, as a precondition to

reenlistment or continuation to reenlistment, or continuation on active duty

for a period that is equal to or more than the amount of service required to

qualify for retirement will not be considered involuntarily separated. This

limitation does not apply to officers discharged or released from active duty

because of failure to be selected for promotion.

2. Marines released from active duty for training.

3. Marines who, upon discharge or release from active duty, are immediately

eligible for retired or retainer pay.

4. Warrant officers and chief warrant officers (CWOs) whose appointments are

terminated during the three-year probationary period and who elect to enlist.

5. CWOs who twice fail to be selected for promotion to the next higher

permanent Regular warrant officer grade, are serving on active duty and

elect, with the consent of the SECNAV, to be retained on active duty in that

status.

6. CWOs who twice fail to be selected for promotion to the next higher

permanent Regular warrant officer grade and elect to enlist.

7. Temporary or permanent limited duty officers (LDOs) in a pay grade below

O4 who twice fail to be selected for promotion to the next higher grade and

elect to revert to warrant officer or enlisted status.

8. Reserve officers who decline a Regular appointment offered at the pay

grade of O4 or above in compliance with the all-Regular career force

objective.

9. Regular officers in pay grades O3 or O4 who twice fail to be selected for

promotion to the next higher grade and whose discharge date is within two

years of qualifying for retirement per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section

1174, and reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5.

10. Marines who are released as part of the execution of a court-martial

sentence, which includes discharge or dismissal.

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1309 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

11. Marines dropped from the rolls of the Marine Corps by the President or

the Secretary of the Navy per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Sections 1161 and

6408, reference (x) DoDI 1332.14, or reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH

5.

12. Marines separated under other than honorable conditions or by reason of

misconduct or unsatisfactory performance of duty are not eligible for

separation pay.

13. Regular, Reserve, and warrant officers who are involuntarily separated

for cause by reason of substandard performance of duty, misconduct, or moral

or professional dereliction; or who have been notified in writing to show

cause for retention and subsequently request separation, for such reasons,

except when half pay is allowed under paragraph 1308 of this Manual.

14. Marines separated during an initial enlistment or period of obligated

service. The initial enlistment or period of obligated service is defined as

the active service obligation incurred upon initial enlistment or enrollment

in a commissioning program. This limitation also applies to Marines who

request reenlistment or continuation at the end of such initial enlistment or

period of obligated service who are denied reenlistment or continuation.

15. In extraordinary cases when the SECNAV determines the conditions under

which the Marine is separated do not warrant separation pay.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1310 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1310

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: (z) DoDI 1332.29

1310. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR RESERVE PERSONNEL

1. To be eligible for separation pay a Reservist must have been

involuntarily separated from active duty or must have been denied a voluntary

request for additional active duty after six years of continuous active duty.

The request to remain on active duty must be unqualified and must specify

that the Marine will accept any assignment commensurate with Marine’s pay

grade and Military Occupation Specialty. A Reserve Marine on active duty may

submit an Administrative Action (AA) Form to the headquarters that approved

their current set of orders via the chain of command. Should this request be

denied, the command denying further service will examine the Marine’s request

and determine whether the request for further service is in accordance with

the governing policies and directives. The AA Form must be submitted at

least two months prior to the Marine’s release from active duty.

2. Submission of preference for duty or a service record administrative

remark entry does not constitute an unqualified request to remain on active

duty.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1311 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1311

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

1311. REPAYMENT OF SEPARATION PAY, SEVERANCE PAY OR READJUSTMENT PAY

1. Per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 1174, Marines who have received

separation pay, severance pay, or readjustment pay based on service in the

Armed Forces, which includes service on or after 15 September 1981, and who

subsequently qualify for retired or retainer pay, shall have deducted an

amount equal to the total amount of separation pay, severance pay, or

readjustment pay. This amount will be recouped from each payment of this

retired or retainer pay until the total amount deducted is equal to the total

amount of separation pay, severance pay or readjustment pay received. DFAS

determines the recoupment amount and schedule of payments.

2. Marines who have received separation pay, severance pay, or readjustment

pay based on service in the Armed Forces who become eligible for disability

compensation administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs may have

deducted from that disability compensation an amount equal to the total

amount of separation pay, severance pay, or readjustment pay received as

established by laws and regulations. Separation pay, severance pay, or

readjustment pay received from an earlier period of active duty will not be

recouped from disability compensation if that disability compensation was

incurred or aggravated during a later period of active duty.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1312 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1312

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (ab) DoDI 1332.35

1312. TRANSITION BENEFITS. See reference (ab) DoDI 1332.35, reference (ar)

DoDI 1332.36, and Appendix K.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1401 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1401

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(n) DoD 7000.14-R

(cn) MCTFS PRIUM (Online)

1401. CREDITABLE SERVICE FOR ACTIVE DUTY RETIREMENT/TRANSFER TO THE FMCR.

Eligibility for active duty retirement/transfer to the FMCR is based on

reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C., and reference (n) DoD 7000.14-R, and applies

to the Total Force. Reference (cn) MCTFS PRIUM (Online), provides reporting

instructions and further descriptions of the data affecting retirement/FMCR

eligibility and retired/retainer pay.

1. Key MCTFS Fields affecting Retirement/FMCR Eligibility and Retired Pay.

a. Armed Forces Active Duty Base Date (AFADBD). A constructive date

computed from full time active duty service in any branch of the Armed

Forces, modified by time lost or periods not creditable as full time active

duty. AFADBD is the date on which eligibility for retirement/FMCR begins.

AFADBD is credited for each day of active duty served, to include the 31st

day of those months. AFADBD and associated events requiring active duty

eligibility, such as DD Form 214 issuance, retirement, etc., are calculated

on a “day for day” basis.

b. Date Original Entered Armed Forces (DOEAF). The date a Marine was

initially enlisted, commissioned, inducted, or appointed in a Regular or

Reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces as a commissioned officer, warrant

officer, or enlisted member. This date is used to indicate which retirement

plan a Marine is under.

c. Pay Entry Base Date (PEBD). The actual or constructive date of

original entry into the Armed Forces, which is creditable for pay purposes

calculated according to a 30-day month, for all months, per reference (n) DoD

7000.14-R.

2. Source Documents. The dates mentioned in the paragraph above are derived

from official source documents including, but not limited to, an original

service contract, leave and earning statements reflecting days of active duty

paid, orders to active duty and a DD Form 214. The CMC (MMSR) shall verify

creditable service toward retirement and the retired pay multiplier (RPM)

prior to approval of transfer to the retired list/FMCR. The CMC (MMSR) shall

correct AFADBD, DOEAF, and PEBD for errors of creditable service that are not

supported by source documents.

3. Computation of Creditable Service Toward Active Duty Retirement/Transfer

to the FMCR. Creditable service toward an active duty retirement/transfer to

the FMCR is derived from a Marine’s AFADBD and active duty in receipt of

basic pay from that date, as certified by the CMC (MMSR).

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1401 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

a. Officers. To be first eligible to receive an active duty retirement,

all service obligations must be met and the officer must have more than 20

years of active duty service, of which 10 years must be as a commissioned

officer, unless waived by other provisions of law and regulation. Officers

retire (transfer to the retired list) on the first day of the month, unless

retired under disability or other provisions of law.

Officer Example: A major has an AFADBD of 3 January 2001 written in

year/month/day format: 20010103. To determine the first eligible date to

retire, add 20 years 00 months and 01 day, written as 200001. Add AFADBD

plus years/months/days of active duty to determine the first eligible date,

20210104.

This major’s earliest retirement date would be 1 February 2021.

YYYY MM DD

2001 01 03 AFADBD

+ 20 00 01 More than 20 years of active duty

2021 01 04 Date first eligible to retire

2021 02 01 Earliest retirement date

The day transferred to the Retired List is NOT a day of active duty.

This calculation would only be correct if the major continued to serve with

no release from active duty during the years depicted.

(1) NROTC, United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), State Maritime

Academies Midshipman time. Active duty performed as a midshipman in a non-

academy status (Summer Cruise training, CORTRAMID, OCS, etc.) on or after 13

October 1964 is not creditable service toward officer active duty retirement or

towards a Marine’s RPM per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 2107(g)).

Active duty performed as a midshipman in a non-academy status (Bulldog, summer

cruise, etc.) is not creditable toward officer active duty retirement, but is

creditable toward the RPM, per reference (a) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 971 and 47

CompGen 221, B-158027 dtd November 1967. RPM credit for summer cruise(s)

requires the active duty orders (source documents) for these periods. These

orders must have an arriving and departing endorsement.

(2) Academy status. Service as a cadet or midshipman in any Armed

Forces Academy which directly results in a commission (Summer Cruise

training, PROTRAMID, Leatherneck, etc.) is not creditable for officer

retirement eligibility or RPM per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 971.

b. Enlisted. To be eligible for FMCR/retirement, service obligations

must be met and the Marine must have 20 or more years of active duty.

Enlisted retirement requires at least 30 years of active duty.

(1) Transfer to FMCR Example. A staff sergeant has an AFADBD of

3 January 2001 written in year/month/day format: 20010103. To determine the

first eligible date to transfer to the FMCR, add 20 years 00 months and 00

days, written as 200000. Add AFADBD plus years/months/days of active duty to

determine the first eligible date: 20210103. Enlisted Marines may only

transfer to the FMCR on the last of day of the month. This staff sergeant’s

earliest FMCR date is 31 January 2021.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 1401 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

YYYY MM DD

2001 01 03 AFADBD

+ 20 00 00 20 years of active duty

2021 01 03 Date first eligible to transfer to FMCR

2021 01 31 Earliest FMCR date

This calculation would only be correct if the staff sergeant continued to

serve with no release from active duty during the years depicted.

(2) Enlisted retirement Example. A sergeant major has an AFADBD of

3 January 1991 written in year/month/day format: 19910103. To determine the

first eligible date to retire, add 30 years 00 months and 00 days written as

300000. Add AFADBD plus years/months/days of active duty to determine the

first eligible date: 20210103. This sergeant major’s earliest retirement

date is 1 February 2021, however he could transfer to the FMCR between the

20th and 30th years of service.

YYYY MM DD

1991 01 03 AFADBD

+ 30 00 00 30 years active duty

2021 01 03 Date first eligible to retire

2021 02 01 Earliest retirement date

Enlisted Marines transfer directly to the retired list (no FMCR period) after

completing at least 30 years of active duty.

The day transferred to the retired list is NOT a day of active duty.

This calculation would only be correct if the sergeant major continued to

serve with no release from active duty during the years depicted.

c. Enlisted Marines who transfer to the FMCR after 20 or more years of

active duty are in a “retained” status until further transferred to the

retired list when their active duty and FMCR service totals 30 years.

d. Previous academy status for an enlisted Marine. Service as a cadet

or midshipman at any Armed Forces Academy is creditable service for an

enlisted Marine as long as that academy time did not directly result in a

commission.

4. Creditable Service toward a Reserve Awaiting Pay Retirement or Reserve

with Pay Retirement. See Chapter 3.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1402 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1402

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(n) DoD 7000.14-R

1402. RETIRED/RETAINER PAY AND RETIRED PAY MULTIPLIER

1. Nondisability retired pay is an entitlement per reference (c) Title 10

U.S.C. Chapter 71.

2. For the purposes of this section the terms “retired pay” and “retainer

pay” are used interchangeably, unless otherwise specified.

3. Retired/Retainer Pay

a. Retired pay is computed according to specific provisions of law and

reference (n) DoD 7000.14-R. This paragraph applies only to nondisability

retired pay. Retired pay is calculated by multiplying the rate of pay

explained in paragraph 1403, by the retired pay multiplier (RPM). All active

duty service and inactive-duty retirement points earned as a member of a

Reserve component are included in computing retired pay.

b. The retired pay of a warrant officer who is retired under any law

cited within this Manual will be based upon the higher applicable monthly

basic pay of either the grade held at the time of retirement or the grade to

which the officer is advanced on the retired list.

c. Per Comptroller General Decision, extraordinary heroism pay only

applies to enlisted Marines transferring to the FMCR or after completing 20

years of active duty who are retired for disability. If the Marine has been

credited by the Secretary of the Navy with extraordinary heroism, retainer

pay will be increased by up to 10 percent. In no case may extraordinary

heroism retired/retainer pay be more than 75 percent of the pay upon which

the computation is based. If a determination of extraordinary heroism pay

has not been made by the time processing has been completed, the Marine will

be transferred on the date prescribed by the CMC. The decision of the

Secretary of the Navy will be forwarded separately.

d. Eligible Marines transferred to the retired list (officer retirement

or enlisted with 30 years total service) shall be entitled to retired pay at

the applicable rate of pay in the highest grade satisfactorily held as

determined by the CMC (for enlisted grades) or by the Secretary of the Navy

(for officer grades).

4. Retired Pay Multiplier

a. The retired pay multiplier (RPM) is calculated based on years and

months of creditable service in the Armed Forces. Every complete month is

pro-rated to a creditable fractional year of service (29 days or less are not

included in the computation, per Public Law 98-94 of 1 Oct 1983). For

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1402 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

example, at 20 years, 7 months and 16 days active duty, the multiplier is

based on 20 years and 7 months. Credited at 2.5 percent per year of

creditable service for those entering the Armed Force prior to 1 January 2018

who did not elect to opt-in to the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement

System (BRS) (unless a career status bonus was elected), retired pay may

exceed 100 percent of the basic pay on which computed. See the table below

for various rates of RPM based on creditable service under the Final Pay or

High-36 military retirement systems, if the career status bonus (CSB) was

elected, and the BRS. BRS Retired pay includes a defined benefit at a rate

of 2.0 percent per year of creditable service plus a defined contribution.

Example: A Marine has 23 years and 8 months of active duty. The 8 months

constitute a fractional year which must be converted to a decimal equivalent,

rounded to two places and added to the 23 years. To convert a fractional

year, divide the number of months by 12 (i.e., 8 months divided by 12 = .67).

Accordingly, 23 years and 8 months = 23.67 for years and fractional year of

active service.

Multiply this Figure by 2.5 percent (.025) to determine the RPM: 23.67 X

.025 = .59175(rounded to 4 decimal places) = .5918.

b. Inactive-duty service (Reserve points) creditable to an active duty

RPM are calculated by adding total active duty service plus any creditable

inactive-service such as drill, correspondence courses and Reserve

membership. See Chapter 3 for computation of the Reserve RPM.

Example: A Marine has 399 inactive-duty points and 20 years 00 months 00

days active duty. Inactive-duty points would be creditable for an additional

1 year, 1 month and 9 days; RPM = 21 years 1 month; 21.08 x .025 = .5270.

RETIRED/FMCR PAY MULTIPLIER (RPM) TABLE

Final Pay / High-36 Accepted CSB Blended Retirement System

Years of Service RPM Years of Service RPM Years of Service RPM

20 50.0% 20 40.0% 20 40.0%

21 52.5% 21 43.5% 21 42.0%

22 55.0% 22 47.0% 22 44.0%

23 57.5% 23 50.5% 23 46.0%

24 60.0% 24 54.0% 24 48.0%

25 62.5% 25 57.5% 25 50.0%

26 65.0% 26 61.0% 26 52.0%

27 67.5% 27 64.5% 27 54.0%

28 70.0% 28 68.0% 28 56.0%

29 72.5% 29 71.5% 29 58.0%

30 75.0% 30 75.0% 30 60.0%

31 77.5% 31 77.5% 31 62.0%

32 80.0% 32 80.0% 32 64.0%

33 82.5% 33 82.5% 33 66.0%

34 85.0% 34 85.0% 34 68.0%

35 87.5% 35 87.5% 35 70.0%

36 90.0% 36 90.0% 36 72.0%

37 92.5% 37 92.5% 37 74.0%

38 95.0% 38 95.0% 38 76.0%

39 97.5% 39 97.5% 39 78.0%

40 100.0% 40 100.0% 40 80.0%

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1403 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1403

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: (m) NDAA 2016

1403. COMPUTING RETIRED/RETAINER PAY. Computation of retired/retainer pay

is based on the date of original entry into the Armed Forces (DOEAF -

recorded in the MCTFS RT01 screen), amount of retired basic pay and the

retired pay multipler (RPM). There are four three methods of calculation

based on DOEAF and whether or not a career status bonus (CSB) was elected.

For more retired pay information and calculators see the CMC (MMSR-2) and

DFAS Web sites: www.dod.mil/dfas.

1. MARINES WITH A DOEAF BEFORE 8 SEPTEMBER 1980 – FINAL PAY RETIREMENT

SYSTEM. To determine monthly gross retired pay for Marines in this category,

multiply the RPM by the monthly basic pay in the grade the Marine is serving

when transferred to the retired list/FMCR:

RPM X basic pay at retirement/FMCR date = retired/FMCR pay.

2. MARINES WITH A DOEAF 8 SEPTEMBER 1980 THROUGH 31 JULY 1986 OR A DOEAF OF

1 AUGUST 1986 THROUGH 31 DECEMBER 2017, DID NOT OPT-IN TO THE BRS, AND DID

NOT ELECT A 15 YEAR CAREER STATUS BONUS (CSB) – HIGH-36 MONTH AVERAGE

RETIREMENT SYSTEM. This method computes retired/FMCR pay on the basis of the

highest 36 months of basic pay received in a career and is commonly referred

to as the “High-36” method. Multiply the RPM by the High-36 month average of

basic pay received. High 36 average retired pay is automatically calculated

in MCTFS HI36 screen.

RPM X average of highest 36 months of basic pay at retirement/FMCR date =

retired/FMCR pay.

3. MARINES WITH A DOEAF OF ON OR AFTER 1 AUGUST 1986 THROUGH 31 DECEMBER

2017, DID NOT OPT-IN TO THE BRS, AND ELECTED THE 15 YEAR CAREER STATUS BONUS

(CSB). Acceptance of the Career Status Bonus ($30,000 – taxes), will result

in the average Marine forfeiting almost $400,000 in retired pay during the

course of their life.

a. The CSB is contingent upon the Marine serving 20 active duty years.

Failure to serve 20 years may require reimbursement of any unserved portion

of the bonus.

b. This method computes retired/retainer pay using a two-tier system.

The first tier provides a reduced RPM for those who retire/transfer to the

FMCR with less than 30 years of active service and reduced cost of living

increases until age 62. The second tier recomputes retired/retainer pay for

those with less than 30 years of active service when they reach the age of

62, but cost of living increases are again thereafter reduced for life.

c. For those who retire with less than 30 active duty years, the RPM is

reduced 3.5 percent (.035) for each year less than 30 years, thus 20 years of

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1403 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

active duty = an RPM of 40 percent (.4). For Marines who retire under this

system with 30 or more years of active duty, the RPM is no longer decremented

and equates to years and months x 2.5 percent.

d. Per reference (m) NDAA 2016, the CSB was discontinued on 1 January

2018, with 31 December 2017 being the last possible date for eligible Marines

to have made an election. CSB elections made prior to 1 January 2018 will

continue to be honored as election decisions are irrevocable. No new CSB

elections may be made after 31 December 2017, nor can CSB election decisions

be made retroactively or deferred.

4. UNIFORMED SERVICES BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS). The BRS became

effective on 1 January 2018. It combines a 20-year cliff vested defined

benefit pension, similar to the High-36 Military Retirement System, with a

defined contribution system in which both the Service member and the military

Service contribute to a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement savings account.

The funds in this TSP account are invested as directed by the Service member

and grow over time based upon market forces. For more information and

resources, go to the Manpower & Reserve Affairs Department web portal at:

https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/brs.

a. Marines with 12 years of service or more as of 31 December 2017 are

grandfathered into the High-36 Military Retirement System and are not

eligible to opt-in to the BRS. Marines with less than 12 years of service as

of 31 December 2017 are grandfathered into the High-36 Military Retirement

System but have a limited-time choice to opt-in to the BRS. Marines who

enter service on or after 1 January 2018 are automatically enrolled in the

BRS and do not have the choice to opt-in to the High-36 Military Retirement

System.

b. Retired pay under the BRS includes a defined benefit per paragraph

1402.4, plus a multi-part defined contribution, which is placed into a

Marine’s TSP account. The defined contribution includes the Marine’s own

contributions, and automatic and matching contributions from the Marine

Corps. The Marine Corps automatically contributes to a Marine’s TSP at a

rate of 1.0 percent of basic pay. The Marine Corps matches a Marine’s

contributions to their TSP account at rates ranging from 1.0 percent to 4.0

percent. These contributions continue through 26 years of service. Marines

can adjust their contribution to whatever rate they desire as permissible by

law, with full matching contributions requiring a 5.0 percent contribution by

the Marine. For Marines who enter service on or after 1 January 2018,

automatic contributions begin after 60 days of service, and matching

contributions begin after 24 months of service. Marines are automatically

enrolled at a 3.0 percent contribution rate, but can change this contribution

rate as they desire. For eligible Marines who elect to opt-in to the BRS,

automatic and matching contributions begin the first pay period after they

opt-in, but they must set their individual TSP contribution rate in order to

receive matching contributions.

5. Retired pay is subject to Federal income tax. State income tax is not

automatically withheld. Check with the respective state tax/revenue

commissioner concerning withholding. FICA (Social Security Tax) is not

withheld from retired/FMCR pay.

6. Retired pay is normally increased on an annual basis by an amount based

on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). These annual raises are called cost of

living allowances (COLAs). Marines whose retired pay is calculated using

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1403 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

methods 1, 2, and BRS will normally receive a raise based directly on the

CPI. Marines whose retired pay is calculated using method 3 will receive

raises based on the CPI minus 1.0 percent.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1404 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1404

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: None

1404. PAY ACCOUNTS AND ALLOTMENTS

1. Pay accounts of retired Marines are maintained at the Defense Finance and

Accounting Service.

Defense Finance and Accounting Service

U.S. Military Retired Pay

8899 E 56th Street

Indianapolis, IN 46249-1200

2. Unless requested otherwise, all active duty allotments will automatically

continue after retirement, except allotments in amounts greater than the

anticipated amount of retired pay and allotments to education and charitable

organizations other than the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Refer to

DFAS-CL 7220.31R. Retired pay allotments and withholding can be adjusted

online through a DFAS “MYPAY” account.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 1405 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1405

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-6

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9317/9318

DSN: 278-9317/9318

Reference: None

1405. CHANGE OF ADDRESS OF RETIRED/FMCR MARINES

1. Retired and FMCR Marines will:

a. Keep the Director, Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)

informed at all times of their current check mailing address and current home

mailing address using the address in paragraph 1404.1. All retired/FMCR

Marines must be on direct deposit.

b. Keep the CMC (MMSR-6) informed at all times of their current home

mailing address. Provide address changes and submit with signature over the

EDIPI for identification purposes. Report address changes to:

United States Marine Corps

Manpower and Reserve Affairs (MMSR-6)

3280 Russell Road

Quantico, VA 22134-5103

Telephone: 1-800-715-0968.

2. Subject to the above requirements and conditions stated in the Marine

Corps Retirement Guide, NAVMC 2642, a retired or FMCR Marine may reside

abroad.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1406 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1406

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-6

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9310/9311/9312

DSN: 278-9310/9311/9312

References: (ac) DoDI 1332.42

(bv) MCO 1741.11D

1406. Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). Commanding officers or directors of

Marine Corps activities effecting separations (IPAC/Administration RUC) must

ensure that they educate and counsel Marines and their spouses concerning

options under the SBP. Refer to reference (bv) MCO 1741.11D, and reference

(ac) DoDI 1332.42. Additional information can also be found on the MMSR-

6/Retired Services and Pay Section website. Marines may enroll in the

MarineNet SBP Counseling course at:

https://www.tecom.usmc.mil/cdet/courseware.asp.

1. Commanding officers or directors of Marine Corps activities effecting

separations (IPAC/Administration RUC) are responsible for ensuring that

Marines are counseled on SBP prior to their retirement date. A completed

election form (DD Form 2656) must be faxed with included Privacy Act form and

mailed to DFAS at least 30 days prior to retirement or transfer to FMCR:

Defense Finance and Accounting Service

U.S. Military Retired Pay

8899 E 56th Street

Indianapolis, IN 46249-1200

Customer Service 1-800-321-1080

Fax # RAPIDS 1-800-469-6559

2. A retired/FMCR Marine is automatically enrolled in the SBP if the DD Form

2656 is incorrectly completed, not received by DFAS, or spousal concurrence

is not notarized.

3. SBP elections are made on the DD Form 2656 (follow instructions on the

form).

4. An election not to participate in the SBP must be marked in Section X,

block 34g of the DD Form 2656.

5. Elections other than full coverage require spousal concurrence and must

be notarized.

6. If no election is made prior to the effective date of the retirement,

DFAS (by law) will automatically deduct full SBP coverage at the full gross

salary rate. Contact MMSR-6 within the first year of retirement for

correction of any administrative SBP pay issues.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 1407 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1407

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-6

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9310/9311/9312

DSN: 278-9310/9311/9312

Reference: None

1407. DEFENSE ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY REPORTING SYSTEM (DEERS) – ID CARD AND

MEDICAL BENEFITS

1. It is the Marine’s responsibility to ensure that family members’

information is current and accurate in DEERS.

2. Failure to enroll and update eligible dependents in DEERS will result in

denial of routine medical care at medical treatment facilities and TRICARE

claims rejections.

3. Failure to terminate ineligible dependents can result in being billed for

any unauthorized medical care.

4. In accordance with Department of Defense guidelines on fraud and abuse,

Marines can be held responsible for any medical expenses which are incurred

by unauthorized dependents.

5. See the TRICARE website (www.tricare.mil) for an explanation of

retired/FMCR medical benefits.

6. See Appendix K for a detailed description of benefits available after

separation.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1501 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1501

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-6

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9317/9318

DSN: 278-9317/9318

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

1501. RETIRE/RETAIN

1. Marines in the grade of colonel and below approaching mandatory

retirement may be concurrently retired and voluntarily retained on active

duty in billets that cannot be filled with the active force per reference (c)

Title 10 U.S.C. Section 688a.

2. The period of retention on active duty shall be of a fixed duration,

determined on a case-by-case basis and shall not normally exceed 180 days.

3. Retention of retired Marines will be for the sole purpose of meeting

requirements that cannot be met by the active force and not to personally

benefit the retired Marine.

4. Submit requests to the CMC (MMSR-6) via the chain of command no later

than 6 months prior to the retirement date.

5. It may be more appropriate to request a waiver of Enlisted Career Force

Controls (ECFC) for an enlisted Marine, vice retire and retain. Contact the

CMC (MMEA) for guidance.

6. If approved, retain orders will be issued by the CMC (MMSR-6). These

orders are not a substitute for command issued retirement or transfer to the

FMCR orders. At the conclusion of the retention period, commanders will

issue a DD Form 214 covering the period of retention only. Further

administrative guidance will be contained in the Retire/Retain orders.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1502 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1502

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-6

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9317/9318

DSN: 278-9317/9318

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

1502. VOLUNTARY RECALL OF MARINES FROM THE RETIRED LIST OR FMCR

1. Marines may voluntarily request recall to active duty from the retired

list or FMCR to fill valid billet requirements per reference (c) Title 10

U.S.C. Section 688.

2. Submit requests to the CMC (MMSR-6).

3. Recalled Marines must meet and maintain all active duty standards and

requirements and are subject to the UCMJ.

4. If approved, recall orders to active duty will be issued by the CMC

(MMSR-6). Upon conclusion of recall service, commanders will issue a DD Form

214 covering the period of recall service. Further administrative guidance

will be contained in the recall orders.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1503 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1503

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-6

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9317/9318

DSN: 278-9317/9318

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

1503. RETIRED/RETAINER PAY. Per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 1402,

upon conclusion of active duty, the retired pay multiplier will be increased

by the additional active duty months and years served while in a retained or

recalled period. For additional information on computing retired/retainer

pay, refer to paragraph 1402 of this Manual.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1601 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1601

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

(y) DoDI 1332.18

(aa) DoDI 1332.30

(av) SECNAVISTR 1920.6C W/CH 5

(cq) DODI 1332.45

(cr) DoDI 6025.19

1601. POLICY AND GUIDANCE FOR NON-DEPLOYABLE MARINES

1. This section provides policy and guidance for retention and separation

determinations of non-deployable Marines as directed in the above references.

It is the Department of the Navy’s (DON) policy that all Marines and Sailors

be ready to deploy. A deployable force reduces the number of Marines in a

non-deployable status, improves personnel readiness, and increases lethality

across the Marine Corps.

2. Non-deployable Marines are reported in the Marine Corps Total Force

System (MCTFS) as directed by the unit commander and are accounted for in

only one of the non-deployable categories based on the prioritization listed

in reference (cq) DoDI 1332.45. The category of Service Discretion for the

Marine Corps are those Marines reported as administratively non-deployable

LIMDU code E.

3. Commanders will evaluate, track and minimize the number of Marines that

are in a non-deployable status, deployable with limitations, and deployable,

but have individual medical readiness (IMR) deficiencies per reference (cr)

DoDI 6025.19.

4. This policy does not supersede the policies and processes concerning

referral to the DES or the initiation of administrative separation

proceedings per references (x) through (av).

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1602 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1602

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (x) DoDI 1332.14

(y) DoDI 1332.18

(aa) DoDI 1332.30

(av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

(cq) DoDI 1332.45

1602. RETENTION AND NON-DEPLOYABILITY

1. Marines who have been non-deployable for more than 12 consecutive months

shall be evaluated for retention and one of three below actions taken.

a. Recommended for retention on a case by case basis if determined to be

in the best interest of the Marine Corps and forwarded to the Deputy

Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC M&RA) for decision per paragraph

1603.

b. Referred into the Disability Evaluation System (DES) in accordance to

this Manual and reference (y) DoDI 1332.18; or

c. Processed for administrative separation in accordance with this

Manual and references (x) DoDI 1332.14, (aa) DoDI 1332.30, and (av)

SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5.

2. Initiation of administrative or disability separation processing may

occur prior to a Marine being in a non-deployable status for 12 months when a

commanding officer determines there is a reasonable expectation that the

reason will not be resolved and the Marine will not become deployable.

3. Pregnant and post-partum Marines are the only group automatically

exempted from the retention determinations directed in reference (cq) DoDI

1332.45 for pregnancy related health conditions during pregnancy through the

post-partum period. A request to exempt any other group of Marines requires

the approval of the Secretary of Defense.

4. There is no change in the processing of temporary limited duty (TLD)

cases for officers and for enlisted Marines exceeding 12 months of TLD per

Chapter 8, Section 1 of this Manual.

a. Regular component TLD cases will continue to be processed in the

Burea of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) Sailor and Marine Readiness Tracker

(SMART) application with retention or separation processing determined by the

Director, Manpower Management (Dir, MM) and reported in Marine Corps Total

Force System (MCTFS) by MMSR-4.

b. Reserve component TLD and medical hold cases will continue to be

processed via Marine Reserve Order Writing System (MROWS) and Marine Corps

Medical Entitlements Determination Section (MCMEDS), and submitted to Wounded

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1602 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

Warrior Regiment (WWR)/Reserve Medical Entitlements Determination (RMED) for

further determination of retention or separation processing.

5. There is no change in the retention process for Marines found unfit by

the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) to request retention on permanent limited

duty per paragraph 8108 and 8109 of this Manual.

6. A Marine who is or will be non-deployable for more than 12 months for an

administrative reason, may request retention consideration via an AA form

with justification and endorsements through the first general officer in the

chain of command to the authorities addressed in 1603.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 1603 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-1603

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

(cq) DoDI 1332.45

1603. RETENTION AND SEPARATION AUTHORITIES

1. The retention authority for Marines who are non-deployable for greater

than 12 months is the Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC

M&RA), and other delegated general officers and members of the Senior

Executive Service (SES) at M&RA.

2. The separation authority for administrative and disability separations

remains unchanged as directed by this Manual and reference (av), SECNAVINST

1920.6C W/CH 5. The most common bases for processing enlisted Marines for

administrative separation for non-deployablity are contained in paragraph

6203 of this Manual.

3. If the separation authority believes that retention of a non-deployable

Marine for more than 12 months is in the best interest of the Marine Corps

based on their ability to perform their military duties per reference (cq),

DoDI 1332.45, paragraph 4.2 and administrative or disability separation is

not appropriate, submit a request in naval letter format with retention

justification and endorsements through the first general office in the chain

of command to the Director, Manpower Management (Dir MM) at the below

addresses.

a. For Regular and Reserve component enlisted Marines (SMCR, AR, IMA,

but not IRR) send retention requests to the Dir MM at

[email protected];

b. For Regular and Reserve component officers (SMCR, AR, IMA, but not

IRR) send retention requests to the Dir MM at [email protected].

4. The authorities at M&RA may approve retention for Marines who are non-

deployable in excess of 12 consecutive months for up to:

a. The length of time remaining on a Marine’s enlistment contract; or

b. Three years for officers, including warrant officers, and re-

enlisting Marines.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 1-1 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

Figure 1-1. Discharge Letter in Lieu of Discharge Certificate

(Letterhead)

From: (Discharge Authority)

To: (Individual Marine)

Subj: DISCHARGE FROM THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

Encl: (1) Service Record page(s) (or other supporting documentation)

1. You are hereby discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as of (time)

on (date of discharge).

2. You are not recommended for reenlistment. Your characterization of

service, as supported by enclosure (1), is .

3. Any inquiries you may have concerning your military service should be

addressed to the Commandant of the Marine Corps (MMRP-10), Headquarters, U.S.

Marine Corps, 2008 Elliot Road, Quantico, VA 22134-5030. All inquiries must

include your full name, Electronic Data Interchange Personal Identifier

(EDIPI), and date of discharge.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 1-2 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

Figure 1-2.--Sample Orders for Leave Awaiting Separation

(Letterhead)

From: Commanding Officer

To: Rank First M. Last EDIPI/MOS USMC

Subj: LEAVE AWAITING SEPARATION

Ref: (a) MCO 1050.3J

(b) JTR Chapter 5

(c) 10 U.S.C., Sect. 652 (NOTAL)

1. Per the provisions of reference (a), effective (Time), (Date), you will

proceed on 28 days annual leave while awaiting release from active duty on

(Date). You may proceed to your home of record or to any other place you

elect. You were ordered to active duty from Yuma, AZ. Your home of record

is Hot Springs, AR 67890.

2. You have elected mileage, via POV, to Hot Springs, Arkansas, your home of

record. You have given your permanent mailing address as 782 Devil Dog Road,

Benton, AR 12345. Per the provisions of reference (b), travel pay upon

separation is authorized.

3. Your unused leave, computed to include (Date), is (unused leave total)

days. Upon completion of authorized leave, your leave balance will be (leave

balance) days due upon release.

4. On (Date), you will notify this command of your actual location. Such

notification will be by the most expeditious means, either by phone or email

to (Unit’s Separation Department Contact Phone Number) or (Unit’s Separation

Department Email Addresses), in order to report the most current data via

Unit Diary. With your retirement orders you will locate the nearest ID card

processing location to obtain your retired identification card and the

identification cards of your dependents.

5. Per reference (c), you are required while a member of the Marine Corps

Reserve to keep the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, 4400 Dauphine Street,

New Orleans, LA 70146 (toll free 1-800-255-5082), informed of any change of

address, marital status, number of dependents, civilian employment, or

physical standards. Marine Online should be utilized to the maximum extent

possible to make future modifications to your personal information to include

addresses, personal contact information, Record of Emergency Data and/or

next-of-kin information.

I. M. COMMANDER

By direction

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Table 1-1 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

Table 1-1.--Characterization of Service

R | If the separating Marine: | the characterization | the separating

U | | of service is: | activity will issue:

L | | |

E | | |______________________

1 | is under 17 years of age | uncharacterized | an order of release

| | | from custody and

| | | control of the Marine

| | | Corps._______________

2 | is between 17 and 18 and | uncharacterized | a DD Form 214 only.

| separation is w/in first | |

| 180 days | |_______________________

3 | is over 18 years of age | uncharacterized | a DD Form 214 only.

| and separation is w/in | |

| first 180 days | |_______________________

4 | is over 18 years of age | honorable | an Honorable Discharge

| and has served 180 days | | Certificate (DD Form

| or more, is a corporal or |*(See Notes 1, 2, & 3)| 256 MC), an Honorable

| below and has minimum | | Discharge Lapel Pin,

| average proficiency and | | CMC Separation

| conduct markings of at | | Package, and a DD Form

| least 3.0/4.0, | | 214.

| respectively | ___ _ |_______________________

5 | is over 18 years of age | general (under | a DD Form 214 only.

| and has served 180 days | honorable conditions)|

| or more, is a corporal or |*(See Notes 1, 3, & 4)|

| below and has average | |

| proficiency and conduct | |

| markings below 3.0/4.0. | |_______________________

6 | all other Marines | honorable | an Honorable Discharge

| | | Certificate (DD Form

| | | 256 MC), an Honorable

| | | Discharge Lapel Pin,

| | | CMC Separation

| | | Package, and a DD Form

| | |_214.__________________

7 | all other Marines | general (under | a DD Form 214 only.

| | honorable conditions)|

| |*(See Note 4) |_ __________________

8 | has requested separation | under other than | a DD Form 214 only.

| in lieu of trial by | honorable conditions |

| court-martial |*(See Note 5) _|_______________________

9 | is being separated under | as directed by the | an Honorable Discharge

| a provision of Chapter 6 | separation authority | Certificate (DD Form

| | | 256 MC), an Honorable

| | | Discharge Lapel Pin,

| | | and CMC Separation

| | | Package for honorable

| | | characterizations of

| | | service; and a DD Form

| | | 214 for all character-

| | | izations of service.__

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Table 1-1 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

NOTE 1. To compute final average proficiency and conduct markings for

separation, round to the nearest tenth as follows: 5 if the average

hundredth Figure is 5 or more, round up to the nearest tenth; otherwise,

round down. For example, 3.95 rounds up to 4.0; whereas 3.94 remains at

3.9).

NOTE 2. Honorable Discharge Certificates (DD Form 256) are issued per

paragraph 1101.2b of this Manual.

NOTE 3. If a Separation Authority determines that an enlisted Marine

warrants a general (under honorable conditions) characterization of service,

see paragraph 1004. Other than for corporal and below with average

proficiency marks below 3.0 and conduct marks below 4.0. at EAS, the Marine

must be notified in writing and afforded a reasonable opportunity to submit

matters for consideration. If a Separation Authority then concludes that a

general (under honorable conditions) characterization is still appropriate

for significant negative aspects of conduct or performance, the reasons for

that determination must be documented on page 11 of the SRB/ESR. Any

supporting documents must be forwarded to CMC (MMRP-20) for inclusion in the

Marine’s OMPF.

NOTE 4. The CMC Separation Package is issued to Marines per paragraph

1101.2c(3) of this Manual, and “as determined by their commanding officer.”

NOTE 5. See paragraph 1004.2a(2) of this Manual.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Chapter 2 TOC 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

CHAPTER 2

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

PARAGRAPH

GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001

DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2002

VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004

MANDATORY RETIREMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005

LEAVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2006

HEALTH ASSESSMENTS MEDICAL EVALUATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007

RETIREMENT CEREMONY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008

ADVANCEMENT IN GRADE ON THE RETIRED LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009

RETIRED PAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010

PAY ACCOUNTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011

CURRENT ADDRESS AND RESIDENCE OF RETIRED OFFICERS . . . . . . . . 2012

FIGURE

FORMAT FOR ORDERS TO RELEASE FROM ACTIVE DUTY AND TRANSFER TO

THE RETIRED LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 2001 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-2001

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

2001. GENERAL

1. This Chapter outlines policies and procedures governing retirement of

officers on active duty. To be eligible for an active duty retirement,

officers must meet the requirements of this Chapter. Retirement of Reserve

officers not on active duty and disability retirements are covered in

Chapters 3 and 8, respectively. For the purposes of this Chapter the terms

statutory, mandatory and involuntary are used interchangeably.

2. The statutory authority for retirements rests in reference (c) Title 10

U.S.C., as amended by Public Law 96-513, Defense Officer Personnel Management

Act (DOPMA), which took effect 15 September 1981, and Public Law 102-190,

Warrant Officer Management Act (WOMA), which took effect 1 February 1992.

Grandfathering provisions of DOPMA mandate retirement, in certain instances,

under pre-DOPMA law based on the individual case. Officers requesting

voluntary retirement and those subject to statutory retirement are retired

under the provisions of law that apply.

a. Retirement Under Prior Law (Pre-DOPMA). Lieutenant colonels and

above commissioned prior to 15 September 1981 will be retired under

provisions contained in pre-DOPMA law, unless continued on active duty under

such regulations as the Secretary of the Navy may prescribe.

b. Retirement Under DOPMA. First lieutenants to majors commissioned

prior to 15 September 1981, and first lieutenants and above, commissioned

since 15 September 1981, will be retired under DOPMA.

c. Retirement Under WOMA. All active duty Marine Corps warrant officers

will be retired under WOMA.

3. Voluntary retirement of officers for cause is covered in reference (av)

SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5.

4. The DC M&RA is the delegated approval authority for the voluntary

retirement of Marine Corps officers in the rank of colonel and below.

5. See Chapter 1, Section 4 on creditable service for retirement, retired

pay, the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and other retired benefits.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 2002 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-2002

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

2002. DEFINITIONS

1. Advancement on the Retired List. Per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

Section 6151, officers who previously served satisfactorily under a temporary

appointment to a higher grade, upon retirement, will be advanced on the

retired list to the highest grade satisfactorily held, as determined by the

Secretary of the Navy. Warrant officers will be advanced to the highest

grade served satisfactorily under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 6334,

when active service plus service on the retired list totals 30 years.

Retired pay will be based on the grade held at retirement, or to which

advanced on the retired list, whichever results in higher pay.

2. Qualifying Service for Retirement. Officers who meet the following

service criteria are eligible for voluntary retirement:

a. Commissioned Officers. Must serve 20 years and 1 day of active

service, 10 years of which must be active commissioned service, per

reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 6323. This applies to Regular

commissioned officers and limited duty officers (LDO).

b. Warrant Officers. Must serve 20 years active service, per reference

(c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 1293.

3. Total Commissioned Service

a. Pre-DOPMA. For lieutenant colonels and above, commissioned prior to

15 September 1981, commissioned service is measured from 30 June of the

fiscal year in which an officer was appointed a commissioned officer. Per

reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 611 and Section 624, all commissioned

service, both inactive and active, prior to 15 September 1981 counts for this

computation and in determining years of service for mandatory retirement.

This definition only applies when determining the mandatory retirement date

of lieutenant colonels and above who were commissioned prior to 15 September

1981. See paragraph 2001.2a.

b. DOPMA. For lieutenant colonels and above commissioned after 15

September 1981, only active duty commissioned service is used to determine

the mandatory retirement date. See paragraph 2001.2b.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 2003 1 of 4 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-2003

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

References: (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

(az) SECNAVINST 5510.30B

(bq) MCO 1300.8

2003. VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT. Voluntary retirement is subject to the

following criteria in this paragraph.

1. Criteria. Officers with more than 20 years of active duty may request

retirement. Unless retirement in the next inferior grade is directed under

reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5, the DC M&RA shall make

determinations of satisfactory service.

a. Service-in-Grade (SIG). Also referred to as time-in-grade (TIG).

Officers must meet the applicable SIG requirements below. Officers selected

for promotion who desire to retire prior to completion of the applicable

minimum service-in-grade requirement must decline the appointment to the next

higher grade. Except as indicated in paragraph 2003.2, officers requesting

retirement who have not served the time specified in this paragraph will not

be approved. For purposes of this instruction, active duty SIG will be

computed from the date of rank of such grade and active duty service in that

grade. Time/service spent in a frocked status does not count for that grade.

(1) DOPMA/WOMA. Chief warrant officers, and commissioned officers

must serve:

GRADE REQUIREMENT

CWO2 - CWO5 2 Years

2ndLt, 1stLt 6 Months

Capt, Maj 2 Years

LtCol - Gen 3 Years

(2) Waivers. The designated approval authority may waive any portion

of the TIG requirement in individual cases involving extreme hardship or

exceptional circumstances, except the minimum period for the grades specified

as indicated below:

Grade Approval Authority Minimum TIG

CWO2 - CWO5 DC, M&RA 6 months

2ndLt - Maj DC, M&RA 6 months

LtCol & above Secretary of the Navy 2 years

President 6 months

(3) The DC M&RA may approve voluntary requests from officers to

retire in the next lower grade.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 2003 2 of 4 Enclosure (1)

b. Additional Obligated Service. Officers attending a Service school

under various programs or who receive special training in compliance with

official orders must complete the additional service obligation incurred

obligated service.

Service School or Training Obligated Service

Less than 20 weeks 12 months

20 weeks or more 24 months

MAWTS-1/WTI 24 months

Naval Fighter Weapons School 24 months

Operational Support Aircraft 36 months

Instructor (FRS, MATSG, NATC) 36 months

Note: Incurred obligated service begins upon successful completion of a

Service school or upon arrival at the gaining command for which training is

required. The incurred obligated service requirement is not applicable to

officers who fail to complete the Service school or training. All service

obligation begins upon completion of the school or training. The service

requirement is applicable to any officer who fails to complete any such

school and will start on the date of transfer from the course. For

operational support aircraft the obligation is incurred at the commencement

of any training toward initial qualification and begins upon completion of

initial training; in the case of failure to complete training the obligation

begins on the date of transfer from the course.

(1) Education Programs

(a) Additional service obligation incurred incident to education

programs are as prescribed by the appropriate Marine Corps directive in

effect at the time of selection for the College Degree Program, Special

Education Program, Advanced Degree, Funded Law Education Program, Excess

Leave Program (Law), or other full-time, funded schooling.

(b) Tuition Assistance. Service requirement is two years from

the date of completion of any course for which tuition assistance is

provided. Commanders are responsible for identifying to the CMC (MMSR and

MF) all officers having incurred a tuition assistance service obligation who

voluntarily request retirement. Officers subject to mandatory retirement are

not obligated to pay back the tuition assistance used. For further

information contact the CMC (MF).

(2) Special Tours. A two-year service obligation is incurred upon

completion of tour in an aviation or aviation ground exchange tour with a

foreign military service or another branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. These

tours include but are not limited to USAF exchange tours, the Navy Flight

Demonstration Team tour, Royal Navy exchange tours, Royal Australian Air

Force exchange tours, Spanish Navy exchange tours, Italian Navy exchange

tours, and Canadian Navy exchange tours.

c. Tour Length/Minimum Time on Station (TOS)

(1) CONUS. Officers must serve two years TOS, except for those

returning from overseas who are required to serve one year TOS, based on the

geographic location date the current tour began (GEODCTB) as established in

MCTFS. Use the original GEODCTB in MCTFS for officers reassigned within the

same geographical area. When PCS orders are issued (no cost, low cost, or

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 2003 3 of 4 Enclosure (1)

fully funded) and those orders result in a change of geo-location, the Marine

incurs the requisite obligated TOS requirement per reference (bq) MCO 1300.8.

(2) Overseas/Prescribed Tour Length. Officers serving overseas or on

tours that are prescribed by reference (bq) MCO 1300.8, must complete a full

tour.

d. PCS Orders

(1) Officers who have been issued, or notified they will receive PCS

orders may request cancellation of the pending assignment provided a request

for retirement is submitted per the following paragraphs.

(a) Officers eligible to retire may request a retirement date on

or before the first day of the month after the effective date of their

expected arrival at the new duty station their expected detachment date.

(b) Officers not eligible to retire, but who will be eligible

within 12 months of their expected date of arrival at the new duty station,

may request a retirement date on the first day of the month after initial

eligibility.

(c) Retirement requests involving cancellation of PCS orders must

be forwarded to the CMC (MMSR-2) with the CMC (MMOA) as an information

addressee. Submit the request no later than 10 working days after receipt of

orders. Requests that do not comply with this criteria will not normally be

given favorable consideration.

(2) Officers with more than 12 months before initial eligibility for

retirement will be required to execute PCS orders and complete the required

minimum tour at the new duty station.

e. Contact Relief/Critical Skill. Requests for retirement from officers

serving in billets which require contact relief for special qualifications or

who are considered to possess a critical skill may be deferred pending proper

relief/assignment action.

2. Waiver of Criteria

a. An officer requesting waiver of any criteria must submit a written

request with justification via the chain of command to the CMC (MMSR-2).

b. Except as noted in paragraph 2003.2d, requests must be based upon

hardship or humanitarian considerations and should include the information

required by paragraph 6407. Only cases that clearly establish that a

situation exists which is not of a temporary nature and is not susceptible to

relief by other means will be favorably considered. Opportunity for civilian

employment does not normally warrant waiver of the criteria.

c. Requests for waiver of the minimum TIG requirement must be submitted

to CMC (MMSR-2) for approval or endorsement to the approval authority.

d. Requests for retirement requiring other waivers may receive favorable

consideration if an officer:

(1) Has qualifying service and is considered twice failed of

selection for promotion to the next higher grade;

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 2003 4 of 4 Enclosure (1)

(2) Is a Reserve officer eligible for retirement whose active service

is no longer required;

(3) Has been identified by the CMC as being of limited assignability,

such as those whose general health has deteriorated, or due to a condition

beyond their control, or whose retention is clearly inconsistent with the

interests of national security per reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

(av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5, and reference (az) SECNAVINST 5510.30B; or,

(4) Has an extreme hardship or exceptional circumstances of a long-

term nature and retirement would significantly alleviate the condition per

the criteria of paragraph 6407.

3. Requests for voluntary retirement in cases where court-martial charges

have been preferred and not disposed of shall be denied except as provided in

reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 2004 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-2004

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: (cn) MCTFS PRIUM (Online)

2004. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

1. Submission of Requests. Submit requests for voluntary retirement, not

requiring waivers, via the unit diary system in MCTFS per reference (cn)

MCTFS PRIUM (Online). The officer requesting retirement is required to sign

a copy of Appendix J from this Manual for inclusion in the electronic service

record. Requests for retirement will be submitted not more than 14 months

and not less than four months prior to the requested retirement date.

Requests submitted outside this time frame are rejected by MCTFS and

therefore must be submitted with justification and appropriate endorsements

by separate correspondence or message to the CMC (MMSR-2) or via email to

[email protected].

2. Officers requesting retirement are cautioned not to make significant

personal commitments (such as buying or selling a house or business, or

accepting civilian employment) based upon mere submission of a request.

Problems which may arise from such premature commitments will not be used as

a basis for approving an officer’s request, nor will they be considered a

hardship.

3. An officer requesting waiver of criteria per paragraph 2003.2 must submit

requests via separate correspondence or message with justification and

endorsements via the chain of command. Retirement requests requiring a

waiver and submitted by unit diary or without justification and command

endorsement will be filed without action and the officer so notified.

4. Officers serving overseas may request retirement effective the first day

of the month and no more than 60 days following their rotation tour date

(RTD). See paragraph 1006.7 of this Manual. Officers stationed OCONUS, who

desire retirement upon reaching their RTD, may return to CONUS to effect

retirement at any one of the specified locations in paragraph 1006.5 and must

indicate their selection (MCC) in the request. Return to CONUS orders (MCC

W95) are issued by the CMC (MMOA).

5. Commanding Officer Responsibilities

a. Submission of Request

(1) Ensure the request is submitted 4 to 14 months from the effective

date. Unit diary entries outside this window will not process.

(2) Ensure the requested retirement date meets the criteria in

paragraph 2003.1.

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(3) Sign the pre-application checklist (Appendix J) to certify that

the Marine has been advised of the ramifications of the request to retire

prior to the request being submitted to Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC).

b. Counsel the Marine concerning their potential for recall to active

duty and/or mobilization.

6. Once a retirement request is submitted, notify the CMC (MMSR-2) if the

officer is:

a. Found not physically qualified. Once contacted, the CMC (MMSR-2)

will provide additional guidance. See paragraph 1011 regarding medical

deferral or modification of a retirement and Chapter 8 for disability

retirements; or,

b. Deceased; or,

c. Reassigned; or,

d. Promoted (or selected).

7. Receipt and Processing at HQMC. See Appendix E for detailed instructions

on the use of the unit diary system in MCTFS for retirement processing.

a. Request Submission. Acceptance of the unit diary request will be

indicated on the reporting unit’s electronic diary feedback report (EDFR) and

the transaction researcher file (TRF). A “request” reenlistment-extension-

retirement (RER) flag will post in MCTFS indicating a request submission.

Additionally, a planned reenlistment-retirement (PRR) date will post

reflecting the requested retirement date. The officer should maintain

liaison with the appropriate unit administrative personnel until the request

is confirmed via the EDFR.

b. Acknowledgment. A “request” RER flag does not indicate receipt at

HQMC. The CMC (MMSR-2) acknowledges receipt of the request by entering a

“pending” RER flag in the unit diary that reflects in the unit’s EDFR.

c. Approval Authority. The DC M&RA is the approval authority for

colonel and below retirement requests. Staffing requires approximately 30

days to obtain approval, initiate billet replacement action, calculate a

statement of service, and prepare necessary letters and certificates.

d. Effective Date. The effective date may be changed when, in the best

interest of the Marine Corps, a delay is necessary to provide time for

orderly relief, for completion of the current tour or an ordered tour of

duty, or if the officer is subject to mandatory retirement.

e. Disapprovals. Should a retirement request be disapproved,

notification of the disapproval will be reflected on the unit’s EDFR with an

RER flag of (0).

f. Approval Confirmation. The CMC (MMSR-2) posts approvals in MCTFS,

which reflect on the unit’s EDFR with an “approved” RER flag of 7. See

paragraph 2004.9 regarding retirement orders.

g. Mandatory Retirements. The CMC (MMSR-2) will issue authority to

retire via unit diary for all mandatory retirements no later than 12 4 months

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prior to the effective date, when the officer concerned fails to otherwise

request voluntary retirement.

8. Modification or Cancellation of Requests

a. Submit requests to modify or cancel a retirement, with justification

and endorsements, via separate correspondence or message to the CMC (MMSR-2)

or via email to [email protected] not later than 45 days prior to

the effective date of retirement. Requests for modification or cancellation

cannot be submitted by unit diary. Approval will be based on the following

criteria:

(1) Bona fide humanitarian or hardship circumstances.

(2) A critical need exists for the officer’s grade and MOS.

(3) Needs of the Service.

(4) Selection for promotion.

(5) Medical reasons. See paragraph 1011.

(6) Opportunity for civilian employment does not normally constitute

sufficient grounds for modification of an effective retirement date.

b. Requests for modification or cancellation from officers whose request

for retirement resulted in either cancellation or nonissuance of orders will

not be favorably considered.

c. Modification of any duration may be requested; however, as a general

rule, the effective date of the requested modification should not exceed 14

months from the date of submission of the original request. If the new date

is outside this window, request cancellation vice modification.

d. Modifications or cancellations requested after an officer has started

separation leave, or after replacement action by HQMC has been initiated,

will only be considered if a bona fide humanitarian or hardship circumstance

exists. Contact the CMC (MMSR-2 and MMOA) immediately for further guidance.

e. Requests to change retirement dates after the officer has been

transferred to the retired list must be requested through the Board for

Correction of Naval Records (BCNR). The BCNR website is:

https://www.secnav.navy.mil/mra/bcnr/pages/home.aspx.

9. Retirement Orders

a. Colonels and generals are issued orders from the CMC (MMSR-2 or

MMSL). Lieutenant colonels and below receive orders from their command upon

receipt of authority to retire via the unit diary approval entry from the CMC

(MMSR-2). See Figure 2-1 for an example of orders.

b. Once a request has been approved, only the CMC (MMSR) may authorize

revocation or modification. Such action must take place prior to the

effective date of retirement. Once the effective date of retirement has

passed, the retirement is effective.

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MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-2005

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(as) SECNAVINST 1412.9B

(av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

2005. MANDATORY RETIREMENT

1. Since numerous statutes govern mandatory retirement, officers must

understand which statutes apply in their case and the distinction between

Regular and Reserve components, active duty commissioned service, active

duty, Reserve service and total commissioned service. Paragraphs 1002 and

2002.3 define these terms. This paragraph is organized according to

unrestricted officers, limited duty officers, and warrant officers as

different laws govern these officers’ service and retirement.

2. Unrestricted Officers

a. General Officers. Per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Sections 635 and

636, generals, lieutenant generals, major generals, and brigadier generals

shall, if not earlier retired, be retired on the first day of the month after

their fifth anniversary of appointment to that grade, or upon completion of

40, 38, 35, or 30 years of commissioned service respectively, whichever is

later. Subject to the needs of the Service and reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

Sections 637 and 1251, the President may defer the retirement of major

generals and above, but not later than the first day of the month following

the month in which the general reaches age 64. General officers will be

considered for voluntary retirement on the basis of service needs reflected

in the annual promotion and continuation plans approved by the Secretary of

the Navy and the merits of the individual case as required by Section 1370 of

reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

b. Colonels. Per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 634, colonels

who are not on a list of officers recommended for promotion shall, if not

earlier retired, be retired on the first day of the month after the month in

which they complete 30 years of active duty commissioned service. However,

colonels subject to mandatory retirement who were commissioned prior to 15

September 1981 shall be retired no later than 1 July of the year following

the month in which they reach 30 years of total commissioned service. See

paragraph 2002.3 of this Manual.

c. Lieutenant Colonels. Per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 633,

lieutenant colonels who are not on a list of officers recommended for

promotion shall, if not earlier retired, be retired on the first day of the

month after the month in which they complete 28 years of active duty

commissioned service. However, lieutenant colonels subject to mandatory

retirement who were commissioned prior to 15 September 1981 shall be retired

no later than 1 July of the year following the month in which they reach 28

years of total commissioned service. See paragraph 2002.3 of this Manual.

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d. Majors, Captains, and First Lieutenants. Per reference (c) Title 10

U.S.C. Sections 632 and 631, majors, captains, and first lieutenants who have

twice failed selection for promotion to the next higher grade shall be

discharged or retired not later than the first day of the seventh month after

the month in which the President or delegated authority approves the report

of the board on which they failed selection a second time.

(1) If they are not eligible for retirement, but are within two years

of qualifying for retirement, they will remain on active duty until

retirement-eligible, unless sooner discharged or retired under another

provision of the law.

(2) If they are not within two years of qualifying for retirement

they will be involuntarily separated (see Chapter 5) unless they are

continued per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 637, as detailed in

paragraph 2005.2(e) of this Manual.

e. Continuation of Commissioned Officers. The continuation of officers

subject to discharge or involuntary retirement is included in DOPMA as a

discretionary provision to permit the Services to meet manpower requirements.

DOPMA prescribes that continuation boards may be convened at the discretion

of the Secretary of the Navy. Officers in the grade of captain and above,

subject to discharge or involuntary retirement under pre-DOPMA or DOPMA, may

be eligible. An officer not considered or selected will be discharged or

retired as prescribed by law. Unless solicited by the CMC, individual

requests for selective continuation will not be considered or forwarded.

Absent a Marine Corps-wide program, individual requests are filed without

further action. The maximum period a commissioned officer may be continued

on active duty under DOPMA after the decision of a continuation board is:

(1) Captains. A period not to extend beyond the last day of the

month of 20 years active duty commissioned service.

(2) Majors. A period not to extend beyond the last day of the month

of 24 years active duty commissioned service.

(3) Brigadier Generals, Colonels, and Lieutenant Colonels. Per

reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 1251, any deferral of retirement and

continuation on active duty under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. (c) Title 10

U.S.C.Section 637, for officers in the grades of lieutenant colonel to

brigadier general shall be for a period not to exceed five years, but such

period may not extend beyond the first day of the month following the month

in which the officer becomes 62 years of age.

(4) Period of Continuation. The period(s) of continuation will be

established by the Secretary of the Navy. The specific terms of continuation

will be the subject of separate correspondence between the CMC (MMSR-2) and

the officer continued. Continuation for one period does not guarantee a

second period.

f. Selective Early Retirement of Commissioned Officers. The Secretary

of the Navy may convene a selection board under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

Section 611(b), to recommend Regular commissioned officers for early

retirement as prescribed in reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. (c) Title 10

U.S.C.Section 638, whenever the needs of the Marine Corps require.

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g. Retirement for Age. Unrestricted officers, colonel and below, unless

retired earlier under some other provision of law, shall be retired on the

first day of the month following the month in which they become 62 years of

age. Mandatory retirement age for general officers is age 64 with waivers

for lieutenant general and general.

3. Limited Duty Officers (LDO)

a. Officers Designated for Permanent Limited Duty. Mandatory

retirements and discharges of permanent LDOs are stipulated under reference

(c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 6383, as well as reference (av) SECNAVINST

1920.6C W/CH 5.

(1) Each Regular officer of the Marine Corps designated for permanent

limited duty shall be retired on the earlier of the following dates:

(a) The last day of the month following the month in which the

officer completes 30 years active duty naval service, exclusive of active

duty for training in a Reserve component; or,

(b) A date requested by the officer and approved by the Secretary

of the Navy, but not later than the first day of the seventh month after the

month in which the President or delegated authority approves the report of a

selection board in which the officer failed of selection for promotion a

second time.

(2) A permanent LDO who has twice failed selection, but is within two

years of qualifying for retirement, will be retained until eligible for

retirement unless sooner discharged or separated under another provision of

the law.

(3) An officer designated a permanent LDO no longer carries the

previously held warrant officer or enlisted grade. However, a permanent LDO

who has twice failed selection and is subject to involuntary separation may

at the LDO’s option revert to the warrant officer status held when first

appointed an LDO; or, if appointed from an enlisted grade, be reenlisted at

the LDO’s request, and at the discretion of the Secretary of the Navy.

(4) A permanent LDO may not be continued past age 62.

b. Officers Designated for Temporary Limited Duty. Mandatory

retirements and discharges of temporary LDOs are stipulated under reference

(c) Title 10 U.S.C. Sections 580 and 1370, if reverted to warrant officer,

Enlisted Career Force Controls as shown in Chapter 7 if reverted to enlisted

grade, and reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5 if administratively

separated.

(1) The appointment of a temporary limited duty officer (LDO) not

selectively continued on active duty per reference (as) SECNAVINST 1412.9B

will be terminated on the earlier of the following dates:

(a) The last day of the month after the month in which the

officer completes 30 years of active duty naval service, other than active

duty for training; or,

(b) A date requested by the officer and approved by the Secretary

of the Navy, but not later than the first day of the seventh month after the

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Para 2005 4 of 5 Enclosure (1)

month in which the Secretary approves the report of a selection board in

which the officer is considered as having failed of selection for promotion

to the next higher temporary grade for the second time.

(2) A temporary LDO with a permanent Regular warrant officer grade

whose LDO appointment is terminated will be afforded the option, if otherwise

eligible, of voluntary retirement in lieu of reversion to permanent warrant

officer status. A temporary LDO who reverts to a permanent warrant officer

status must do so prior to the first day of the seventh month after the

second failure of selection for promotion as shown above, and is subject to

involuntary retirement or separation as a warrant officer under the

applicable statutes and directives.

(3) A temporary LDO with a permanent Regular enlisted status whose

appointment is terminated will be afforded the option, if otherwise eligible,

of voluntary retirement in lieu of reversion to permanent enlisted status. A

temporary LDO who reverts to a permanent enlisted status is subject to Marine

Corps Enlisted Career Force Controls or separation by reason of expiration of

enlistment, when applicable.

(4) A temporary LDO not eligible for retirement under reference (c)

Title 10 U.S.C. Section 6323, and who has twice failed of selection for

promotion to the next higher temporary grade, may either be:

(a) Retained on active duty in the temporary grade held, if

within two years of such retirement eligibility as of the date the Secretary

approves the report of the selection board in which the officer is considered

as having failed of selection for promotion to the next higher temporary

grade for the second time; or,

(b) Reverted to permanent warrant officer or enlisted status, as

appropriate, if not within two years of attaining retirement eligibility.

4. Warrant Officers

a. Unless separated or retired under other provisions of law, warrant

officers will be retired on the first day of the month 60 days after the

completion of 30 years active duty service unless continued on active duty

under the provisions of reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Sections 580 or 1305.

In no case may a warrant officer be continued on active duty beyond 60 days

after reaching age 62. Unless selected for continuation, warrant officers

are separated or retired:

(1) Not later than the first day of the seventh month after the date

on which the Secretary of the Navy approves the report of a selection board

which the individual is considered as having twice failed of selection to the

next higher warrant officer grade.

(2) Marine Corps policy directs that CWOs (CWO2, CWO3, and CWO4) who

have twice failed selection and are not retirement-eligible, if fully

qualified, may be continued until they qualify for retirement. CWOs who

twice fail selection for promotion to the next higher chief warrant officer

grade will be involuntarily retired not later than the first day of the

seventh month after the date on which the Secretary approves the report of

the promotion board in which the officer receives the second failure of

selection. CWOs who have twice failed selection may be selectively continued

based on the needs of the Marine Corps.

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Para 2005 5 of 5 Enclosure (1)

b. A chief warrant officer who has twice failed selection and is subject

to involuntary separation may, at the warrant officer’s request and at the

discretion of the Secretary of the Navy, be enlisted in a grade prescribed by

the Secretary. WO1s not promoted will separate, reenlist, or retire as

determined by the Secretary of the Navy and the CMC.

c. Selective Early Retirement of Regular Warrant Officers. The

Secretary of the Navy may convene a selection board under reference (c) Title

10 U.S.C. Section 573(c), to recommend Regular warrant officers for early

retirement as prescribed in reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 581,

whenever the needs of the Marine Corps require.

5. Administration/Notification of Status. These administrative procedures

shall not in any way jeopardize an officer’s competitiveness for promotion.

Upon final approval of any promotion board, the CMC (MMSR) will:

a. Identify all officers potentially subject to involuntary retirement

upon having once failed of selection;

b. Compute their projected mandatory retirement date should the officer

incur a second failure of selection;

c. Notify those officers of their potential mandatory retirement date,

should they incur a second failure of selection (failure to receive or

acknowledge this notification will not in any way modify the mandatory

retirement date); and,

d. Adjust the officer’s mandatory separation retirement (MSR) date in

MCTFS, upon a second failure of selection, for officers in the grade of

lieutenant colonel and below.

e. It is each officer’s responsibility to know his or her mandatory

retirement date. Failure to receive the CMC (MMSR) courtesy notification

does not invalidate or defer retirements mandated by law. Officers in doubt

as to the effective date of a statutory separation should immediately contact

the CMC (MMSR-2).

6. Mandatory Retirements Held in Abeyance. Only the Secretary of the Navy

has the authority to hold a mandatory retirement in abeyance. Strict

adherence to procedures outlined in Chapters 1 (medical) and 8 (disability)

are crucial.

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Para 2006 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-2006

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: (bm) MCO 1050.3J

2006. LEAVE. See paragraph 1010 and reference (bm) MCO 1050.3J.

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1900.16 CH 2

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Para 2007 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-2007

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-4

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9308/9309/9321

DSN: 278-9308/9309/9321

Reference: None

2007. HEALTH ASSESSMENTS MEDICAL EVALUATIONS. See paragraph 1011.

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1900.16

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Para 2008 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-2008

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: None

2008. RETIREMENT CEREMONY. See paragraph 1012.

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1900.16

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Para 2009 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-2009

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-6

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9310/9311

DSN: 278-9310/9311

Reference: None

2009. ADVANCEMENT IN GRADE ON THE RETIRED LIST

1. An officer or warrant officer is retired in the grade in which he or she

satisfactorily served at the time of retirement, as specified in paragraph

2003. However, if the officer previously served in a higher grade than that

held at the time of retirement, the officer may be eligible for advancement

on the retired list. An officer will be advanced on the retired list to the

highest officer grade in which the officer served satisfactorily under a

temporary or permanent appointment as determined by the Secretary of the

Navy.

2. An officer who is serving or has served in the grade of lieutenant

general or general by reason of appointment for appropriate higher command or

performance of duty of grave importance and responsibility may upon

retirement be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent

of the Senate, to the highest grade held while on the active list with

retired pay based on that grade. However, retired pay of the higher grade

based on such an appointment accrues from the date the commission is issued

after confirmation by the Senate, regardless of the date of retirement.

3. The Comptroller General has ruled that military personnel may retire in

the highest grade held in any Armed Force in which they served satisfactorily

without regard to whether that grade was a temporary or permanent grade, even

though the Armed Service in which the individual held that higher grade is

not the Service in which retired.

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26 Nov 2013

Para 2010 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-2010

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: None

2010. RETIRED PAY. See paragraph 1402.

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Para 2011 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-2011

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9324/9325/9326

DSN: 278-9324/9325/9326

Reference: None

2011. PAY ACCOUNTS. See paragraph 1404.

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1900.16

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Para 2012 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-2012

RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-6

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9310/9311/9312

DSN: 278-9310/9311/9312

Reference: None

2012. CURRENT ADDRESS AND RESIDENCE OF RETIRED OFFICERS. See paragraph

1405.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 2-1 1 of 4 Enclosure (1)

Figure 2-1.--Format for Orders to Release from Active Duty and

Transfer to the Retired List

ADDITIONAL PARAGRAPHS MAY BE ADDED AS DIRECTED BY THE COMMAND

(Letterhead)

From: (Issuing Command)

To: (Marine Concerned)

Subj: RELEASE FROM ACTIVE DUTY AND TRANSFER TO THE RETIRED LIST

Ref: (a) Title 10 U.S.C.

(b) MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN)

(c) JTR Chapter 5

(d) MCO 5512.11E (ID CARDS)

(e) MCTFS PRIUM (Online)

(f) MCO P1070.12K W/ CH 1 (IRAM)

Encl: (1) Retired Pay Data Form (DD Form 2656)

(2) Travel Voucher (DD Form 1351-2)

(3) Certificate of Retirement

1. On (PRR) you will be placed on the Marine Corps Retired List per

references (a) and (b) as a rank/pay grade. Accordingly, at 2359 (PRR minus

1 day) you will be detached from your present duty station and released from

active duty. You will proceed to your home (MCC W95) and complete all travel

within the time specified in reference (c). Active duty pay and allowances

terminate (PRR minus 1 day).

2. As of (PRR minus 1 day), you will complete (TOT SVC) cumulative service

of which (ACTIVE SVC) is active service. You had (INACTIVE SVC) inactive-

service and earned (INACDU POINTS) inactive-duty points equivalent to (INACDU

POINTS EQ) months for pay under reference (a). On (PRR minus 1 day), you

will complete (RET PAY MULT SVC) service creditable for the retired pay

multiplier.

3. Upon receipt of these orders notify your commanding officer of your

desires regarding a retirement ceremony per reference (b).

4. Your Marine Corps activity effecting separation (IPAC/Administration RUC)

will issue an application for an identification card pursuant to reference

(d), issue a DD Form 214, and report your retirement per reference (e). You

should take your supporting documentation (retirement order, DD Form 214,

etc.) to the nearest Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System

(RAPIDS) site for issuance of an identification card, pursuant to reference

(d).

5. Furnish the disbursing officer maintaining your active duty pay accounts

a copy of these orders for settlement of your pay account.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

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Figure 2-1 2 of 4 Enclosure (1)

Subj: RELEASE FROM ACTIVE DUTY AND TRANSFER TO THE RETIRED LIST

6. Enclosure (1), to include a permanent mailing address, should be

completed and submitted to your Marine Corps activity effecting separation

(IPAC/Administration RUC) commanding officer or his representative. They are

Your commanding officer is responsible for its forwarding 30 days prior to

your approved retirement date to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service

at: DFAS, U.S. Military Retired Pay, 8899 E 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN

46249-1200 P.O. Box 1730, London, KY 40742-7130. Retain a copy of this form

for your files. It is your Documentation of your Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)

coverage election. Should this form not be received by DFAS, you will have

your retired pay reduced to correspond to the maximum SBP coverage and the

maximum tax withholding.

7. You have stated that your future address for mailing purposes is:

Report changes of address to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service at

the address in paragraph 6. You may also telefax your address changes by

calling 1-800-469-6559. Additional information can be found at

http://www.dfas.mil/. Ensure you include your signature over your EDIPI.

8. You may select a home address and receive travel allowance for the travel

performed there from this command per reference (c), which also addresses

travel and storage and shipment of household goods. Ensure you understand

its contents prior to detaching from this command. All travel must be

completed within one year from the date of your release from active duty and

transfer to the retired list. Complete the home of selection endorsement

prior to submission of these orders for settlement of travel. Once a home

address is selected and travel allowance is received for travel, the

selection is irrevocable. Upon completion of travel, forward enclosure (2),

along with a copy of your retirement orders and all other supporting

documentation, to the servicing Finance/Disbursing Office that supports your

last active duty station. Submit claims for DITY move reimbursement to the

Commanding Officer, TVCD, 814 Radford Blvd, Marine Corps Logistics Base,

Albany, GA 31704-1128.

9. The officer having custody of your service record and health (medical and

dental) record will forward the originals per reference (f) and ensure a copy

of these orders are filed in your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF).

You should make and retain a personal copy of these records for safekeeping.

10. Enclosure (3) recognizes your retirement.

11. Advise your commanding officer immediately should you be found not

physically qualified for retirement. The CMC (MMSR-2) should be notified

without delay with pertinent information and requesting disposition

instructions.

12. You may wear your uniform from this command to your home, if travel is

performed within three months after your release from active duty, and on

such occasions as the wearing of the uniform is appropriate, per the Marine

Corps Uniform Regulations (MCO P1020.34G paragraph 8003 and 11002).

13. Officers in an active duty component code, expenditures under these

orders are chargeable to appropriation data contained within the Marine Corps

Total Force System (MCTFS) D860 screen. Advance travel payment is

authorized. Mobilized officers should use the appropriation data contained

within their mobilization orders.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 2-1 3 of 4 Enclosure (1)

Subj: RELEASE FROM ACTIVE DUTY AND TRANSFER TO THE RETIRED LIST

14. As a retired officer of the Regular Marine Corps, in time of war or

national emergency declared by the President, the Secretary of the Navy may

order you to active duty at sea or on shore.

15. Your presence will be missed by your fellow Marines. We request that

you continue to support them in their undertakings. On behalf of the

Commandant of the Marine Corps and those with whom you have served, I express

sincere appreciation for your faithful service and wish you health,

happiness, and every success in the future.

By direction

Copy to:

Disbursing Officer

OMPF

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 2-1 4 of 4 Enclosure (1)

HOME OF SELECTION ENDORSEMENT

I certify that I have selected (city), (State) as my home incident to

transfer to the Retired List and arrived there on (date). I further certify

and understand that this selection, once made and travel allowance is

received for travel thereto, is irrevocable and no further entitlement to

travel allowances shall accrue.

(Signature) (Date)

NOTES:

1. All blank spaces should be filled with the appropriate data elements from

the RETM screens in MCTFS.

2. The PRR/PRR minus 1 day date should be in “DD Month YYYY” format.

3. All other service data should be in “YY years, MM months, and DD days”

format, as appropriate.

4. The following will be inserted as paragraph 3 to these orders for

officers who are advanced on the retired list: “The Secretary of the

Navy has determined that you are entitled to be advanced on the retired

list, with retired pay computed on the basis of the higher rate of basic

pay of the two grades involved. I take pleasure in transmitting as

enclosure (1), your letter of advancement to the grade of .”

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Chapter 3 TOC 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

CHAPTER 3

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE

DUTY AND RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

PARAGRAPH

DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3001

RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3002

INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3003

TRANSFER OF OFFICERS AND ENLISTED RESERVISTS TO ANOTHER

COMPONENT/SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3004

RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION FOR AGE AND SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . 3005

RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION OF OFFICERS TWICE FAILED OF SELECTION FOR

PROMOTION AND/OR THOSE OFFICERS AT SERVICE LIMITATION . . . . . . . 3006

RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION FOR UNSATISFACTORY PARTICIPATION . . . . . 3007

EXCEPTIONS TO MANDATORY RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION . . . . . . . . . . 3008

RETIRED RESERVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3009

RETIREMENT WITH PAY BASED ON ACTIVE SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . 3010

TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE RETIRED LIST WITH PAY . . . . . . . . . . . 3011

QUALIFYING SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3012

COMPUTATION OF RETIRED PAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3013

RETIREMENT OF RESERVISTS NOT QUALIFIED FOR RETIRED PAY

(HONORARY RETIREMENT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3014

PHYSICAL DISABILITY RETIREMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3015

APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER TO THE RETIRED RESERVE

AWAITING PAY AT AGE 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3016

APPLICATION FOR RETIRED PAY BENEFITS AT AGE 60 . . . . . . . . . . . 3017

STATUS IN THE RETIRED RESERVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3018

STATUS OF FORMER MEMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3019

AUTHORITY TO RELEASE AND SEPARATION ORDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3020

DELIVERY OF RETIREMENT DOCUMENTS AND APPROPRIATE CEREMONY . . . . . 3021

RESERVE RETIREMENT CREDIT REPORTING SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3022

CURRENT ADDRESS OF RETIRED RESERVISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3023

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Chapter 3 TOC 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

PARAGRAPH

FIGURE

REQUEST FOR INTERSERVICE TRANSFER FOR AN ENLISTED MARINE . . . . . . 3-1

REQUEST FOR INTERSERVICE TRANSFER FOR AN OFFICER . . . . . . . . . 3-2

MINIMUM POINTS REQUIRED TO ESTABLISH A PARTIAL ANNIVERSARY YEAR

AS QUALIFYING SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

MEMBERSHIP POINTS (GRATUITOUS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

REQUEST TRANSFER TO THE RETIRED RESERVE AWAITING PAY AT AGE 60 . . . 3-5

TABLE

REFERENCE TABLE FOR INACTIVE/ACTIVE DUTY POINTS . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3001 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3001

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

3001. DEFINITIONS. Certain terms have special definitions with reference to

Reserve retirements as outlined below.

1. Active Status. The status of a Reservist who is not assigned to the

Inactive-Status List (ISL) of the Standby Reserve or to the Retired Reserve.

A Reservist on the Reserve Active Status List (RASL) may be on active duty or

inactive-duty in the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) or Individual Ready

Reserve (IRR).

2. Reserve Retirement Credit and Points. Terms used interchangeably which

refer to the method provided by law for awarding actual or constructive days

of service. Points are used to determine qualifying service creditable

toward retirement eligibility and retired pay. They are also used, in part,

to determine promotion eligibility and retention in the Ready Reserve.

3. Qualifying Service

a. Qualifying service is credited per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

Section 12732. After 30 June 1949, a year of qualifying service is credited

when a minimum of 50 retirement points (including 15 gratuitous membership

points) are earned and a full 365 days or 366 days during a leap year period

is served during the Marine’s anniversary year. See paragraph 3012 of this

Manaul.

b. In a given anniversary year, retirement point credit resulting in

less than a 50 point total is added to a cumulative retirement point total,

but that anniversary year is not a qualifying year.

4. Anniversary Year. A period of 12 consecutive months 365/366 days during

which a Marine must accrue a minimum of 50 points (including gratuitous

points) for it to be credited as a qualifying year.

5. Anniversary Date. The date on which the anniversary year commences. It

is assigned to Reservists based on the following criteria:

a. For Marines of any Reserve component prior to 1 July 1949, the

anniversary year begins on 1 July of each year, when continuous active Marine

Corps Reserve status is maintained.

b. For Marines of any Reserve component after 30 June 1949 but prior to

1 July 1965, the anniversary year begins on the date of entry or reentry.

Each succeeding “year” will begin on the anniversary of that date, when

continuous Active Reserve status is maintained. Any component change (e.g.,

Regular to Reserve or vice-versa) between 1 July 1949 and 1 July 1965

requires a change in the anniversary date.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3001 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

c. For Marines of any Reserve component after 30 June 1965, the

anniversary year begins on the date of entry or reentry. Each succeeding

year will begin on the anniversary of that date, when the Marine does not

have a break in military service of greater than 24 hours.

(1) Marines of a Reserve component of another branch of the Armed

Forces on 1 July 1965, subsequently enlisted or appointed in the Marine Corps

Reserve without a break in service of greater than 24 hours, retain the same

anniversary date established by the former branch.

(2) For Marines formerly members of a Regular component of any branch

of the Armed Forces on 1 July 1965, and subsequently assigned to, enlisted or

appointed in the Marine Corps Reserve without a break in service of greater

than 24 hours, the anniversary year begins on the date of entry into that

Regular component in which they served prior to 1 July 1965.

d. Assignment to the ISL of the Standby Reserve or to the Temporary

Disability Retired List (TDRL) constitutes a break in Active Reserve status.

Consequently, the anniversary year for the Marine removed from the ISL or the

TDRL starts on the date they are restored to an active status.

e. To correct an anniversary date, submit a letter with supporting

documentation through the chain of command to the CMC (MMSR-5). Copies of

all enlistment contracts, extensions, and appointment records are required.

United States Marine Corps

Manpower and Reserve Affairs (MMSR-5)

3280 Russell Road

Quantico, VA 22134-5103

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3002 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3002

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

3002. RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS

1. The DC, M&RA may accept the voluntary resignation of an officer of the

Marine Corps Reserve for reasons established in reference (av) SECNAVINST

1920.6C W/CH 5. The DC M&RA may deny requests that do not satisfy the

criteria set forth in the reference. Waiver of criteria will only be granted

in cases of extreme hardship, extraordinary circumstances, or in the best

interest of the Service. Officers must provide justification and command

endorsements.

2. Submit letters of resignation to the CMC (MMSR-5) via the Commander,

Marine Forces Reserve (COMMARFORRES). Endorsements by the custodian of the

officer’s service record will contain a statement that the officer has

completed all obligated service.

3. Expunging Resignation-Related Material

a. Officers who have a resignation withdrawal request approved by the

DC, M&RA, or whose resignation is withdrawn or disapproved, may have the

resignation letter and related correspondence expunged from their official

military personnel file (OMPF) on request.

b. Officers placed on the RASL after a voluntary resignation may, at

their request, have any reason submitted in connection with the resignation

expunged from their OMPF.

c. Submit requests for removal of a resignation letter and related

correspondence or reasons for resignation to the CMC (MMSR-5).

4. Separation for Cause. See paragraphs 4103 and 4104.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3003 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3003

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

3003. INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES

1. Reserve commissioned officers may be discharged at the pleasure of the

President. All Reserve warrant officers may be discharged at the pleasure of

the Secretary of the Navy. For additional provisions concerning the

separation of Reserve officers see Chapter 4 and reference (av) SECNAVINST

1920.6C W/CH 5. See Chapter 6 of this Manual for separation of enlisted

Reservists.

2. Probationary Reserve officers and Reserve warrant officers defined by

reference(av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5, may be separated from the Marine

Corps Reserve without the benefit of a hearing or board procedure for

substandard performance of duty or for parenthood per reference (av)

SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5, using the notification procedures contained

therein.

3. Non-probationary Reserve officers and Reserve warrant officers defined by

reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5, may be separated only upon

recommendation of a board of inquiry unless separated for age restrictions or

lack of mobilization potential.

4. Reserve officers and Reserve warrant officers, regardless of length of

commissioned service or service as a warrant officer, respectively, may be

separated from the Marine Corps Reserve without a hearing or board procedure

per paragraph 3003.6 (Lack of Mobilization Potential) or paragraph 3005.2

(Age-In-Grade Restrictions). Use the notification procedures contained in

reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5.

5. Mobilization Potential Screening Board. The Secretary of the Navy may,

when necessary, convene boards to screen Reserve officers not on active duty,

who have completed obligated service, for potential and availability for

mobilization to active duty. Eligibility will include, but is not limited

to, officers in the following categories:

a. On the ISL of the Standby Reserve for at least 3 years;

b. Found by the Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery not physically

qualified for active duty or retention in the Marine Corps Reserve. They

will be afforded an opportunity to a full and fair hearing before the

physical evaluation board (PEB) prior to final action on their case;

c. Found by the Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery militarily unfit

or unsuitable by a medical finding not constituting physical disability.

These officers are not entitled to a hearing before the PEB;

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3003 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

d. Do not undergo a physical examination as required by regulation;

e. Do not keep their parent unit informed of a current mailing address;

f. Do not respond to, or comply with, official correspondence within a

reasonable period of time;

g. Decline a permanent appointment to the next higher grade within

6 months of approval of the report of a promotion selection board that

recommends the officer for promotion;

h. Not in a critical grade and MOS, earning less than 27 retirement

credit points (including membership points) per anniversary year. However, a

Reserve officer may not be separated solely for failure to meet this standard

when participation is precluded by either of the following:

(1) Lack of funds resulting in nonavailability of training; or,

(2) Circumstances of an unusual nature (as determined by the CMC on a

case-by-case basis).

i. An officer whose ecclesiastical endorsement has been withdrawn.

6. Separation for Lack of Mobilization Potential. Prior to convening a

mobilization screening board, each officer considered is notified per

reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5. Boards are convened under

regulations prescribed by the CMC and approved by the Secretary of the Navy.

Upon recommendation by a board to separate an officer for lack of

mobilization potential, the CMC (RAP) will either:

a. Transfer the officer to the ISL of the Standby Reserve, if the

officer is not qualified for, or does not request, transfer to the Retired

Reserve;

b. Recommend to the Secretary of the Navy that the officer be

transferred to the Retired Reserve, if the officer is qualified and so

requests; or

c. Recommend to the Secretary of the Navy that the officer be honorably

discharged from the Marine Corps Reserve.

7. A Reserve commissioned officer may be dismissed, and a Reserve warrant

officer may be discharged, as the result of an approved sentence of a general

court-martial.

8. The President or the Secretary of the Navy may drop from the rolls any

Marine of the Reserve component in an unauthorized absence status for a

period of three months or more, or sentenced to confinement in a Federal or

state penitentiary or other correctional institution after having been found

guilty of an offense by a court other than a court-martial or other military

court and whose sentence has become final, or served in confinement for more

than six months upon being sentenced by a court-martial and whose sentence

has become final.

9. A Reserve officer discharged or separated for cause, other than for lack

of mobilization potential as specified in paragraph 3003.5, will be given an

honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge unless:

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 3003 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

a. A discharge under other than honorable conditions is effected

pursuant to the approved sentence of a court-martial or the approved findings

of a board of inquiry convened by competent authority; or,

b. The officer consents to discharge under other than honorable

conditions in lieu of trial by court-martial or appearing before board

proceedings.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3004 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3004

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: (p) DoDI 1300.04

3004. TRANSFER OF OFFICERS AND ENLISTED RESERVISTS TO ANOTHER

COMPONENT OR SERVICE

1. Reference (p) DoDI 1300.04, provides for transfers to and from Regular

and Reserve components of the military Services. Service transfers of

Marines shall be to a Regular component or to a Reserve category of equal or

greater mobilization potential.

a. The Reservist with a remaining military obligation under law may be

transferred when:

(1) The Reservist has special experience or professional,

educational, or technical skills which are of greater value to the gaining

component than they are to the Reservist’s current component; or, the

Reservist is willing to acquire such skills needed by the gaining component,

or for the national defense; or,

(2) The Reservist has skills that exceed the requirements of the

current component and the skills are needed by the gaining component; or,

(3) The losing component has no paid-drill (Selected Reserve) unit to

which the Reservist can be usefully assigned within commuting distance of the

Reservist’s current or anticipated domicile or place of business; and,

(4) The gaining component approves the transfer and the losing

component:

(a) Approves the transfer; or,

(b) Disapproves the transfer and the disapproval is annulled by:

1. The Secretary of the military department concerned or a

designee, when both Reserve components are in the same military Service; or,

2. The Assistant Secretary of Defense (Reserve Affairs),

acting for the Secretary of Defense, when the Reserve components are in

different military Services.

b. The Reservist with no military service obligation under law may be

transferred when the gaining component approves the transfer because it is in

the best interest of military preparedness.

c. The Reservist desires transfer to enroll in an officer candidate

program (including college-level Reserve Officer Training Corps) and the

prospective gaining component accepts the Marine.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 3004 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

(1) The losing component will approve the transfer if the Reservist

has no remaining service obligation under law.

(2) If the Reservist has remaining obligation under law, the losing

component will approve the transfer, unless loss of the Marine results in

serious degradation of unit readiness which cannot be offset by the

recruitment of a replacement.

2. Interservice transfer will be accomplished by discharge from the

Reservist’s current Reserve component for immediate enlistment or appointment

in the gaining Reserve component. The following conditions apply:

a. Discharge and reenlistment, appointment in another Reserve component,

or termination of current commission and reappointment in another component

will be accomplished without interrupting the continuity of the Reservist’s

total military service. Credit these Marines with the total amount of

military service accrued as of the date of transfer.

b. Discharge for interservice transfer under this Manual will not

constitute release from, or fulfillment of, military service obligation

established by law. However, additional service performed after such

discharge will be counted towards fulfillment of that obligation.

3. Exceptions/Limitations. The policies in paragraphs 3004.1 and 3004.2 are

subject to the following:

a. A Marine who initially becomes a member of the U.S. Armed Forces

after 1 June 1984, will serve for a total of 8 years. Any part of such

service that is not active duty or active duty for training will be performed

in a Reserve component. Unless pursuant to regulations prescribed by the

Secretary of the Navy, when an officer is promoted to a higher Reserve grade,

the officer will be retained in an active status in his Reserve grade for the

remaining period of required service and may be only discharged because of

personal hardship under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

A Reservist without remaining military service obligation under law, who

received a bonus for the current term of enlistment, must honor the

conditions of the bonus agreement in full, unless the losing component

concurs that the transfer is in the best interest of national defense.

b. A Reservist without remaining military service obligation under law,

who served on active duty for training for more than 30 consecutive days

during the current enlistment or during the current time in grade (in the

case of an officer), must honor all service obligations, unless the losing

component concurs that the transfer is in the best interest of national

defense.

c. An officer may not be transferred from one Reserve component and

appointed as a Reserve officer in another with a higher grade or precedence

than that held on the day before the transfer.

4. Requests for transfer may be initiated by the Reservist, or by

appropriate authority in the gaining component with the individual’s consent.

a. An enlisted Marine desiring transfer will submit an application per

Figure 3-1.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3004 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

b. An officer desiring transfer will submit an application per Figure

3-2.

5. Endorsements for transfer requests by a Reservist with a remaining

military service obligation must contain:

a. A statement from the losing component concurring in the requested

action and affirming that the transfer is in the best interest of national

defense and the Reservist concerned. Justify any nonconcurrence.

b. A statement from the gaining component indicating that the Reservist

requesting transfer is acceptable and will be assigned to an approved

training program. Justify any nonconcurrence.

6. Endorsements for transfer requests by Reservists without military service

obligation under law must contain a statement from the gaining component that

the Reservist requesting transfer is acceptable and will be assigned to an

approved training program. Justify any nonconcurrence.

7. Request by Authorities of the Gaining Component. The DD Form 368,

REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL RELEASE, shall be used in all cases involving inter-

service transfers and may be used for intra-service transfers. Section I of

DD Form 368 shall be completed by an appropriate authority of the requesting

Service or component and forwarded to the Marine’s current Service or

component for action. DD Form 368 shall not be used to enroll a Marine of a

Reserve component into the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) of a Regular

component. The Marine’s Service or component shall respond to the requesting

Service or component within 30 days of receipt of DD Form 368. The

requesting Service or component shall not enlist or appoint the Marine

without the approval of the losing Service or component. DD Form 368 will

not be signed prior to approval of inter-service transfer from the authority

listed below and the Marine shall continue to perform all duties until that

time. See reference (p) DoDI 1300.04.

a. Approval Authority

(1) COMMARFORRES for non-AR enlisted personnel.

(2) CMC (DC M&RA via MMSR-5) for officers.

(3) CMC (RAM) for AR enlisted Marines.

8. Requests for transfer, with complete documentation, will be forwarded

through the gaining component to the losing component.

9. Upon final approval of a request for transfer, the gaining component will

furnish a copy of the DD Form 4, Enlistment/Reenlistment Document-Armed

Forces of the United States, or appointment order, to the losing Reserve

component within 15 days to permit a timely discharge.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3005 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3005

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

3005. RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION FOR AGE AND SERVICE

1. If an eligible Marine at age or service limits fails to request

retirement, he/she will be involuntarily transferred to the Retired Reserve

or discharged, unless retired or separated earlier.

a. In accordance with referenc (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 14509,

Reserve officers below the grade of brigadier general shall be separated, or

transferred to the Retired Reserve if eligible, on the last day of the month

in which the officer becomes 62 years of age, unless recommended for

promotion to the grade of brigadier general.

b. In accordance with reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 14510,

Reserve officers in the grade of brigadier general who have not been

recommended for promotion to major general shall be separated on the last day

of the month in which the officer becomes 62 years of age.

c. In accordance with reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 14511,

Reserve officers in the grade of major general or above shall be separated on

the last day of the month in which the officer becomes 64 years of age. The

retirement of a Reserve officer in the grade of lieutenant general or general

may be deferred by the President, not to exceed the first day of the month

following the month in which the officer becomes 68 years of age. The

Secretary of Defense may defer the retirement of a lieutenant general or

general, not to exceed the first day of the month following the month in

which the officer becomes 66 years of age.

d. The Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of Defense may defer the

retirement of Reserve colonels and above, not to exceed the first day of the

month following the month in which the officer becomes age 66, in accordance

with the restrictions established under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section

14512.

2. Enlisted Marines who meet the qualifications for retirement with pay will

be transferred, at their request, to the Retired Reserve effective the first

day of the month following their 60th birthday. Marines unable to satisfy

the requirement for a Reserve retirement with pay at age 60 will be

discharged by their parent command.

a. Reenlistments/extensions for enlisted Marines will not normally be

approved for a period which will result in serving past the last day of the

month in which the Marine becomes 60 years of age.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3005 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

b. Staff noncommissioned officers with more than 18 years of qualifying

service may be authorized by the DC, M&RA to remain in an active status until

the first day of the month following the Marine’s 62nd birthday.

c. Reserve Marines may, with their consent and by order of the CMC, be

retained on active service following mandatory retirement for maximum age

and/or service, and receive credit towards their retired pay. See paragraph

1501 of this Manual.

3. Reduced Age Calculation

a. Marines who have executed applicable contingency support Active Duty

Operational Support (ADOS) orders from 29 January 2008 to 30 September 2014

will be considered for reduced age by three months for each aggregate period

of 90 days the member serves on active duty during a fiscal year after 28

January 2008. Service on active duty must be performed pursuant to a call or

order to active duty under a provision of law per reference (c) Title 10

U.S.C. Section 101(a)(13)(B) or Section 12301(d). Such service does not

include active duty under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 12310.

b. Marines who have executed contingency support ADOS orders after 30

September 2014 will be considered for reduced age for each aggregate period

of 90 days who complete that service within any TWO consecutive fiscal years.

A day of duty may be included in only one aggregate period of 90 days for

purposes of calculating the age reduction. The effect of this change in law

restarts the clock on the 91st day for the Marine to aggregate an additional

90 days in the next two consecutive fiscal years.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3006 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3006

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(as) SECNAVINST 1412.9B

3006. RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION OF OFFICERS TWICE FAILED OF SELECTION FOR

PROMOTION AND/OR THOSE OFFICERS AT SERVICE LIMITATION

1. Warrant Officers. Except for those Reserve warrant officers meeting the

requirements of paragraph 3008, the provisions of this paragraph apply to

Reserve warrant officers of permanent grade in an active status.

a. In accordance with reference(as) SECNAVINST 1412.9B, CWO2s and

CWO3s considered as having twice failed of selection for promotion to the

next higher grade will be removed from an active status on the first day of

the seventh month following the second failure of selection unless continued

under the provisions of paragraph 3008 of this Manual.

b. CWO4s considered as having twice failed of selection for promotion to

CWO5 will be continued in an active status until completion of 30 years of

qualifying service, unless earlier separated by other provisions of law due

to age or failure to meet minimum participation requirements. Any chief

warrant officer with 30 years of qualifying service eligible for a Reserve

retirement with pay at age 60, in the absence of a retirement request, will

be involuntarily placed on the Reserve retirement list awaiting pay effective

the first day of the sixth month following completion of such service, unless

selectively continued to meet the needs of the Ready Reserve as determined by

the CMC.

2. Lieutenants/Captains. Per paragraph 3008, a Reserve officer in an active

status in the permanent grade of first lieutenant or captain considered as

having twice failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade shall

be removed from an active status not later than the first day of the seventh

month following the month the board results are approved by the President.

An officer to be removed from an active status under this paragraph will, if

qualified, be given the opportunity to request transfer to the Retired

Reserve. If not so transferred, the officer will be transferred to the ISL

of the Standby Reserve or will be discharged from the Marine Corps Reserve.

In accordance with reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 14504, a first

lieutenant twice failed for selection may be retained by the Secretary of the

Navy in order to meet planned mobilization needs for a period not to exceed

24 months.

3. Majors/Lieutenant Colonels/Colonels

a. Majors. Reserve majors in an active status considered having twice

failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade shall be removed

from the active status list (ASL), retired if eligible, or discharged on the

first day of the month following completion of 20 years of commissioned

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3006 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

service unless retained in an active status under the provision of paragraph

3008.1 or continued under the provisions of paragraph 3008.4 of this Manual.

If a Reserve major has already completed 20 years of commissioned service

when the second failure of selection occurs then the officer shall be

separated on the first day of the seventh month following the month the board

results are approved by the President.

b. Lieutenant Colonels/Colonels. Reserve lieutenant colonels

and Reserve colonels, unless retained in an active status under the

provisions of paragraph 3008.1 or continued under the provisions of paragraph

3008.4, shall be removed from an active status, retired, or discharged on the

first day of the month following completion of 28 and 30 years of

commissioned service respectively.

4. Total Commissioned Service. Per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section

14706, a Reserve officer’s years of service include all service, other than

constructive service, of the officer as a commissioned officer of the U.S.

Armed Forces (other than service as a warrant officer). Such service is

calculated from the first date of appointment. For example, a Reserve major

who was first commissioned on 15 January 1979 would complete 20 years of

commissioned service on 14 January 1999, as long as there is no break in

service of 24 hours of more. Time spent on the ISL, although not creditable

for retirement purposes, is creditable towards an officer’s commissioned

service.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3007 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3007

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306 /9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(o) DoDI 1200.15

(av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

(bg) MCO 1001R.1L W/CH 1

3007. RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION FOR UNSATISFACTORY PARTICIPATION

1. Per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 12642, and reference (av)

SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5, Reserve officers who complete their obligated

service, but are not eligible for a Reserve retirement and are credited at

the end of their anniversary year with less than the 27 retirement points

(including membership points) required to maintain an active status, will be

transferred to the ISL of the Standby Reserve.

2. Reserve officers are not removed from an active status for failure to

earn 27 Reserve retirement credit points per anniversary year if:

a. A request for active duty for training during the anniversary year is

denied by reason of lack of funds or facilities; or

b. There is a mobilization requirement for their military or civilian

skills and a sufficient number of Reservists in an active status are not

available to meet the requirement.

3. Per reference (o) DoDI 1200.15, Reserve officers qualified for retirement

under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Sections 12731 and 12732, are required to

earn 50 retirement points annually to be retained in the Ready Reserve or on

the ASL of the Standby Reserve. The Commander, MARFORRES will inform (by

certified mail, return receipt requested) each non-obligor Reserve officer

who has not met prescribed Reserve participation requirements of his or her

immediate transfer to the ISL. The Marine may request a “one-time” waiver of

the prescribed 50-point minimum requirement for the unsatisfactory

anniversary year or the Marine may request to retire. If a “one-time” waiver

is granted, the Marine will be reinstated to the RASL and will be assigned a

new anniversary date. The waiver does not make the unsatisfactory year

qualifying for retirement purposes and only allows the Marine to continue on

the RASL. Requests for a “one-time” waiver are submitted to the CMC

(MMSR-5).

4. Officers who have completed a three-year period on the ISL will be

examined by the Reserve Officers Mobilization Potential Screening Board

described in paragraph 3003.5 of this Manual. The board is convened by the

Commander, MARFORRES per reference (bg) MCO 1001R.1L W/CH 1, and reviews the

record of each eligible Reserve officer recommending one of the following:

a. Return to an active status in the Ready Reserve, if physically and

otherwise qualified;

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3007 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

b. Transfer to the Retired Reserve, if qualified; or

c. Discharge, in accordance with this Manual and reference (av)

SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3008 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3008

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306 /9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(as) SECNAVINST 1412.9B

(aw) SECNAVINST 1920.7B

3008. EXCEPTIONS TO MANDATORY RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION

1. Safety/Sanctuary Zone. In accordance with reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

Section 12646, paragraph 3006 of this Manual does not apply to Reserve

officers who have completed at least 18 years of qualifying service.

a. Reserve officers credited with at least 18 but less than 19 years of

qualifying service on their mandatory removal date may not be involuntarily

transferred to an inactive-status before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) the date they complete 20 years of qualifying service, or (2) the third

anniversary following the mandatory removal date.

b. Reserve officers credited with at least 19 but less than 20 years of

qualifying service on their mandatory removal date may not be involuntarily

transferred to an inactive-status before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) the date they complete 20 years of qualifying service, or (2) the second

anniversary following the mandatory removal date.

2. The safety zones referred to above do not apply to a Marine who cannot

meet all requirements for a Reserve retirement with pay (see paragraph 3011)

by the end of the safety zone period.

3. Notwithstanding paragraph 3006, a Reserve commissioned officer, other

than a commissioned warrant officer, who is assigned to the Selective Service

System may be retained in an active status in that assignment until the

officer becomes 62 years of age in accordance with reference (c) Title 10

U.S.C. Section 12647. Retention under this provision is subject to the needs

of the Selective Service System.

4. Continuation of Reserve Officers is based upon the following law and

policy:

a. Reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 14701, provides the Secretary

of the Navy with the option of continuing Reserve officers in the grades of

major through colonel beyond the maximum service limitations of 20 years

commissioned service (YCS), 28 YCS, and 30 YCS respectively, to 24 YCS, 33

YCS, and 35 YCS respectively. In addition, Reserve officers in the grade of

captain with two failures for selection to promotion to the next higher grade

may be continued to 20 YCS. Reference (aw) SECNAVINST 1920.7B and reference

(as) SECNAVINST 1412.9B, further delegate continuation of commissioned

officers and chief warrant officers (respectively) to the CMC (DC M&RA).

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3008 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

b. Continuation opportunities are limited and based on the needs of the

Marine Corps. Except in cases involving extraordinary circumstances and

receiving approval from the DC M&RA an officer will not be continued beyond

retirement eligibility. Additionally, those officers whose service places

them within the confines of reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Sections 12646 or

12686, (active duty) are subject to sanctuary and shall not be considered for

continuation. Current Reserve policy provides for the continuation on the

RASL of the following categories of Reserve officers:

(1) Chief Warrant Officers

(a) Active Reserve (AR) CWO2, CWO3, and CWO4 who have twice

failed for selection by an AR promotion board may be continued until twice

failed for selection by an Other than Active Reserve (OTAR) board.

(b) AR CWO2, CWO3, and CWO4 who have twice failed for selection

by an AR promotion board and are within 6 years of qualifying for retirement

with 20 years of active duty under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section

6323, may be continued.

(c) OTAR CWO2, CWO3 and CWO4, who have twice failed for selection

by an OTAR promotion board and are within six years of qualifying for

retirement with 20 years of qualifying service under reference (c) Title 10

U.S.C. Section 12731, may be continued.

(2) Captains

(a) AR officers who have twice failed for selection by an AR

promotion board may be continued until twice failed for selection by an

unrestricted Reserve promotion board.

(b) Unrestricted Reserve officers who have twice failed for

selection by an unrestricted Reserve promotion board and will qualify for

retirement under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 12731, within six

years of the date of such continuation may be continued.

(3) Majors

(a) AR officers who have twice failed for selection by an AR

promotion board may be continued until twice failed for selection by an

unrestricted Reserve promotion board.

(b) AR officers who have twice failed for selection by an AR

promotion board and are within six years of qualifying for retirement with 20

years of active duty under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 6323, may be

continued.

(c) Unrestricted Reserve officers who have twice failed for

selection by an unrestricted Reserve promotion board and will qualify for

retirement under reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 12731, within six

years of the date of such continuation may be continued.

c. Eligible officers who are selected for continuation must be fully

qualified for continuation and their continuation must be in the best

interests of the Marine Corps. “Fully qualified” means that the officer’s

record clearly demonstrates performance in a satisfactory manner considering

the grade and technical specialty held and that the officer continues to meet

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 3008 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

the Marine Corps’ standards of performance and conduct. Additionally, an

accurate record of service as reflected in the Career Retirement Credit

Record (CRCR) is a key determinant in continuation consideration. Continued

officers are notified by the CMC (MMSR-5).

d. Officers not desiring to be continued are required to decline

continuation in writing to the CMC (MMSR-5) prior to their original mandatory

removal date (MRD).

5. Continuation Process. Officers requiring continuation on the RASL will

be automatically considered for continuation upon the release of the Reserve

officer promotion board results.

a. The CMC (MMSR) will:

(1) Identify which Reserve officers require and are eligible for

continuation upon the release of Reserve officer promotion board results.

(2) Forward a list of all officers eligible for continuation to CMC

(RA) for approval or disapproval of continuation.

(3) Upon the CMC (RA) determination, submit a continuation letter to

officers notifying them of their continuation status. A copy of this letter

will be provided to the CMC (MMRP) for placement in the OMPF and to the CMC

(RAM).

(4) Adjust the officers’ mandatory removal date in MCTFS.

(5) Maintain statistical data on the numbers, by grade, of Reserve

commissioned officers continued and not continued on the RASL.

b. The CMC (RA) is the approval/disapproval authority for continuation

and will:

(1) Review each officer’s entire military record and ensure the CMC

(JA) screens all eligible officers for adverse material.

(2) Approve eligible and fully qualified officers for continuation.

(a) If an officer has no adverse material to be considered and is

recommended for continuation, CMC (RAP) may approve continuation.

(b) If an officer has any adverse fitness reports, has been named

the subject of an investigation, or is currently listed in the officer

disciplinary notebook, the approval/disapproval authority is the CMC (RA) and

will not be delegated.

(3) Provide determination to the CMC (MMSR) for each officer’s

continuation consideration.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3009 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3009

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

3009. RETIRED RESERVE

1. The Retired Reserve consists of Reservists transferred or assigned to the

Retired Reserve under the provisions of reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section

10154.

2. Enlisted Marines must be serving within the unexpired term of an

enlistment contract or on a valid extension to the enlistment contract on the

effective date of transfer to the Retired Reserve. Discharge by reason of

expiration of enlistment effected before transfer to the Retired Reserve

separates a Marine from the Marine Corps Reserve. Discharged Marines must

petition the BCNR to request transfer to the Retired Reserve awaiting pay at

age 60. Former Marines are not entitled to transfer to the Retired Reserve

or any retirement benefits except as may be provided by law. See paragraph

3019 of this Manual.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 3010 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3010

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: None

3010. RETIREMENT WITH PAY BASED ON ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE

1. Reserve commissioned officers on active duty who have completed more than

20 years of active duty, of which at least 10 years was served as a

commissioned officer, may request retirement under the provisions of

Chapter 2 of this Manual.

2. Enlisted Reservists on active duty who have completed 20 years of active

duty may request transfer to the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve (FMCR) or

retirement under the provisions of Chapter 7 of this Manual.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3011 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3011

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(l) NDAA 2005

3011. TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE RETIRED LIST WITH PAY

1. A Reservist who completes 20 qualifying years of service (not necessarily

continuous) is eligible, upon application, to transfer to the Retired Reserve

list and to receive retired pay and benefits per the following:

a. Under the provisions of reference (l) NDAA 2005, a Reservist who

completes 20 years of qualifying service on or after 25 April 2005 no longer

needs to have the last six years in a Reserve component.

b. Marines who earned 20 years or more of qualifying service before 25

April 2005 must perform the last six years of qualifying service while in a

Reserve component. The last six years of qualifying service do not have to

be continuous. However, per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 12731, if

a period of service in a Regular component intervenes between periods of

Reserve service totaling the required six years, then that period of Regular

service cannot be applied toward meeting the criteria of paragraph 3011.1a.

For example, a Marine served in the Regular Marine Corps for 16 years. The

Marine then enlisted in or was appointed to the Marine Corps Reserve and

reached 20 years of qualifying service on or before 25 April 2005. The

Marine’s 17th through 20th years count for four years towards the six-year

requirement in a Reserve component. The Marine must serve an additional two

qualifying years of Reserve service.

c. The Marine must not be entitled to retired pay from an Armed Force

under any provision of law besides reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section

12731.

2. Per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 12731(d), a Marine who

completes the years of service required for eligibility for retired pay under

this paragraph will be notified in writing within one year after completing

this service. This notification will be issued by the CMC (MMSR-5). Do not

submit individual requests unless a qualified Marine does not receive

notification within the prescribed one-year period. Only the CMC (MMSR-5) is

authorized to issue an official statement of service to Reservists. No

summary of retirement credits/qualifying years (i.e., the automated Career

Retirement Credit Record) is presented to a Reservist as an official

statement of service unless it has been audited and certified by the CMC

(MMSR-5).

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3012 1 of 4 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3012

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(n) DoD 7000.14-R

(bg) MCO 1001R.1L W/CH 1

3012. QUALIFYING SERVICE

1. To determine whether a Marine has completed the required 20 years of

qualifying service for retired pay purposes, the individual’s years of

service (less time lost) performed in the status of a commissioned officer,

warrant officer, or enlisted Marine are creditable. Creditable service as a

midshipman or cadet is governed by reference (n) DoD 7000.14-R.

a. Service Before 1 July 1949. Contact the CMC (MMSR-5).

b. Service After 1 July 1949. Add the Marine’s years of service for

each anniversary year in which at least 50 points were credited as follows:

(1) One point for each day of active service, including annual

training duty or while attending a prescribed course of instruction at a

school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary of the

military department concerned.

(2) One point for each period of inactive-duty, instruction or period

of equivalent instruction (including completion of an approved correspondence

course) that was prescribed for that year by the Secretary of the military

department concerned and conforming to the requirements prescribed by law,

including attendance at National Guard training.

(3) Points for membership at the rate of 15 per anniversary year of

service in any Reserve component of the Armed Forces, including the U.S.

Coast Guard Reserve and the U.S. Army or Air National Guard. Membership

points are not deducted or pro-rated for periods of active duty or active

duty for training if the Marine belongs to a Reserve component. If the

Marine is on active duty all or most of the year, the limit on total

retirement points in paragraph 3012.1b(5) applies.

(4) Table 3-1 shows the criteria for awarding retirement points for a

variety of miscellaneous activities including associate duty and appropriate

duty. See the current edition of reference(bg) MCO 1001R.1L W/CH 1 for

further instructions on awarding retirement points.

(5) Retirement Point Credit Limitations. For retired pay purposes:

(a) Total points credited since 30 June 1949 may not exceed 365

days in a normal year or 366 days in a leap year.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3012 2 of 4 Enclosure (1)

(b) Total retirement points credited for inactive-duty

participation in any anniversary year may not exceed the following

stipulations (excluding funeral honor points): 130 points for anniversary

years closing on or after 30 October 2007, 90 points for anniversary years

closing on or after 30 October 2000; 75 points for anniversary years closing

between 23 September 1996 and 29 October 2000; and 60 points for anniversary

years closing prior to 23 September 1996.

(c) Retirement points earned during one anniversary year may not

be credited to another anniversary year.

(6) Partial Anniversary Year. A period of service of less than 365

days in which the Marine earned the minimum points required to make that

period of service qualifying for retirement purposes (see Figure 3-3). Two

or more partial years of service may be combined to complete a full year of

qualifying service.

(a) If a Marine was in an active status for only a portion of an

anniversary year, that year will not be credited as a full year of qualifying

service for retirement purposes, regardless of the number of retirement

points earned while in an active status during that particular year. The

time the Marine was in an active status will be considered as a partial year

of qualifying service provided the Marine earned the required points, on a

pro rata basis, during that particular period.

(b) Figure 3-4 shows partial year membership points awarded for

less than a full anniversary year or for only those portions of an

anniversary year spent in a Reserve component.

(c) To prorate qualifying service, the Marine must be removed

from an active status before the end of the Marine’s anniversary period by

discharge, transfer to the ISL or TDRL, or transfer to the Retired Reserve.

Additionally, the Marine must earn the minimum points required for the number

of days served. Example: a Reservist in an active status for 180 days is

required to earn 25 points to make the period “qualifying.” However, if the

Reservist remained in an active status for 190 days and only earned 26

points, the period would not be qualifying. During the pro-rated period, the

Marine must earn the minimum number of points to qualify for that pro-rated

period. If a Marine continues in an active status longer than the pro-rated

period and fails to earn additional points, then that period may become non-

qualifying. See Figure 3-3 – Minimum Points Required to Establish a Partial

Anniversary Year as Qualifying Service.

(7) Time Not Creditable

(a) The following service will not be counted in computation of

years of service under this paragraph or for years of service for the

computation or retired pay under paragraph 3013:

1. Service on the ISL of the Standby Reserve.

2. Time after retirement or transfer to the Retired Reserve.

(b) Marines of the Reserve are not eligible to earn retirement

credits while on the ISL, TDRL, or in the Retired Reserve and are not

entitled to gratuitous credits for membership during these periods per

reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 12734.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3012 3 of 4 Enclosure (1)

c. Creditable service is defined per reference (n) DoD 7000.14-R, and

provides an all inclusive list for service that is not creditable for

computation of retired pay.

2. Retired Grade Determination (Officers)

a. A Reserve commissioned officer may be retired in the highest grade

held, if the Marine completed at least six months satisfactory service in

that grade prior to transfer from an active status solely due to the

following reasons:

(1) Transfer/discharge for maximum age or years of service required

by a nondiscretionary provision of law.

(2) Transfer/discharge because of a physical disability, as

determined by a medical evaluation board, for which the Marine no longer

meets the qualifications for membership in the Ready Reserve.

b. Unless entitled to a higher grade under another provision of law, a

Reserve commissioned officer above the grade of chief warrant officer

(CWO-5) who requests voluntary retirement will be retired in the highest

grade satisfactorily held upon completion of the following minimum service-

in-grade requirements:

Grade Component Minimum Service-in-Grade

O-1 - O-4 Inactive-duty 6 months

O-1 & O-2 AR 6 months

O-3 & O-4 AR 2 years

O-5 & above All 3 years (2 years until

31 December 2001)

c. Time-in-grade requirements may be reduced from three years to two

years with approval by appropriate authority. For officers in the grades of

O5 and O6, the approval authority is the DC M&RA. For officers in the grades

of O7 and O8, the approval authority is the Under Secretary of Defense for

Personnel and Readiness.

3. Retired Grade Determination (Warrant Officers). A warrant officer

retires in the permanent Reserve warrant officer grade that he/she held on

the day before the date of retirement, or in any higher warrant officer grade

in which he/she served on active duty satisfactorily, as determined by the

Secretary of the Navy, for a period of not less than 30 days, per reference

(c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 1371.

4. Retired Grade Determination (Enlisted Personnel). Enlisted Marines upon

transfer to the Retired Reserve will be placed on the Reserve retired list in

the highest grade in which they have served satisfactorily. Reservists in

the grades of E-7 through E-9 must serve two satisfactory years from the date

of promotion. The CMC (MMSR-5) will make the determination of satisfactory

service. Factors used in making this determination are:

a. Time served in the current or higher grade or to service limits,

whichever occurs first.

b. Any report of misconduct, moral or professional dereliction, conduct

not in the best interest of national security, or conviction by court-

martial.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 3012 4 of 4 Enclosure (1)

c. The nature and severity of any misconduct.

5. Retired Grade Determination (Additional Factors)

a. Inactive-duty personnel are required to earn a minimum of 50

retirement points to satisfy each year of the service-in-grade requirement.

A period less than a full year is made a qualifying year by earning the

required number points shown in Figure 3-3 for the actual number of days

served in the period. Marines must keep in mind that the service-in-grade

requirement begins on the date of promotion, which in most cases does not

coincide with the Marine’s anniversary year, therefore requiring partial

periods of service to meet time-in-grade requirements.

b. If the CMC determines that a Marine’s service is not satisfactory in

the highest grade, the retired grade will be the grade in which satisfactory

service was last performed.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3013 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3013

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: None

3013. COMPUTATION OF RETIRED PAY

1. The monthly retired pay of a Marine entitled to Reserve retired pay and

who entered the Service before 1 January 2018 is computed by the following

formula:

(P divided by 360) X .025 X B = $/month

P = total number of retirement points.

B = monthly base pay at rates applicable on the date when retired pay is

granted for the highest grade held satisfactorily at any time in the Armed

Forces and YOS.

YOS = years of service for basic pay purposes are computed from pay entry

base date (PEBD) to date of first eligibility for retired pay (date of

separation if a former member, who became a member after 7 September 1980).

a. To determine the total number of retirement points earned after 1

July 1949, add the following items:

(1) Active duty points under paragraph 3012.1b(1).

(2) Inactive-duty points creditable towards retirement under

paragraphs 3012.1b(2) and 3012.1b(3), within the limits described in

3012.1b(5).

(3) To determine the total number of retirement points earned before

1 July 1949, contact the CMC (MMSR-5).

b. Retired base pay is determined by date of first entry into the Armed

Forces (DOEAF).

(1) Final Pay Retirement System. Final pay applies to those who

entered the Service before 8 September 1980. Each year of service is worth

2.5 percent toward the retirement multiplier. Years of service are computed

from the pay entry base date (PEBD) to the date of first eligibility for

retired pay. Hence, 2.5% x 20 years = 50% and 2.5% x 30 years = 75%. This

multiplier is applied against the final basic pay of the Marine's career or

to the base pay at the applicable rate when retired pay is granted.

(2) High-36 Month Average Retirement System. This system applies to

Marines who first entered service after 7 September 1980. Monthly base pay

is the average of the previous 36 months of base pay at rates applicable on

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3013 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

the date when retired pay is granted for the highest grade held

satisfactorily at any time in the Armed Forces and YOS.

(3) After 30 October 2000, the retired base pay for enlisted Marines

reduced in grade, or Marine officers who do not meet the TIG requirement and

are retired in a lesser grade are computed under the “pre-high-36” rules, or

the Final Pay Retirement System using their retired grade.

2. Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System (BRS). The BRS became

effective on 1 January 2018. It combines a 20-year cliff vested defined

benefit pension, similar to the High-36 military retirement system, with a

defined contribution system in which both the Service member and the military

Service contribute to a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement savings account.

The funds in this TSP account are invested as directed by the Service member

and grow over time based upon market forces. For more information and

resources, go to the Manpower & Reserve Affairs Department web portal at:

https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/brs.

a. Reserve Component Marines with 4,320 retirement points or more as of

1 January 2018 are grandfathered into the High-36 or Final Pay military

retirement systems and are not eligible to opt-in to the BRS. Reserve

Component Marines with less than 4,320 retirement points as of 31 December

2017 have a limited-time choice to opt-in to the BRS. Reserve Component

Marines who enter service on or after 1 January 2018 are automatically

enrolled in the BRS and do not have the choice to opt-in to the High-36 or

Final Pay military retirement systems.

b. Retired pay under the BRS includes a defined benefit plus a multi-

part defined contribution, which is placed into a Marine’s TSP account.

(1) The defined benefit is computed by the following formula, whereby

variables are as previously defined in paragraph 3013.1:

(P divided by 360) X .020 X B = $/month

(2) The defined contribution includes the Marine’s own contributions,

and automatic and matching contributions from the Marine Corps. The Marine

Corps automatically contributes to a Marine’s TSP at a rate of 1.0 percent of

basic pay. The Marine Corps matches a Marine’s contributions to their TSP

account at rates ranging from 1.0 percent to 4.0 percent. These

contributions continue through 26 years of service. Marines can adjust their

contribution to whatever rate they desire as permissible by law, with full

matching contributions requiring a 5.0 percent contribution by the Marine.

For Marines who enter service on or after 1 January 2018, automatic

contributions begin after 60 days of service, and matching contributions

begin after 24 months of service. Marines are automatically enrolled at a

3.0 percent contribution rate, but can change this contribution rate as they

desire. For eligible Marines who elect to opt-in to the BRS, automatic and

matching contributions begin the first pay period after they opt-in, but they

must set their individual TSP contribution rate in order to receive matching

contributions.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 3014 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3014

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: None

3014. RETIREMENT OF RESERVISTS NOT QUALIFIED FOR RETIRED PAY (HONORARY

RETIREMENT). The Armed Forces Reserve Act of 1952 repealed provisions

relating to the honorary retired lists. The Act provided for retirement and

retired pay for a period of 20 years from the date of enactment on 9 July

1952. Marines transferred to the Retired Reserve in an honorary status are

accorded the privileges under paragraph 3018.3. The Uniformed Services

Identification and Privilege Card and/or replacements are no longer issued to

honorary retirees.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3015 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3015

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-4

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9308/9309/9321

DSN: 278-9308/9309/9321

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

3015. PHYSICAL DISABILITY RETIREMENT

1. See Chapter 8 concerning eligibility of Reservists for physical

disability retirement. Reservists retired for physical disability under

reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 61 are entitled to the same pay,

rights, benefits and privileges provided by law or regulation for retired

Marines of the Regular Marine Corps.

2. Reservists not on active duty who are found not physically qualified for

retention in the Marine Corps Reserve and who have completed a minimum of

15 years of qualifying service may be transferred to the Retired Reserve

Awaiting Pay at Age 60 as long as such physical disability is not:

a. A result of the Marine’s intentional misconduct, willful neglect or

willful failure to comply with the standards and qualifications for retention

established by the Secretary of the Navy; or

b. Incurred during a period of unauthorized absence.

3. Those Reservists not on active duty who are found not physically

qualified for retention in the Marine Corps Reserve with less than 15 years

of qualifying service will be processed per paragraph 8607.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3016 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3016

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

References: (a) Title 5 U.S.C.

(cn) MCTFS PRIUM (Online)

3016. APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER TO THE RETIRED RESERVE AWAITING PAY AT AGE 60

1. Submission of Requests. Requests for voluntary retirement by SMCR and

IMA affiliated Marines will be submitted by the reporting command via the

Unit Diary Marine Integrated Personnel System per reference (cn) MCTFS PRIUM

(Online). Requests outside the 4 to 14 month submission timeframe must be

submitted via separate correspondence with justification to the CMC (MMSR-5)

with chain of command justification and command endorsements via the first

general officer. Requests will be submitted using the application contained

in Figure 3-5.

a. Per reference(a) Title 5 U.S.C. Section 8301, the effective date of

retirement must be the first day of the month and cannot be later than the

first day of the month following mandatory removal dates.

2. Approval/disapproval of all requests will be issued by the CMC (MMSR-5)

via unit diary. See paragraph 3020 and Appendix E for additional

instructions.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3017 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3017

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: (o) DoDI 1200.15

3017. APPLICATION FOR RETIRED PAY BENEFITS AT AGE 60

1. Retired pay benefits must be requested: the process is not automatic.

Marines of the Retired Reserve and former members of the Reserve who are

eligible under paragraph 3011 may apply for retired pay by the use of DD Form

108 (Application for Retired Pay Benefits).

2. The CMC (MMSR-5) provides a DD Form 108 to Marines on the Reserve Retired

List Awaiting Pay at Age 60, approximately 6 months prior to their 60th

birthday or earlier if eligible per reference (o) DoDI 1200.15. DD Form 108

contains a summary of creditable service for the Marine’s verification.

Should an eligible Marine not receive the form within the above time frame,

notify the CMC (MMSR-5).

3. Marines must submit a DD Form 2656 to DFAS. Marines must also sign the

DD Form 108 and return it to the CMC (MMSR-5) at least three months prior to

their date eligible for retired pay.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3018 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3018

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(q) DoDI 1215.07

(ci) MCO P1020.34H

3018. STATUS IN THE RETIRED RESERVE

1. Per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 12301, a member of the Retired

Reserve may be ordered to active duty in time of war or national emergency

declared by Congress, or when otherwise authorized by law. No member of the

Retired Reserve may be ordered to active duty without the Marine’s consent

unless the Secretary of the Navy, with the approval of the Secretary of

Defense, determines that adequate numbers of qualified members of the Ready

and Standby Reserve in an active status are not readily available.

2. The following applies to Marines of the Retired Reserve:

a. Marines are not eligible to earn retirement credits or accrue

additional qualifying service unless ordered to active duty per paragraph

3018.1.

b. Marines are not required or eligible to participate in any training

or other programs of the Marine Corps Reserve in a pay status.

c. Marines are not required to submit qualification questionnaires or

obtain periodic physical examinations.

3. Retired Reservists not qualified for retired pay (honorary retirement)

are entitled to the following privileges:

a. Retain their grade as a member of the Marine Corps Reserve.

b. Wear the prescribed uniform upon appropriate occasion or ceremony,

per reference (ci) MCO P1020.34HH.

c. Use service club/open mess facilities when local space and staff

capabilities permit, if authorized by membership rules.

4. Marines of the Retired Reserve awaiting pay at age 60 are entitled to the

following additional privileges:

a. Unlimited access to military exchanges and morale, welfare and

recreation facilities.

b. Unlimited use of military commissaries.

c. Space-available transportation within the CONUS on DoD aircraft, upon

presentation of a notification of eligibility for retired pay at age 60.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3018 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

d. Identification card, DD Form 2 (Reserve Retired), for identification

purposes only.

e. Enrollment in TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) that qualified Retired

Reserve Marines and survivors may purchase.

5. Marines of the Retired Reserve with pay are further entitled to:

a. Retired pay effective at age 60 or earlier per reference (q) DoDI

1215.07.

b. Medical care at a medical treatment facility (MTF) on a space

available basis and under TRICARE for those members who are age 60 or older

and in receipt of pay.

c. Identification card, DD Form 2 (Retired) authorizing appropriate

benefits and privileges. In those instances where the retiree is eligible to

receive retired pay prior to age 60, the medical benefits start date on the

back of the card will be equal to the retiree’s 60th birthday.

d. Space-available transportation via Air Mobility Command.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 3019 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3019

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: None

3019. STATUS OF FORMER MEMBERS

1. Former members of the Marine Corps Reserve who have resigned or been

discharged may apply for retired pay under paragraph 3017 above, if they

otherwise were qualified (i.e., at least 20 years of qualifying service per

paragraph 3011) and meet the Reserve participation requirements in effect on

the date of discharge. Such former members may receive retired pay, but are

not carried on the retired list and are ineligible for certain privileges or

rights of the Retired Reserve. These Marines retain their civilian status.

Former Marines entitled to retired pay at age 60 who have not yet attained

age 60 are entitled to a DD Form 2 (Reserve Retired) authorizing commissary,

exchange, and morale, welfare and recreation privileges. Former members who

are age 60 or over and in receipt of retired pay are issued the DD Form 2765

which, in addition to the aforementioned privileges, authorizes medical care

at MTFs and under TRICARE.

2. An enlisted Marine who requests discharge effective upon completion of 20

or more years of qualifying service, or whose enlistment expires after

completion of that service, should petition the BCNR to transfer to the

Retired Reserve Awaiting Pay.

3. Former members who became members after 7 September 1980 and apply for

retired pay upon reaching age 60 will have their pay computed under the

High-36 method at the rate in effect at the time of discharge without

adjustment for cost of living allowances effected between the time of

discharge and the start of retired pay. The reduction in pay is substantial.

Former members who became members before 8 September 1980 and apply for

retired pay upon reaching age 60 will have their pay computed under the Final

Pay method, determined at the rates applicable on the date retired pay is

granted.

4. Transfer to the Retired Reserve is not automatic; it must be requested.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3020 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3020

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: None

3020. AUTHORITY TO RELEASE AND SEPARATION ORDERS

1. The CMC (MMSR-5) will issue separation approval/disapproval authority via

the unit diary. Any actions taken by the CMC (MMSR-5) will be reflected on

the Marine’s unit electronic diary feedback report (EDFR). In addition,

requests that are pending or approved will post an appropriate RER flag

indicating such status on the RT01 screen in MCTFS. A disapproval will zero

out the original entry reflected on the RT01 screen. RER Flags are defined

in the On-line Manpower Codes Lookup Guide.

2. Upon receipt of the approval authority, the responsible reporting unit

will submit the appropriate diary entries using data contained on the RT01

screen (Planned SPD, Planned CHAR).

3. The CMC (MMSR-5) will mail all separation letters, certificates, and

documents within 10 working days of issuing the approval authority.

4. The CMC (MMSR-5) will issue all orders pertaining to the Reserve

retirement of a Marine. The CMC (MMSR-2) is the retirement authority for

those Reservists who qualify for an active duty retirement.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 3021 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3021

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: None

3021. DELIVERY OF RETIREMENT DOCUMENTS AND APPROPRIATE CEREMONY. In no case

should retirement documents be held beyond 30 days without contacting the

Marine. If the retirement documents cannot be delivered due to the unit’s

inability to locate or contact the Marine, endorse with the reason for

nondelivery and return these documents to the CMC (MMSR-5) within 30 days of

receipt at the unit. See paragraph 1012 for additional information regarding

retirement ceremonies.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 3022 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3022

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: (cn) MCTFS PRIUM (Online)

3022. RESERVE RETIREMENT CREDIT REPORTING SYSTEM

1. The Automated Reserve Retirement Credit Reporting System (ARRCR) is the

primary method for reporting retirement points earned by a Marine during an

anniversary year. The ARRCR must be used by all units with OnLine MCTFS

reporting capabilities. The ARRCR generates two reports: the Annual

Retirement Credit Report (ARCR) and the Career Retirement Credit Report

(CRCR). The ARCR is automatically generated the month following the

anniversary month. Copies are provided to the CMC (MMRP-20). To report

retirement data see reference (cn) MCTFS PRIUM (Online) and Appendix E.

2. Commander’s Responsibilities. The term “commander” as used in this

paragraph refers to the appropriate commanding officer (COMMARFORRES); the

commanding officer of the SMCR unit; or the commanding officer of any Regular

Marine Corps unit on whose rolls Reserve Marines are carried.

a. Ensure proper certification of unit diaries and maintenance of

records that document retirement points.

b. Provide a copy of the ARCR and CRCR to each Marine within 30 days of

receipt. Copies are available on-line through Kansas City Menu “CICS-

Production” using the Retirement/Separation Menu in MCTFS.

c. Ensure each Marine signs a copy of the ARCR and CRCR and file in the

Electronic Service Record (ESR). on the document side of the service record.

(Note: A signed ARCR/CRCR signifies that the Marine agrees with the

retirement point total shown. If the Marine disagrees with the retirement

point total, the Marine must indicate where the discrepancies exist and

provide documentation to support correction.)

d. Ensure the Marine signs a corrected ARCR/CRCR and file the corrected

copy with attached to the erroneous copy in the ESR on the document side of

the service record if corrections are warranted. A corrected ARCR and CRCR

will automatically be generated to the CMC (MMRP-20) and (MMSR-5) if

appropriate.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 3023 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-3023

SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF RESERVE OFFICERS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND

RETIREMENT OF ENLISTED RESERVISTS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY

Responsible Office: MMSR-5

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9306/9307

DSN: 278-9306/9307

Reference: None

3023. CURRENT ADDRESS OF RETIRED RESERVISTS. See paragraph 1405.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 3-1 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

Figure 3-1.--Request for Interservice Transfer for an Enlisted Marine

(Letterhead)

From: Individual or Appropriate Authority

To: CMC (RAM) (for AR enlisted Marines), COMMARFORRES (for non-AR enlisted

Marines)

Via: CO of current unit

Subj: REQUEST FOR INTERSERVICE TRANSFER

Ref: (a) MCO 1900.16, par. 3004

1. Per the reference, I request an interservice transfer to (name of

military service).

2. The following information is provided:

a. Applicant’s last, first, and middle name.

b. Electronic Data Interchange Personal Identifier.

c. Rank, date of rank, and military specialty.

d. Component.

e. Organization to which assigned.

f. Years, months, and days of total service.

g. Summary of other intercomponent transfers, if any.

h. Date and place of birth.

i. Citizenship and how acquired.

j. Summary of military duties performed.

k. Brief description of educational credentials and military and

civilian professional qualifications.

l. Reason for requesting transfer.

m. Statement by Marine that, in the event of approval, the Marine will

accept assignment to and participate in the accredited training program of

the component to which transferred.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 3-2 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

Figure 3-2.--Request for Interservice Transfer for an Officer

(Letterhead)

From: Individual or Appropriate Authority

To: CMC (MMSR-5), 3280 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-5103

Via: (1) CO of current unit

(2) COMMARFORRES

Subj: REQUEST FOR INTERSERVICE TRANSFER

Ref: (a) MCO 1900.16, par. 3004

1. Per the reference, I request an interservice transfer to (name of

military service).

2. The following information is provided:

a. Applicant’s last, first, and middle name.

b. Electronic Data Interchange Personal Identifier.

c. Rank, date of rank, and military specialty.

d. Component.

e. Organization which assigned.

f. Years, months, and days of Federal commissioned service, Active and

Reserve.

g. Summary of other intercomponent transfers, if any.

h. Date and place of birth.

i. Citizenship and how acquired.

j. Summary of military duties performed.

k. Brief description of educational credentials and military and

civilian professional qualifications.

l. Reason for requesting transfer.

m. Contingent resignation, including the following statement: “I do

hereby tender my resignation from the (specify component) and request it be

accepted contingent upon final approval of my application for transfer to the

(specify component), and to be effective the day preceding the date of my

acceptance of appointment in the (specify component).”

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Figure 3-3 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

Figure 3-3.--Minimum Points Required to Establish a Partial Anniversary

Year as Qualifying Service

Number of Days Minimum Number of Days Minimum Number of Days Minimum

in an Points in an Points in an Points

Active Status Required Active Status Required Active Status Required

FROM THROUGH FROM THROUGH FROM THROUGH__________

0 7 1 125 131 18 249 255 35

8 14 2 132 138 19 256 262 36

15 21 3 139 146 20 263 270 37

22 29 4 147 153 21 271 277 38

30 36 5 154 160 22 278 284 39

37 43 6 161 168 23 285 292 40

44 51 7 169 175 24 293 299 41

52 58 8 176 182 25 300 306 42

59 65 9 183 189 26 307 313 43

66 73 10 190 197 27 314 321 44

74 80 11 198 204 28 322 328 45

81 87 12 205 211 29 329 335 46

88 94 13 212 219 30 336 343 47

95 102 14 220 226 31 344 350 48

103 109 15 227 233 32 351 357 49

110 116 16 234 240 33 358 365/366 50

117 124 17 241 248 34

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Figure 3-4 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

Figure 3-4.--Membership Points (Gratuitous)

Number of Days Membership Number of Days Membership

in an Points in an Points

Active Status credited Active Status credited

_____________________________________________________________________________

FROM THROUGH FROM THROUGH_____________________

1 12 0 183 206 8

13 36 1 207 231 9

37 60 2 232 255 10

61 85 3 256 279 11

86 109 4 280 304 12

110 133 5 305 328 13

134 158 6 329 352 14

159 182 7 353 365 15

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 3-5 1 of 4 Enclosure (1)

Figure 3-5.--Request Transfer to the Retired Reserve Awaiting Pay at Age 60

Date:

From: ____________________________________________________

(Grade) (First and Last Name) (EDIPI)

To: Commandant of the Marine Corps (MMSR-5)

Via: Commander, Marine Forces Reserve (for IRR, ISL and IMA Marines only)

Commanding Officer, (insert your SMCR Unit) (for SMCR Unit Marines

only)

Subj: REQUEST TRANSFER TO THE RETIRED RESERVE AWAITING PAY AT AGE 60

Ref: (a) MCO 1900.16

1. Per paragraph 3016 of the reference, I request to be transferred to the

Retired Reserve effective the first day of the month of

__________________(Month/Year).

2. I believe I am eligible for retirement due to the completion of 20 or

more qualifying Federal years (with at least 50 retirement points per year)

of honorable service in the Armed Forces.

3. Per the reference, I elect the following option (select one):

____a. I do not desire to have a retirement ceremony. Please mail the

package directly to my home address as

follows:________________________________________________________.

____b. I desire to have a retirement ceremony. Details for my retirement

ceremony are as follows (if known):

Date of ceremony: _____________________________________________________

Unit mailing address: _________________________________________________

Grade Rank and full name of POC at unit: ______________________________

Retiring Official (rank and full name): _______________________________

4. I understand the following (please initial each block):

____a. I must retire on the first day of the month.

____b. (Enlisted only) I must retire while I am on a valid contract.

Therefore my requested retirement date must be prior to my Reserve End of

Current Contract (RECC). If I fail to obtain an extension to my current

contract, I understand that my retirement request will be denied if I do not

currently have sufficient time remaining on my current Reserve contract.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Figure 3-5 2 of 4 Enclosure (1)

____c. (Officer only) I must retire on or before my Mandatory Removal Date.

I may not be placed on medical hold beyond my MRD unless approved by the

Secretary of the Navy prior to my MRD.

____d. (Enlisted only) My request for retirement will cause my deletion from

promotion eligibility. If I have twice failed selection and my RECC is after

the adjournment date of the board, I may request via message to be considered

for promotion while voluntarily processing for retirement. I understand that

this request must be submitted to the CMC (MMSR-5 and MMPR-2) at the time I

request retirement. I understand that if selected for promotion and my name

is on a promotion selection list, my request for retirement will result in

the removal of my name from that list.

____e. (Officer only). (1) If my requested retirement date is approved and

occurs within 90 days of the convening date of a promotion board for which I

am to be considered, I will no longer be eligible for consideration. This

will cause my deletion from the eligibility zone and counts as a failure of

selection even if I successfully withdraw my retirement at a later date.

(2) If my requested retirement date is more than 90 days after the convening

date of a promotion board for which I am to be considered, and if I am

selected for promotion after having submitted my request to retire, I may

request withdrawal of my retirement.

____f. I must EAS at least two weeks prior to my desired retirement date in

order to allow sufficient time for administrative transactions to properly

post in MCTFS.

____g. I may not request cancellation of my application for retirement or

modify the effective date except for one of the following reasons: (1) For a

fully documented humanitarian or hardship circumstance that has occurred

since my application was submitted. (2) In the best interest/needs of the

Marine Corps. I understand that this determination will ultimately be made

by HQMC and not by my present command.

____h. I can expect to retire on the date approved by CMC unless I am placed

on legal or on medical hold, as authorized only by the CMC (MMSR-5), prior to

my actual retirement date. I understand that if I am at service limitations

or otherwise pending mandatory retirement, a deferment for medical reasons

may only be accomplished if I have a complete medical board accepted by the

president of the Physical Evaluation Board or I am hospitalized on my actual

retirement date as an in-patient.

____i. A request to modify a retirement date must be submitted with

appropriate justification and command endorsements no less than 45 days prior

to the approved retirement date.

____j. I understand that the Defense Finance and Accounting Service,

Cleveland (DFAS-CL) computes retired pay under the applicable formula

established by law, according to my grade, and total number of retirement

points per paragraph 3013 of the reference.

____k. I fully understand that I may not extend my retirement date, once a

date has been requested, solely to increase my retired pay.

____l. I understand that if I have received separation, severance or

readjustment pay under any provision of the law for service in the Armed

Forces, and if I am now qualified for retired pay, DFAS-CL will reduce each

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Figure 3-5 3 of 4 Enclosure (1)

payment of retired pay until the total amount deducted equals the amount of

separation, severance or readjustment pay.

____m. I may be eligible to receive retired pay prior to Age 60 per DoDI

1215.07 and the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008. My date first

eligible to receive retired pay will be reduced from age 60 by three months

for every 90 days of qualifying active duty service per fiscal year, after 28

January 2008. I understand that if I executed applicable active duty or

active service orders I can aggregate 90 days in any two consecutive fiscal

years starting in Fiscal Year 2014. Upon submission of this retirement

request, MMSR-5 will calculate my date first eligible which will be included

in my “awaiting pay” orders.

5. I understand that my retirement, whether a voluntary decision or due to

service limitations, is an important milestone in my career. Understanding

the laws and policies that affect my retirement is an essential part of the

transition process. I understand that MMSR is committed to assisting me in

making my transition as smooth as possible. Additional information is

available on the Separation and Retirement Branch web page.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF UNDERSTANDING:

I acknowledge that I have been advised of the effects of my application for

transfer to the Reserve Retired List Awaiting Pay at Age 60, the consequences

of its official submission, and I am satisfied that all topics in this

checklist have been adequately covered.

Signature ________________________________________ Date ______________

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Figure 3-5 4 of 4 Enclosure (1)

FIRST ENDORSEMENT Date___________

1. Forwarded recommending (approval / disapproval). I have been advised of

this Marine’s desire to request to retire and have discussed with this Marine

his/her desire for a retirement ceremony.

(Signature of endorsing official)

(CO for SMCR; OpSponsor for IMA; MFR G1 for IRR/ISL/)

Copy to:

MMRP-20

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Table 3-1 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

Table 3-1.--Inactive/Active Duty Points

MINIMUM INACTIVE ACTIVE

TYPE TIME AUTHORITY DUTY MAXIMUM

DUTY REQUIRED REQUIRED POINTS # PTS

TEMACDU, 1 day Orders 1 365,366

EAD or ADT per yr

Associate 4 hrs Orders 1 2/day

Appropriate 4 hrs Orders 1 2/day

Seminars 2 hrs Orders 1 1/day

Attendance at 2 hrs Orders Max 1/day 1

1 Conference/MCROA military

Convention

Acquire 1 Enl/ 8 hrs COMMARFORRES/ 4 4

Reenl or Ext of equiva- CG MCIRSA

Enl in USMC/USMCR lent Certified

acceptable to HQMC

JROTC Unit 4 hrs CO, MCD 1 2/day

Assistance

Acquire 1 PS IRR 6 hrs COMMARFORRES 3 3

who joins SMCR

Acquire 1 referral 8 hrs CO, RS 4 4

who enlists in equiva-

USMC or USMCR lent

Correspondence 3 hrs Certified by 1 No max

Studies Competent Authority

Membership 1 yr USMCR 15 15/ann

Membership yr

IDT Periods 4 hrs SMCR 1 2/day

Membership

AFTP/ATP/RMP 4 hrs UMS 1 2/day

EDP 4 hrs UMS 1 2/day

MTU meetings 4 hrs MTU Membership 1 2/day

MTU Command 4 hrs CO, MTU 1 2/day

Duty

MTU Instruction 4 hrs CO, MTU 1 2/day

Preparation

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Chapter 4 TOC 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

CHAPTER 4

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS FOR CAUSE

GENERAL

PARAGRAPH

PURPOSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4001

APPLICABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4002

GUIDANCE TO COMMANDERS ON SEPARATION PROCESSING . . . . . . . . . . 4003

SECTION 1: PROCESSING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION

INITIATING SEPARATION OF AN OFFICER - NOTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . 4101

PROCESSING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4102

REASONS FOR SEPARATION FOR CAUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4103

RETIREMENT OR RESIGNATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4104

CHARACTERIZATION OF SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4105

SEPARATION PAY FOR INVOLUNTARY SEPARATIONS FOR CAUSE . . . . . . . . 4106

DUAL PROCESSING: INVOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION AND DISABILITY

EVALUATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4107

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 4001 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-4001

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS FOR CAUSE

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: None

4001. PURPOSE. To supplement established policies, standards and procedures

for the administrative separation of officers of the Marine Corps who do not

maintain required standards of performance, professional, or personal

conduct.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 4002 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-4002

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS FOR CAUSE

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

4002. APPLICABILITY. Reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5, provides

Department of the Navy policies, standards and procedures regarding the

administrative separation of officers for cause. Notwithstanding any

provision in this Chapter, the policies, standards and procedures contained

in reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5, control administrative

separations of officers. This Chapter provides supplemental guidance for the

revocation of commissions, discharge, termination of appointments, release

from active duty, and dropping from the rolls of Marine Corps officers. The

policies, reasons for separation for cause, and provisions for

characterization of service apply to all officers and warrant officers of the

Regular and Reserve components. This Chapter does not apply to discharge or

retirement for physical disability, or discharge or dismissal by reason of a

sentence adjudged by court-martial. The separation of Reserve officers on

inactive-duty is addressed in Chapter 3 of this Manual.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 4003 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-4003

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS FOR CAUSE

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

4003. GUIDANCE TO COMMANDERS ON SEPARATION PROCESSING. Reference (av)

SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5, takes precedence if conflicts exist between this

Manual and the SECNAVINST.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 4101 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-4101

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS FOR CAUSE

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: None

4101. INITIATING SEPARATION OF AN OFFICER - NOTIFICATION. Every commanding

officer shall report to the CMC (JPL) all incidents (including information

received through any source--e.g., Naval Criminal Investigative Service,

civilian law enforcement, etc.) involving any officer whose performance or

conduct is such that processing for administrative separation may be

appropriate and consistent with this Chapter.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 4102 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-4102

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS FOR CAUSE

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: None

4102. PROCESSING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION. The CMC shall initiate

processing for administrative separation under the following circumstances:

1. Cases referred under paragraph 4101 when considered appropriate under

this Chapter.

2. When information is received involving officers whose performance or

conduct is such that processing for administrative separation is considered

appropriate under this Chapter.

3. Every officer reported by a promotion selection board to the Secretary of

the Navy who has been identified for substandard performance, misconduct,

moral or professional dereliction, or whose retention is not clearly

consistent with the interests of national security.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 4103 1 of 4 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-4103

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS FOR CAUSE

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (d) Title 21 U.S.C

(v) DoDI 1325.07

(aa) DoDI 1332.30

(am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)

(ao) United States Navy Regulations 1990 W/CH 1

(av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

(ax) SECNAVINST 5300.28E

(cc) MCO 5354.1E W/Admin CH

4103. REASONS FOR SEPARATION FOR CAUSE. The reasons for separation are

provided in the current version of reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5.

The following information supplements that guidance:

1. Illegal Drug Involvement. Processing for administrative separation is

mandatory when an investigation substantiates findings of illegal drug

involvement. Illegal drug involvement includes, but is not limited to,

illegal, wrongful, or improper use, possession, sale, transfer, distribution,

manufacture, importation into the customs territory of the United States,

exportation from the United States, or introduction on a military

installation, vessel, vehicle, or aircraft used by or under the control of

the Armed Forces, of any substance that is listed on a schedule of controlled

substances by the President or in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the

Controlled Substances Act, reference (d) Title 21 U.S.C. Section 812, or

opium, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide,

methamphetamine, phencyclidine, barbituric acid, marijuana, steroids, any

compound or derivative of any such substance, or any other dangerous or

illicit drug or other forms of substance abuse (such as designer drugs,

fungi, chemicals not intended for human consumption, spice, bath salts, etc.)

as defined in reference (ax) SECNAVINST 5300.28E, and/or the possession,

sale, or transfer of drug paraphernalia as defined in reference (ax)

SECNAVINST 5300.28E. Evidence obtained from an involuntary urinalysis

administered pursuant to an inspection under Military Rules of Evidence or

from a search and seizure under Military Rules of Evidence in the current

version of reference (am) Manual for Courts-martial (MCM), or incident to an

exam conducted for a valid medical reason, may be used to characterize a

Marine’s discharge as under other than honorable conditions (see paragraph

1004.4e(1)). Upon discharge, drug-dependent Marines will be referred to a

Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility or other rehabilitation

center. The discharge of an officer who is drug dependent will not be

delayed for medical or rehabilitation treatment for drug dependency.

2. Sexual Harassment and Wrongful Distribution or Broadcasting of an

Intimate Image

a. See paragraphs 1002.59 and 1002.64 of this Manual for definitions.

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual

advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of

a sexual nature when:

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 4103 2 of 4 Enclosure (1)

(1) Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or

implicitly a term or condition of a person’s job, pay, career; or,

(2) Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is used as

a basis for career or employment decisions affecting that person; or,

(3) Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably

interfering with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating,

hostile, or offensive work environment. Abusive work environment harassment

need not result in concrete psychological harm to the victim, but rather need

only be so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would perceive, and

the victim does perceive, the work environment as hostile or abusive. See

reference (cc) MCO 5354.1E for additional information regarding sexual

harassment.

b. Sexual harassment and wrongful distribution or broadcasting of an

intimate image may also meet the definition of sexual misconduct under

paragraph 4103.3.

c. Processing for administrative separation is mandatory following the

first substantiated incident of sexual harassment or wrongful distribution or

broadcasting of an intimate image involving any of the following

circumstances:

(1) Threats or attempts to influence another's career or job for

sexual favors;

(2) Rewards in exchange for sexual favors; or,

(3) Physical contact of a sexual nature which, if charged as a

violation of the UCMJ, could result in a punitive discharge.

(4) Violation of Article 1168 of reference (ao) United States Navy

Regulations 1990 W/CH 1, including, but not limited to, the distribution or

broadcasting of an intimate image, without consent, if done for personal

gain; or with the intent to humiliate, harm, harass, intimidate, threaten, or

coerce the depicted person; or with reckless disregard as to whether the

depicted person would be humiliated, harmed, intimidated, threatened, or

coerced.

d. An incident is considered substantiated when there has been a court-

martial conviction, nonjudicial punishment, or the commander determines,

based on a preponderance of the evidence, that an incident sexual harassment

has occurred. The limitations in paragraph 6106.1 on separation processing

following acquittal at a court-martial do not apply to officers. See

reference (aa) DoDI 1332.30 enclosure (3) paragraph 6.d.

e. Only the Sexual Assault-Initial Disposition Authority (SA-IDA) or

higher may determine that processing under this paragraph is an appropriate

disposition. This paragraph is not intended to preclude disciplinary action

such as trial by court-martial if appropriate.

3. Sexual Misconduct

a. Sexual Offender

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 4103 3 of 4 Enclosure (1)

(1) Officers, whether active duty or in a Reserve status, who are

required to register as sex offenders or who have been convicted of a sexual

offense as outlined in The Department of Justice, National Guidelines for Sex

Offender Registration and Notification, whether in a civilian court or by

court-martial, if not punitively discharged, shall be processed for

administrative separation. Such processing shall be in accordance with

reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5.

(2) Officers who have been convicted of a sexual offense while on

active duty and are separated shall have the sexual offense conviction

recorded in their permanent record.

(3) Sexual offenders shall not be subject to recall for any purpose

unless approved by the Secretary of the Navy.

b. Sexual misconduct includes conduct that could form the basis for a

violation of the following Articles of the UCMJ and result in sex offender

processing per reference (v) DoDI 1325.07 appendix 4 to enclosure (2).

Additionally, any offense alleged as sexual misconduct must have been in

effect at the time the underlying conduct occurred. On and after 1 January

2019, sexual misconduct also includes:

Pre- 1 January 2019

On and After 1 January 2019

(1) Article 120 – Rape and sexual

assault generally

No change

(a) Rape

(b) Sexual assault

(c) Aggravated sexual contact

(d) Abusive sexual contact.

(2) Article 120b – Rape and sexual

assault of a child

(a) Rape of a child

(b) Sexual assault of a child

(c) Sexual abuse of a child

(3) Article 120c – Other sexual

misconduct

(a) Indecent viewing, visual

recording, or broadcasting

(b) Forcible pandering

(c) Indecent exposure

(4) Article 125 – Forcible sodomy

(5) Article 130 - Housebreaking

(6) Article 133 – Conduct

Unbecoming an Officer

(7) Article 134 – Prostitution,

Assault with Intent to Commit

Sodomy, Kidnapping of a Minor,

conduct Prejudicial to Good Order

and Discipline, Possession of

Child Pornography, Possession of

No change

Article 125 – Kidnapping a minor

Article 130 – Stalking involving fear of

sexual assault

No change

Article 134 –

- Child pornography

- Possessing, receiving, or viewing

child pornography

- Possession of child pornography

with intent to distribute

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 4103 4 of 4 Enclosure (1)

Child Pornography with Intent to

distribute, Distribution of Child

Pornography, Production of Child

Pornography

(8) Article 80 – Attemps (to

commit any of the offenses listed

in subparagraphs (1) through (6)

(9) Article 81 – Conspiracy (to

commit any of the offenses listed

in subparagraphs (1) through (6)

(10) Article 82 – Solicitation (to

commit any of the offenses listed

in subparagraphs (1) through (6)

- Distributing of child pornography

- Producing child pornography

- Extramarital sexual conduct

- Indecent conduct with a minor

- Pandering and prostitution

No change

c. Processing for administrative separation is mandatory following the

first substantiated incident or substantiated attempt to commit sexual

misconduct.

d. An incident, or attempted incident, is considered substantiated when

there has been a court-martial conviction, civilian court conviction,

nonjudicial punishment, or when a commander determines, based on a

preponderance of the evidence, that an incident or attempted incident of

sexual misconduct has occurred. The limitations in paragraph 6106.1 on

separation processing following acquittal at a court-martial do not apply to

officers. See reference (aa) DoDI 1332.30 enclosure (3) paragraph 6.d.

e. Only the Sexual Assault Initial Disposition Authority (SA-IDA) or

higher may determine that processing under this paragraph is an appropriate

disposition. This paragraph is not intended to preclude disciplinary action

to include trial by court-martial, when appropriate.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 4104 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-4104

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS FOR CAUSE

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)

4104. RETIREMENT OR RESIGNATION. An officer being processed for separation

for cause may, at any time during proceedings under this Chapter, submit a

qualified or unqualified resignation or a resignation for the good of the

Service, or request retirement if eligible under of this paragraph.

1. Resignations tendered under this paragraph shall not request an effective

date. The retirement/resignation will be effective upon approval by the

Secretary of the Navy. In addition, the resignation will not be input into

the unit diary system unless approved by the Secretary of the Navy.

2. Normally, a Reserve commission is not authorized for Regular officers

resigning under this paragraph.

3. Address requests for qualified or unqualified resignation to the

Secretary of the Navy via the chain of command and the CMC (JPL). If a

resignation is submitted in lieu of a recommendation for administrative

separation, the resignation shall state that it is offered under this

paragraph and shall contain the appropriate statement below corresponding to

the type of discharge requested. If the resignation is submitted to avoid

trial by court-martial, the resignation shall contain the statement in

paragraph 4104.3c and follow the procedures in paragraph 4104.4.

a. “I have been informed and understand that if my resignation in lieu

of processing for administrative separation for cause is accepted, I shall

subsequently receive a certificate of honorable discharge from the naval

service.”

b. “I have been informed and understand that if my resignation in lieu

of processing for administrative separation for cause is accepted, I may

subsequently receive a certificate of general discharge from the Marine

Corps; that such a separation, although considered by the Navy Department to

be under honorable conditions, is not the highest qualitative type of

separation provided for officers of the naval service, and that, while I

shall be entitled to the major portion of veteran’s rights and benefits

presently authorized for former officers whose service has been similar to my

own, should any present or future statutes specifically require an honorable

discharge as a condition precedent to the granting of rights and benefits

thereunder, my eligibility for any such rights and benefits may be at least

doubtful.”

c. “I have been informed and understand that if my resignation (in lieu

of court-martial)/(in lieu of processing for administrative separation for

cause) is accepted, I may subsequently receive a characterization of service

from the Marine Corps which will state upon its face that it is under other

than honorable conditions; that I may be deprived of substantial rights,

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 4104 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

benefits, and bounties which Federal or state legislation confers or may

hereafter confer upon persons with honorable service in, or separated from,

the Armed Forces, that I may expect to encounter substantial prejudice in

civilian life in situations where the nature of service rendered in, or the

character of separation from, the Armed Forces may have a bearing.”

4. Separation in Lieu of Trial by Court-Martial. An officer may be

separated in lieu of trial by court-martial upon the officer’s request if

charges have been preferred with respect to an offense for which a punitive

discharge is authorized. This provision may not be used as a basis for

separation when reference (am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM) Rules for

Courts-Martial 1003(d), provides the sole basis for a punitive discharge

unless the charges have been referred to a court-martial authorized to

adjudge a punitive discharge.

a. The following procedures apply for submission of the request to the

Secretary of the Navy via the chain of command and the CMC (JPL).

(1) The request for discharge shall be submitted in writing and

signed by the officer.

(2) In the written request, the officer shall indicate that the

following is understood:

(a) The elements of the offense or offenses charged;

(b) That characterization of service under other than honorable

conditions is authorized; and

(c) The adverse nature of such characterization and possible

consequences.

b. The request shall also include:

(1) An acknowledgment of guilt of one or more of the offenses charged

or of any lesser included offense for which a punitive discharge is

authorized; and

(2) A summary of the evidence or list of documents (or copies)

provided to the officer pertaining to the offenses for which a punitive

discharge is authorized.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 4105 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-4105

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS FOR CAUSE

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: None

4105. CHARACTERIZATION OF SERVICE

1. A characterization of service or discharge will not be issued to officers

separated by one of the following conditions:

a. Dismissal pursuant to approved sentence following conviction before a

general court-martial. The letter or other document informing the officer

concerned of the final action in such a case and effecting dismissal from the

naval service shall be deemed equivalent in all respects to a dishonorable

discharge.

b. Separation of an officer through dropping from the rolls of the

Service.

2. In addition to the Federal law specifically concerning the separation of

military officers, other Federal statutes provide for the dismissal or

removal from office of Federal officials involved in misconduct or

malfeasance. Examples of the class of statutory prohibitions referred to,

whether or not specifically applicable to Marine officers, are:

a. Carrying on of trade or business by fiscal officers in funds, debts,

or public property of Federal or state governments.

b. Using appropriated funds to influence legislation.

c. Accepting bribes.

3. No characterization of service will be issued to any officer specifically

removed, dismissed, or otherwise disqualified from further service pursuant

to one of these types of statutes.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 4106 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-4106

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS FOR CAUSE

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(z) DoDI 1332.29

4106. SEPARATION PAY FOR INVOLUNTARY SEPARATIONS FOR CAUSE. Reference (c)

Title 10 U.S.C. Section 1174, reference(z) DoDI 1332.29, and paragraph 1303

of this Manual govern entitlement to separation pay for officers who are

administratively separated under the provisions of this Chapter.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 4107 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-4107

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS FOR CAUSE

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (aa) DoDI 1332.30

(av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

4107. DUAL PROCESSING: INVOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION AND DISABILITY

EVALUATION

1. Per SECNAV Memorandum of 1 June 2016, Disability Evaluation System Dual

Processing, Service members being processed for involuntary administrative

separation who have a ratable condition under the Veterans Affairs Schedule

for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) limiting their performance of duty may be

referred to or continue to be processed in the Disability Evaluation System

(DES). DES processing is not superseded by involuntary administrative

separation for Service members with ratable conditions that limit their

performance of duty, unless they are being processed for administrative

separation based upon provisions that authorize a characterization of service

under other than honorable conditions (e.g., misconduct, security, or

unsatisfactory participation in the Ready Reserve).

2. The separation authority for officers remains unchanged. Officers being

processed for involuntary administrative separation for misconduct, moral or

professional dereliction, or reasons of national security per references (aa)

DoDI 1332.30 and (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5, may not be referred to the

DES or further processed in the DES without written authorization from the

Show Cause Authority or Alternate Show Cause Authority to be submitted to the

CMC (MMSR-4).

3. When the separation authority directs that an officer with a ratable

condition be involuntarily administratively separated, based upon a provision

that authorizes a characterization of service under other than honorable

conditions, prior to completion of the DES process despite such conditions,

the separation authority shall determine and document, in the separation

letter or via separate correspondence, that such separation is warranted

despite the condition. For cases involving PTSD, other mental disorder or

TBI, an appropriately credentialed military health care provider must be

consulted for a medical opinion as to whether such condition affected the

officer’s judgment and behavior and may have been a contributing factor to

the basis for separation.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Chapter 5 TOC 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

CHAPTER 5

OFFICER RESIGNATIONS AND INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES AS A RESULT

OF A SECOND FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION WHILE ON THE ACTIVE DUTY LIST

PARAGRAPH

GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5001

RESIGNATION ELIGIBILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5002

SUBMISSION OF RESIGNATION REQUESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5003

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5004

SEPARATION ORDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5005

INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGE AS A RESULT OF A SECOND FAILURE OF SELECTION

FOR PROMOTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5006

SEPARATION OF OFFICERS NOT CAREER DESIGNATED . . . . . . . . . . . . 5007

INTERSERVICE TRANSFER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5008

FIGURE

REQUEST FOR RESIGNATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF REGULAR COMMISSION IN THE U.S. MARINE

CORPS WITH OBLIGATED RESERVE COMMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF REGULAR COMMISSION IN THE U.S. MARINE

CORPS WITH RESERVE COMMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF REGULAR COMMISSION IN THE U.S. MARINE

CORPS WITHOUT RESERVE COMMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

LETTER OF DISCHARGE FROM THE U.S. MARINE CORPS . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

TABLE

SEPARATION AND SERVICE OPTIONS AVAILABLE AFTER A SECOND FAILURE OF

SELECTION FOR PROMOTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 213

Para 5001 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-5001

OFFICER RESIGNATIONS AND INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES AS A RESULT OF A SECOND

FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION WHILE ON THE ACTIVE DUTY LIST

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: None

5001. GENERAL

1. This Chapter pertains to voluntary resignations submitted by officers of

the Regular component and involuntary discharges of officers on active duty

as a result of a second failure of selection for promotion to the next higher

grade. No officer will be discharged without specific authority from the

Commandant of the Marine Corps.

2. The Secretary of the Navy determines the characterization of separation

for officers. General guidance may be found in paragraphs 1004 and 4105. An

honorable discharge is normally issued for unqualified resignations and

discharges due to a second failure of selection for promotion. Honorable

discharge certificates will be issued by the CMC (DC M&RA) on behalf of the

Secretary of the Navy. Under no circumstances will any unit prepare a

discharge certificate for an officer. General discharge certificates are no

longer issued.

3. Submit resignations in lieu of administrative separation for cause or in

lieu of trial by court-martial per paragraph 4104.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 5002 1 of 4 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-5002

OFFICER RESIGNATIONS AND INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES AS A RESULT OF A SECOND

FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION WHILE ON THE ACTIVE DUTY LIST

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (bi) MCO 1001.65

(bq) MCO 1300.8

5002. RESIGNATION ELIGIBILITY

1. Career designated officers serve at the pleasure of the President as

determined by the Secretary of the Navy, and no terminal dates are

established for their commissions. The Secretary of the Navy has delegated

to the CMC (DC M&RA) the authority to approve an officer’s resignation on

behalf of the President. The CMC will recommend approval of only those

requests for resignation and subsequent requests for withdrawal which meet

the criteria set forth in this Manual. When a request is disapproved, the

CMC will reply by letter stating the reason for disapproval.

2. The resignation of a commission is a voluntary act and must be

unconditional. Officers who submit resignations may expect favorable action

provided they fulfill the requirements of this paragraph; however, the

criteria may be modified as necessary to meet the existing needs of the

Service. Specifically, the acceptance of an officer’s resignation may be

deferred or disapproved in order to maintain officer personnel strength at

the necessary level. The CMC will ensure such action occurs only when

critical conditions exist. The acceptance of an officer’s resignation will

be judged on the following:

a. Needs of the Service.

b. Completion of the period of active commissioned service, chief

warrant officer service, or warrant officer service, as specified in the

officer’s service agreement. Career designated officers retain their

original active duty obligation. In some cases, this obligation may be

extended per paragraph 5002.3f. All active service, exclusive of active duty

for training in the grade of warrant officer or above, will be counted.

c. Completion of the period of service specified in the officer’s flight

training agreement.

d. Completion of 24 months of service after attending a Service school,

fellowship, or Service school equivalent when the prescribed course of

instruction is 20 or more weeks of duration and attendance is in compliance

with official orders. The 24 month service requirement does not apply also

applies to an officer who enters but does not complete a prescribed course of

20 or more weeks duration. In this case, the service requirement commences

on the officer’s date of transfer from the course. Officers serving their

initial obligated active duty tour who are involuntarily ordered to attend

such a school are excluded from the above provisions. Additionally, requests

for the resignation of officers who successfully complete a military or

funded civilian course of 19 weeks or less will not be favorably considered

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 5002 2 of 4 Enclosure (1)

approved before the completion of 12 months of active duty following

completion of the course.

e. Completion of a minimum period of incurred obligated service: of 24

months active duty service after:

(1) 36 months upon arrival at the gaining command for which training

is required (Operational Support Aircraft, Fleet Replacement Squadron, Marine

Aviaiont Training Support Group, or Naval Aviation Training Command).

Completion of training to be an instructor at a Fleet Readiness Squadron

(FRS) or in the Naval Aviation Training Command (NATC).

(2) 24 months after completion of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics

Squadron (MAWTS-1) Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course or Naval

Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun).

(3) Completion of a tour as a participant in the Marine Corps Foreign

Personnel Exchange Program (MCFPEP), aviation, or aviation ground exchange

tours with U.S. Services or a foreign military service. These tours include,

but are not limited to: USAF exchange tours, the Navy Flight Demonstration

Team tour, Royal Navy exchange tours, Royal Australian Air Force exchange

tours, Italian Navy exchange tours, Spanish Navy exchange tours, and Canadian

Navy exchange tours.

(4) Completion of training to be a pilot for operational support

aircraft includes, but is not limited to: UC-12, UC-35 and T-39 aircraft.

For operational support aircraft, the obligation is incurred at the

commencement of any training toward initial qualification and begins upon

completion of initial training; in the case of failure to complete training,

the obligation begins on the date of transfer from the course.

f. Completion of the service requirement prescribed in the applicable

Marine Corps directive in effect at the time of the officer’s selection for

the College Degree Program, Excess Leave Program, or other full-time or

funded schooling.

g. Completing 24 months on active duty after completing a course for

which financial assistance was accepted through the Tuition Assistance (TA)

Program. Based upon needs of the Marine Corps, the 24-month service payback

requirement may be waived, if reimbursement corresponding to the unserved

portion of the 24-month period is made to the U.S. Government. Officers

involuntarily separated under mandatory provisions of law are exempt from a

TA service payback or reimbursement.

h. Acceptance of a Reserve commission (in the case of those officers who

have not completed their initial period of obligated service as specified in

their service agreement).

i. Completion of the period of service specified in the Aviation Bonus

(AvB) Officer Continuation Pay (AOCP) agreement.

3. Officer resignations will not be recommended for approval if:

a. The officer has been issued, or notified that he or she will be

issued, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders before the date of the

officer’s request. However, officers issued or notified that they will be

issued PCS orders, who would otherwise be eligible to resign before the

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 5002 3 of 4 Enclosure (1)

estimated date of arrival at the new duty station may request cancellation of

the pending assignment provided they request resignation.

(1) The requested effective date of resignation must be no later than

the last day of the month of the estimated date of arrival at the new duty

station.

(2) Resignation requests involving cancellation of PCS orders must be

forwarded to the CMC (MMSR-2) via written request with command endorsements.

(3) Submit the request at least 120 days before the prescribed

estimated date of arrival at the new duty station, but no later than

10 working days after receipt of orders.

(4) Should the notification of orders be less than 120 days from the

estimated date of arrival at the new duty station, the effective date of

resignation will not be earlier than 120 days from the date of notification,

unless the Marine requests otherwise.

(5) Requests that do not comply with these criteria will not normally

be given favorable consideration.

b. The officer assigned (joined or attached) to a unit located within

CONUS scheduled to deploy outside its immediate geographical location in

excess of 90 days submits a resignation within four months--or nine months in

the case of a carrier (CV) deployment--of the date the deployment is

scheduled to commence.

c. The officer is serving overseas and desires separation before

completion of the minimum tour length prescribed by reference (bq) MCO

1300.8, Marine Corps Personnel Assignment Policy (for this purpose, Alaska

and Hawaii are considered to be overseas locations). Officers who

voluntarily extend their overseas tour will not be eligible to resign before

fulfillment of that extension.

d. The officer has not completed two years at a current CONUS duty

station (except those officers who fall under paragraph 5002.4c).

e. The officer is serving in a billet requiring contact relief, submits

a request less than 120 days before the resignation date, and a replacement

is not available within that time frame.

f. The officer requests to resign before completion of two years from

the date of career designation. Officers selected for career designation

incur a two-year active duty obligation in the Marine Corps. This obligation

will run concurrently with any other obligation(s) and will not serve to

decrease any other legal obligation.

4. Officers serving on an overseas tour, or those officers whose orders

prescribe a specific tour length, will not be allowed to resign before

completion of that tour as defined in reference (bq) MCO 1300.8. Officers

desiring to request resignation from an overseas duty station, or officers

who are serving in a billet where tour length is specified in the PCS orders,

and who are eligible, may elect one of the following options:

a. Request resignation coinciding with rotation tour date;

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 5002 4 of 4 Enclosure (1)

b. Request resignation coinciding with completion of a tour when the

tour length has been specified in PCS orders;

c. Return to CONUS on rotation date and serve a minimum of one year at

the next duty station before resigning;

d. Accept orders from a specified tour length billet and serve the

minimum time on station required before resigning. Officers who are

ineligible to resign at rotation tour date, or at the end of their specified

tour length, but who will become eligible in less than a year, and who desire

to resign when first eligible, may either extend their tour to coincide with

the requested date of resignation or elect the option in paragraph 5002.4c.

Officers resigning per this paragraph will return to CONUS (MCC W95) no later

than 10 days before the requested date of resignation unless they have

notified the CMC (MMOA) that separation overseas is desired.

5. Requests to waive any of the criteria in this paragraph must be justified

on the grounds of undue hardship. Such requests must include the same

information required by paragraph 6407 and must clearly establish that a

situation exists which is not of a temporary nature, not susceptible to

relief by other means, and that approval of the resignation is the only means

readily available to alleviate the hardship. Opportunity for civilian

employment does not normally warrant waiver of the criteria.

6. An officer may be released from active duty, permitted to resign or

discharged as appropriate for the purpose of performing the duties of: the

President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, a

Presidential appointee to a statutory office, a member of either of the

legislative bodies of the United States, a governor, any other state official

chosen by the voters of the entire state or several states, or a judge of

courts of record of the United States or of several states, and the District

of Columbia. In the case of a Reserve officer who is eligible for the

Retired Reserve list or if the individual’s name is already on the Retired

Reserve list, the officer will be released from active duty.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 5003 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-5003

OFFICER RESIGNATIONS AND INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES AS A RESULT OF A SECOND

FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION WHILE ON THE ACTIVE DUTY LIST

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

(cn) MCTFS PRIUM (Online)

5003. SUBMISSION OF RESIGNATION REQUESTS

1. The reporting senior of the officer requesting resignation will counsel

the officer before submission of the resignation request. Following the

completion of counseling, the following entry will be made on page 11 of the

officer’s ESR:

“(Date) I request to resign my commission in the Marine Corps

Regular component effective (date) and (do) (do not) desire a Reserve

commission. I have been counseled per paragraph 5003 of MCO 1900.16.

I understand, if I elect to be considered for a Reserve commission, it

is not automatic and will be granted at the discretion of the Secretary

of Defense.”

2. Submit requests for resignation via the unit diary per reference (cn)

MCTFS PRIUM (Online) paragraph 5137. The entry must be made not more than 14

months nor less than four months before the requested date of resignation.

This is the minimum time necessary for processing requests and issuing orders

to the officer concerned. MCTFS will not accept resignation requests made

via unit diary outside the 4 to 14 month window. The unit must report the

appropriate type transaction code (TTC) request in the unit diary to indicate

whether the officer does or does not desire a Reserve commission. See

procedures in Appendix E. For officers who are not obligated and do not

desire a Reserve commission, include a history statement stating SNO does not

desire a Reserve commission. In those cases where the resignation request is

submitted by separate correspondence and is received less than four months

before the requested date, the CMC will reestablish the effective date to

allow time for complete processing and billet replacement. Officers

requesting resignation are cautioned not to make significant personal

commitments (such as buying or selling a house or business, enrolling in

graduate school, etc.) based upon mere submission of a request. Problems

which may arise from such premature commitments will not be used as a basis

for subsequent expeditious or preferential processing of an officer’s

request.

3. The reporting unit will be advised of the receipt of an officer’s request

for resignation via the electronic diary feedback report (EDFR).

Specifically, the CMC will post a “pending” planned reenlistment or

retirement (RER) flag to MCTFS. The CMC will also notify the unit via EDFR

once a request is approved.

4. Submit a letter requesting resignation (Figure 5-1) via the chain of

command to the CMC (MMSR-2) via an encrypted email to

[email protected] when:

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 5003 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

a. A waiver of eligibility criteria of paragraph 5002 is required, or

b. An officer requests a Reserve commission but is not recommended for

one by the commanding officer.

5. Resignation for Cause. All requests for resignation in lieu of a

recommendation or processing for administrative separation for cause or in

lieu of trial by court-martial will be submitted to the CMC (JPL) according

to reference (av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 5004 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-5004

OFFICER RESIGNATIONS AND INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES AS A RESULT OF A SECOND

FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION WHILE ON THE ACTIVE DUTY LIST

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(s) DoDI 1310.02

(bi) MCO 1001.65

(bm) MCO 1050.3J

5004. ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Reserve Commissions

a. Per reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 651, all officers are

obligated for at least six years but not more than eight years of

commissioned service, as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary

of Defense (SecDef), whether in an active or inactive-status. Unless

otherwise mandated by the CMC, an officer with obligated service who submits

an unqualified resignation will not be separated if they decline a Reserve

commission.

b. Officers who complete their initial statutory period of commissioned

service will be automatically considered for appointment in the Reserve

component unless the officer is no longer obligated and does not desire a

Reserve commission and so states in a resignation letter per Figure 5-1. Per

reference (s) DoDI 1310.02, Reserve commissions are approved by the SecDef.

This constitutional requirement includes Regular officers transitioning to

the Reserve component with or without military service obligation (MSO)

remaining (transitional appointments), and former Marine officers with no

current military affiliation seeking reappointment into the RC (original

appointments or reappointments).

(1) Non-adverse information process. Scrolls (list of officers to be

appointed to the RC) are prepared once a month. All officers are screened by

the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps (JPL) and

Inspector General of the Marine Corps (IGMC) for adverse information.

Officers without adverse information in any Department of the Navy systems of

record are then placed on the non-adverse scroll and routed from HQMC, RA

Division via the DC M&RA to the SecDef. The non-adverse transitional

scrolling process may require a longer lead time than the minimum length of

time required by the resignation process (four months per paragraph 5003 of

this Manual). The non-adverse transitional scrolling process does not begin

until HQMC (RA Division) receives notice of an officer’s commission request.

(2) Notification

(a) If the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) denies appointment to

the RASL for a Regular component officer, the officer will be notified by

correspondence from HQMC (RA Division) along with a copy of the memo signed

by the CMC and the SECNAV. Both documents will be placed in the officer’s

official military personnel file (OMPF). The CMC (MMSR-2) will then issue a

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 5004 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

discharge certificate for the officer. If the officer is not career

designated, the discharge certificate will be issued by the CMC (MMOA-3).

(b) An officer with remaining obligated service, who is not

recommended for an appointment to the RASL by the SECNAV, will be given a

final discharge indicating no further obligated service remaining. Officers

involuntarily discharged as a result of a second failure of selection may be

entitled to separation pay. Separation pay will only be authorized if the

officer signs a written agreement to serve in the Ready Reserve for three

years.

(3) Adverse information process. Information on the adverse

appointment process is provided in order to ensure that all affected officers

and potential gaining and losing commanders understand the timelines

associated with these nominations and the impact on determining separation

dates, as well as availability for affiliation and mobilization.

(a) For purposes of SecDef nominations, “Adverse information” is

defined as “any substantiated adverse finding or conclusion from an

officially documented investigation or inquiry.” "Alleged adverse

information” is defined as “any allegation of conflict of interest, failure

to adhere to required standards of conduct, abuse of authority, misconduct or

information serving as the basis for an incomplete or unresolved official

investigation or inquiry into a possible conflict of interest or failure to

adhere to standards of conduct or misconduct.” The officer need not have

been subject to administrative or judicial processes as a result of these

investigations or inquiries in order to require processing as an adverse

nomination. Adverse nominations are routed via the CMC and SECNAV to the

SecDef for decision. Adverse information or alleged adverse information

relating to officer cases is identified by Judge Advocate Division and

Inspector General of the Marine Corps screenings prior to preparing

appointment nomination scrolls. If a Marine’s adverse material has been

previously vetted through SECNAV favorably then the officer’s adverse

information need not be re-vetted and the officer would be placed on the non-

adverse scroll.

(b) The adverse scrolling process may take up to 12 months before

final determination is made by the SECNAV to recommend the officer for

appointment. An officer appointment is a privilege and not a right; thus

officers are not afforded an opportunity to provide additional information on

their cases (to include letters of recommendation) or rebut final decisions).

If a career designated officer, resigning and approaching their EAS, is still

pending a decision by SECNAV/SecDef, the officer can request to either remain

on active duty until the final determination is made or be given a separation

code indicating a final discharge. The officer should contact both the CMC

(MMSR-2) and their monitor to coordinate their request.

(c) Officers with adverse information or alleged adverse

information may not have their names forwarded for a reserve active status

list appointment if the Service finds the officer unqualified, even if the

officer has MSO remaining. A Marine may be discharged before fulfilling a

MSO when the SECNAV has determined that the Marine has no potential for

service under the conditions of full mobilization. An officer with obligated

service remaining who is not recommended for an appointment to the RASL by

the SECNAV will be given a final discharge indicating no further obligated

service remaining.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 5004 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

c. Officers are cautioned not to make personal commitments based upon

mere submission of a request for resignation.

2. Withdrawal or Modification of Resignation Requests. When an officer’s

resignation has been accepted, the officer shall be separated from the

Service at a date specified by the CMC. A request for withdrawal or

modification of a resignation may be made any time before 45 days from the

effective date of the resignation or commencement of separation leave. If an

officer desires to withdraw or modify a resignation, a written request must

be submitted to the CMC (MMSR-2), endorsed by the chain of command, and

contain the reason(s) for modification of resignation date or retention on

active duty. The officer’s immediate commanding officer will include in the

forwarding endorsement a specific recommendation concerning the modification

or withdrawal of resignation and, if retention is recommended, the reason(s)

why the officer desires to modify the date.

3. Expunging Resignation-Related Material

a. Officers whose resignations are withdrawn or disapproved may have

their resignation letters and related correspondence expunged from their

official records upon their written request. Material for expunging:

(1) For officers on active duty: resignation requests and related

correspondence in its entirety.

(2) For officers who resign and subsequently return to active duty in

the naval service: portions of resignation correspondence which contain

reasons for resigning which might prejudice success on active duty and/or

selection for promotion.

b. Other resignation-related material such as separation orders, fitness

reports, and Certificates of Release or Discharge (DD Form 214) will not be

expunged.

c. Send requests for removal of resignation related material to the CMC

(MMRP-10).

4. Separation Leave. Commanding officers may authorize separation leave in

conjunction with a resignation pursuant to reference (bm) MCO 1050.3J, and

paragraph 1010 of this Manual. Should an officer desire separation leave,

the request for resignation must be submitted in advance of the minimum four-

month submission time for at least a period of time equal to the amount of

leave desired.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 5005 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-5005

OFFICER RESIGNATIONS AND INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES AS A RESULT OF A SECOND

FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION WHILE ON THE ACTIVE DUTY LIST

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: None

5005. SEPARATION ORDERS

1. Approval/disapproval of a resignation request and authority to release is

issued via the unit diary through MCTFS. Units will be notified via

EDFR. Issue separation orders per Figures 5-2 through 5-5. Written

authority to release, or issuance of orders by the CMC is not provided except

as specified in paragraphs 5005.2 and 5005.3.

2. The CMC (MMSR) will issue message orders and unit diary instructions

granting authority to discharge active duty officers involuntarily separated

except for those officers twice having failed of selection to the next higher

grade. Separation authority for those officers twice having failed of

selection is only issued via the unit diary. Commanders will prepare and

issue orders in the appropriate format prescribed in Figures 5-2 through 5-5.

Under no circumstances will the commander change or hold in abeyance the

separation of an officer without prior approval from the CMC (MMSR-2).

3. The CMC (MMSR) will issue separation orders for officers who are

separated for other than the reasons in paragraph 5005.2.

4. In all cases, the CMC (MMSR) will issue officer discharge certificates.

Commanding officers are required to issue an appointment acceptance and

record (NAVMC 763) for officers accepting a commission in the U.S. Marine

Corps Reserve.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 5006 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-5006

OFFICER RESIGNATIONS AND INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES AS A RESULT OF A SECOND

FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION WHILE ON THE ACTIVE DUTY LIST

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(n) DoD 7000.14-R

(z) DoDI 1332.29

(av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5

5006. INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGE AS A RESULT OF A SECOND FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR

PROMOTION

1. Each officer on the active duty list serving in any grade of chief

warrant officer, first lieutenant, captain, or major, who has twice failed

selection for promotion to the next higher grade, will be discharged from the

Service unless: otherwise continued on active duty, in the sanctuary zone

with between 18 and 20 years of active service and serving until retirement-

eligible, retired, or, if a permanent limited duty officer, reverted to a

warrant officer or enlisted status. Guidance on actions taken in regard to

officers incurring a second failure of promotion is contained in reference

(av) SECNAVINST 1920.6C W/CH 5. General guidance is contained in Table 5-1

of this Manual.

2. Within 30 days after publication of the board’s results, officers covered

under this provision will receive a status letter from the CMC (MMSR) via the

chain of command. This letter will inform such officers of their options

concerning entitlement to severance or separation pay and the latest date

which they may elect discharge. Included with this letter is an enclosure

that the officer will complete and return to the CMC (MMSR) making known

the officer’s pay and separation date choices.

3. The discharge or retirement of an officer pursuant to this provision

shall be considered to be an involuntary separation for the purpose of any

other provision of law. Except as indicated below, under no circumstances

will an officer directed to separate for twice failing selection to promotion

be retained beyond the mandatory discharge date.

a. Retention beyond an involuntary separation date for a commissioned

officer may only be authorized by the Secretary of the Navy if an officer’s

medical condition is so serious as to warrant disability determination by the

Physical Evaluation Board or if separation without further medical treatment

will seriously jeopardize the health of the Marine. Deferment of retirement

or separation for medical reasons is governed by reference (c) Title 10

U.S.C. Section 640. The CMC (MMSR) must be immediately notified in writing

with command endorsement by naval message of any officer in such

situation(s).

b. The Secretary of the Navy may defer a warrant officer's mandatory

separation for not more than four months if, because of unavoidable

circumstances, evaluation of the officer’s physical condition and

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 5006 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

determination of his entitlement to retirement or separation for physical

disability requires hospitalization or medical observation that cannot be

completed before the date of involuntary separation; reference (c) Title 10

U.S.C. Section 580 (6)(b).

c. When any action commences against an officer with a view to trying

the officer by court-martial and the officer is scheduled to be separated or

retired under this Manual, reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C Section 639, allows

the Secretary of the Navy to delay the separation or retirement of the

officer, without prejudice to such action, until completion of the action.

Additionally, personnel may be retained by the commanding officer if subject

to the initiation of a preliminary inquiry, subject to information of a

discreditory nature that may lead to a preliminary inquiry or the assumption

of jurisdiction including, but not limited to, a restraining order against

their person. Immediately notify the CMC (JPL and MMSR) of an officer in

this situation.

4. The continued military service of officers who are not sufficiently

qualified for promotion to the grade of first lieutenant is inconsistent with

mission requirements and the productivity and efficiency of the Marine Corps.

An officer found not qualified for promotion to the grade of first lieutenant

shall be honorably discharged at the end of the 18-month period beginning on

the date on which the officer is first found not qualified for promotion.

5. Continuation Boards. Captains and majors subject to DOPMA who have twice

failed selection to the next higher grade are subject to the provisions of

reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 637. Warrant officers who have twice

failed selection to the next higher grade are subject to the provisions of

reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C. Section 580. See Table 5-1.

6. Eligibility for Separation Pay. Officers involuntarily discharged as a

result of a second failure of selection may be entitled to separation pay.

Separation pay will only be authorized if the officer signs a written

agreement to serve in the Ready Reserve for three years. Reference (n) DoD

7000.14-R, prescribes actual entitlements and methods of computation. The

CMC (MMSR) will complete a statement of service to include a statement of

qualifying service which will be included in the separation orders. An

officer who contributed to his or her failure of selection through written

communication to the board requesting/indicating not to be selected, or who

declines continuation or promotion, is not eligible for separation pay. For

further information on separation pay eligibility refer to reference (c)

Title 10 U.S.C. Section 1174, reference (z) DoDI 1332.29, and Chapter 1,

Section 3 of this Manual.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 5007 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-5007

OFFICER RESIGNATIONS AND INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES AS A RESULT OF A SECOND

FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION WHILE ON THE ACTIVE DUTY LIST

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (bi) MCO 1001.65

5007. SEPARATION OF OFFICERS NOT CAREER DESIGNATED. The CMC (MMOA-3) is

responsible for issuing release from active duty orders for all officers on

active duty who are not career designated. Non-career designated officers

who have completed their statutory period of commissioned service must

positively apply for a Reserve commission. Since officers in this category

are not resigning, the resignation provisions of paragraph 5004.1 do not

apply. Prior service officers may verify if they fall into this category by

checking their basic individual record to determine if their EAS date is

later than their EOS date. If so, officers in this category are highly

encouraged to request a Reserve commission by contacting RA Division, Reserve

Continuation and Transition Branch (RCT).

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 5008 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-5008

OFFICER RESIGNATIONS AND INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES AS A RESULT OF A SECOND

FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION WHILE ON THE ACTIVE DUTY LIST

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (ar) SECNAVINST 1000.7F

5008. INTERSERVICE TRANSFER. Procedures for requesting an interservice

transfer and concurrently resigning are found in reference (ar) SECNAVINST

1000.7F.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-1 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

Figure 5-1.--Request for Resignation

(Letterhead)

From: (Officer Concerned)

To: Commandant of the Marine Corps (MMSR-2)

Via: Chain of Command

Subj: REQUEST FOR RESIGNATION

Ref: (a) MCO 1900.16 CH 2(MARCORSEPMAN) par. 5002

1. I tender my resignation of commission in the United States Marine Corps,

per the reference, and request an effective date of _____________.

2. I (do) (do not) desire to accept a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps

Reserve. I understand the Reserve Commission is not automatic and can only

be granted at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense. I understand if I

have adverse material on file, up to 12 months may be required to process my

Reserve Commission. (Use this sentence for officers with no remaining

obligation as defined in paragraph 5004.1.).

OR

3. I will accept a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, if tendered.

I understand the Reserve Commission is not automatic and can only be granted

at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense. I understand if I have

adverse material on file, up to 12 months may be required to process my

Reserve Commission. (This sentence must be used when officers have not

completed their statutory obligation as defined in paragraph 5004.1.).

4. My (reason/justification) for submitting my letter of

resignation/termination of permanent appointment is

_________________________.

__________________________

(Signature)

_____________________________________________________________________________

FIRST ENDORSEMENT

From: Commanding Officer

To: Commandant of the Marine Corps (MMSR-2)

Via: Chain of Command

1. Forwarded recommending *Note 1 .

_________________________

(Signature)

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Figure 5-1 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

Figure 5-1.--Request for Resignation

*Note 1: The reporting senior must recommend and justify either offering or

not offering a Reserve commission to the officer submitting the

resignation regardless of whether or not they are obligated by law

to accept a Reserve commission.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-2 1 of 4 Enclosure (1)

Figure 5-2.--Acceptance of Resignation of Regular Commission in the U.S.

Marine Corps With Obligated Reserve Commission

ADDITIONAL PARAGRAPHS MAY BE ADDED AS DIRECTED BY THE COMMAND

(Letterhead)

From: (Issuing Command)

To: (Officer Concerned)

Subj: ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF REGULAR COMMISSION IN THE U.S. MARINE

CORPS AND APPOINTMENT IN THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE (OBLIGATED)

Ref: (a) MCO 1900.16 CH 2(MARCORSEPMAN)

(b) NAVMED P-117 (MANMED) Chap 15

(c) MCO P1070.12K (IRAM) par. 3003

(d) MCTFS PRIUM (Online)

(e) JTR Chapter 5

Encl: (1) Appointment Acceptance and Record Form (NAVMC 763)

(2) Honorable Discharge Certificate

1. Your request for resignation is approved, per reference (a), provided you

accept a commission in the Marine Corps Reserve in order to fulfill your

commissioned military service obligation stipulated in your service

agreement. You are obligated to serve in the Inactive-Reserve until (EOS).

2. Effective 2359 on (PRR), you will be released from active duty and

assigned to inactive-duty in the Marine Corps Reserve.

3. Your entitlement to pay and allowances terminates on (PRR). You are

entitled to mileage and such other allowances as are authorized in the case

of an officer being separated from the Regular Marine Corps. As no active

duty is authorized as a Reserve officer, you are not entitled to constructive

travel time or pay and allowances while traveling to your home following your

separation from the Regular Marine Corps.

4. The officer having custody of your records is directed to accomplish the

following:

a. Ensure the discharge action authorized in paragraph 2 is not effected

in the event you do not execute enclosure (1). Should you not execute the

NAVMC 763, your commanding officer is directed to make a page 11 entry in

your service record reporting this fact.

b. Ensure you obtain a Separation History and Physical Examination

before separation to determine your fitness for separation from the Regular

Marine Corps and for your appointment in the Marine Corps Reserve. The DD

Form 2807-1, DD Form 2808, and Standard Form 88, must include the

certification required by reference (b).

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-2 2 of 4 Enclosure (1)

Subj: ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF REGULAR COMMISSION IN THE U.S. MARINE

CORPS AND APPOINTMENT IN THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE (OBLIGATED)

c. Refer to paragraph 3003.4 of the IRAM concerning the old and new

NAVMC 763.

d. NAVMC 763: complete item 21d, administer the oath of office, and

complete item 22 on the original and all copies of enclosure (1) per

reference (c). Should separation leave be authorized, administer the oath of

office before the leave period. To the left of item 22 insert the

effective date. This date will be the date following the effective date of

discharge.

e. Insert the following in the Officer Qualification Record:

(1) The appropriate copy of the DD Form 214.

(2) A copy of these orders with all endorsements and modifications.

(3) Copy 1 of the NAVMC 763.

f. Deliver copy 3 of the NAVMC 763 to you.

g. Report discharge per reference (d) and Appendix E of reference (a).

h. By endorsement:

(1) Transfer you by service records to the Commanding General, Marine

Corps Mobilization Command, 2000 Opelousas Ave., New Orleans, LA 70146.

(2) State the point you elect for mileage allowance per reference

(e).

i. Transmit the HQMC copy of the DD Form 214 with a copy of these orders

to HQMC, (MMRP-20), 2008 Elliot Road, Quantico, VA 22134 within three working

days after effective date of discharge.

j. Provide your disbursing officer with the following information:

(1) Separation authority: MARCORSEPMAN, paragraph (AUTH).

(2) Character of separation: (PLANNED CHAR).

(3) SPD code: (PLANNED SPD). Narrative reason: (Per Appendix A

MARCORSEPMAN).

5. You are directed to accomplish the following:

a. Immediately upon receipt of these orders, furnish two certified

copies to the disbursing officer carrying your pay accounts.

b. Within 30 days following your separation, report by letter to the

Commanding Officer, Marine Forces Reserve (COMMARFORRES), enclosing a copy of

these orders with any modifications and endorsements.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Figure 5-2 3 of 4 Enclosure (1)

Subj: ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF REGULAR COMMISSION IN THE U.S. MARINE

CORPS AND APPOINTMENT IN THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE (OBLIGATED)

c. Keep the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve (COMMARFORRES), informed at

all times of your current mailing address.

6. Expenditures under these orders are located on the Marine Corps Total

Force System (MCTFS) D860 remarks page.

7. Enclosure (2) recognizes your honorable discharge from the Regular Marine

Corps.

8. The Commandant appreciates the many contributions you have made to the

Marine Corps and wishes you every success in the future.

By direction

Copy to:

Disbursing Officer

OMPF

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-2 4 of 4 Enclosure (1)

ELECTION ENDORSEMENT

I certify that I have selected my (Home of Record/Place of Commission (*))

for the purposes of travel allowances incident to my discharge. I further

certify and understand that this selection, once made and travel allowance is

received for travel thereto, is irrevocable and no further entitlement to

travel allowances shall accrue.

(Signature) (Date)

NOTES:

1. Insert at the (*) either the Home of Record or Place of Commission based

on the officer’s desires.

2. All blank spaces should be filled with the appropriate data elements from

the RETM screens in MCTFS.

3. The PRR should be in “DD Month YYYY” format. Under no circumstances may

a PRR be changed without prior approval from the CMC (MMSR).

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-3 1 of 4 Enclosure (1)

Figure 5-3.--Acceptance of Resignation of Regular Commission in the U.S.

Marine Corps With Reserve Commission

ADDITIONAL PARAGRAPHS MAY BE ADDED AS DIRECTED BY THE COMMAND

(Letterhead)

From: (Issuing Command)

To: (Officer Concerned)

Subj: ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF REGULAR COMMISSION IN THE U.S. MARINE

CORPS AND APPOINTMENT IN THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE (NON-OBLIGOR)

Ref: (a) MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN)

(b) NAVMED P-117 (MANMED) Chap 15

(c) MCO P1070.12K (IRAM) par. 3003

(d) MCTFS PRIUM (Online)

(e) JTR Chapter 5

Encl: (1) Appointment Acceptance and Record Form (NAVMC 763)

(2) Honorable Discharge Certificate

1. Your request for resignation is approved, per reference (a). You have

been considered for and tendered a commission in the Marine Corps Reserve.

2. Effective 2359 on (PRR), you will be released from active duty and

assigned to inactive-duty in the Marine Corps Reserve.

3. Your entitlement to pay and allowances terminates on (PRR). You are

entitled to mileage and such other allowances as are authorized in the case

of an officer being separated from the Regular Marine Corps. As no active

duty is authorized as a Reserve officer, you are not entitled to constructive

travel time or pay and allowances while traveling to your home following your

separation from the Regular Marine Corps.

4. The officer having custody of your records is directed to accomplish the

following:

a. Ensure the discharge action authorized in paragraph 2 is not effected

in the event you do not execute enclosure (1). Should you not desire the

Reserve commission tendered, your commanding officer is directed to make a

page 11 entry in your service record reporting this fact. These orders will

be immediately canceled and new discharge orders issued.

b. Ensure you obtain a Separation History and Physical Examination

before separation to determine your fitness for separation from the Regular

Marine Corps and for your appointment in the Marine Corps Reserve. The DD

Form 2807-1, DD Form 2808, and Standard Form 88, must include the

certification required by reference (b).

c. Refer to paragraph 3003.4 of the IRAM concerning the old and new

NAVMC 763.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-3 2 of 4 Enclosure (1)

Subj: ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF REGULAR COMMISSION IN THE U.S. MARINE

CORPS AND APPOINTMENT IN THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE (NON-OBLIGOR)

d. NAVMC 763: complete item 21d, administer the oath of office, and

complete item 22 on the original and all copies of enclosure (1) per

reference (c). Should separation leave be authorized, administer the oath of

office before the leave period. To the left of item 22, insert the effective

date. This date will be the date following the effective date of discharge.

e. Insert the following in the Officer Qualification Record:

(1) The appropriate copy of the DD Form 214.

(2) A copy of these orders with all endorsements and modifications.

(3) Copy 1 of the enclosed NAVMC 763.

f. Deliver copy 3 of the NAVMC 763 to you.

g. Report discharge per reference (d) and Appendix E of reference (a).

h. By endorsement:

(1) Transfer you by service records to the Commanding General, Marine

Corps Mobilization Command, 2000 Opelousas Ave, New Orleans, LA 70146.

(2) State the point you elect for mileage allowance per reference

(e).

i. Transmit the HQMC copy of the DD Form 214 with a copy of these orders

to HQMC, (MMRP-20), 2008 Elliot Road, Quantico, VA 22134 within three working

days after effective date of discharge.

j. Forward the Officer Qualification Record to the Commanding General,

Marine Corps Mobilization Command.

k. Provide your disbursing officer with the following information:

(1) Separation authority: MARCORSEPMAN, paragraph (AUTH).

(2) Character of separation: (PLANNED CHAR).

(3) SPD code: (PLANNED SPD). Narrative reason: (Per Appendix A

MARCORSEPMAN).

5. You are directed to accomplish the following:

a. Immediately upon receipt of these orders, furnish two certified

copies to the disbursing officer carrying your pay accounts.

b. Within 30 days following your separation, report by letter to the

Commander, Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES), enclosing a copy of these

orders with any modifications and endorsements.

c. Keep the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES), informed at

all times of your current mailing address.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Figure 5-3 3 of 4 Enclosure (1)

6. Expenditures under these orders are located on the Marine Corps Total

Force System D860 Remarks page.

7. Enclosure (2) recognizes your honorable discharge from the Regular Marine

Corps.

8. The Commandant appreciates the many contributions you have made to the

Marine Corps and wishes you every success in the future.

By direction

Copy to:

Disbursing Officer

OMPF

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-3 4 of 4 Enclosure (1)

Subj: ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF REGULAR COMMISSION IN THE U.S. MARINE

CORPS AND APPOINTMENT IN THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE (NON-OBLIGOR)

ELECTION ENDORSEMENT

I certify that I have selected my (Home of Record/Place of Commission (*))

for the purposes of travel allowances incident to my discharge. I further

certify and understand that this selection, once made and travel allowance is

received for travel thereto, is irrevocable and no further entitlement to

travel allowances shall accrue.

(Signature) (Date)

NOTES:

1. Insert at the (*) either the Home of Record or Place of Commission based

on the officer’s desires.

2. All blank spaces should be filled with the appropriate data elements from

the RETM screens in MCTFS.

3. The PRR should be in “DD Month YYYY” format. Under no circumstances may

a PRR be changed without prior approval from the CMC (MMSR).

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-4 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

Figure 5-4.--Acceptance of Resignation of Regular Commission in the U.S.

Marine Corps Without a Reserve Commission

ADDITIONAL PARAGRAPHS MAY BE ADDED AS DIRECTED BY THE COMMAND

(Letterhead)

From: (Issuing Command)

To: (Officer Concerned)

Subj: ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF REGULAR COMMISSION IN THE U.S. MARINE

CORPS

Ref: (a) MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN)

(b) NAVMED P-117 (MANMED) Chap 15

(c) MCTFS PRIUM (Online)

(d) JTR Chapter 5

(e) MCO P1070.12K (IRAM)

Encl: (1) Honorable Discharge Certificate

1. Your request to resign your Regular commission is approved, per reference

(a). Effective 2359 on (PRR), you are discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps.

2. Your entitlement to pay and allowances terminates on (PRR). You are

entitled to mileage and such other allowances as are authorized in the case

of an officer being discharged from the Regular Marine Corps. You are not

entitled to constructive travel time or pay and allowances while traveling to

your home following your separation from the Marine Corps.

3. The officer having custody of your records is directed to accomplish the

following:

a. Ensure the discharge action authorized in paragraph 1 is effected.

b. Ensure you obtain a Separation History and Physical Examination

before separation to determine your fitness for separation from the Regular

Marine Corps. The DD Form 2807-1, DD Form 2808, and Standard Form 88, must

include the certification required by reference (b).

c. Insert the following in the Officer Qualification Record:

(1) The appropriate copy of the DD Form 214.

(2) A copy of these orders with all endorsements and modifications.

d. Report discharge per reference (c) and Appendix E of reference (a).

e. By endorsement state the point you elect for mileage allowance per

reference (d).

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-4 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

Subj: ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF REGULAR COMMISSION IN THE U.S. MARINE

CORPS

f. Transmit the HQMC copy of the DD Form 214 with a copy of these orders

to the CMC (MMRP-20) within three working days after effective date of

discharge.

g. Close out the service record and health (includes medical and dental)

records per reference (e).

h. Provide your disbursing officer with the following information:

(1) Separation authority: MARCORSEPMAN, paragraph (AUTH).

(2) Character of separation: (PLANNED CHAR).

(3) SPD code: (PLANNED SPD). Narrative reason: (Per Appendix A

MARCORSEPMAN).

4. Immediately upon receipt of these orders, you are directed to furnish two

certified copies to the disbursing officer carrying your pay accounts.

5. Expenditures under these orders are located on the Marine Corps Total

Force System D860 Remarks page.

6. Enclosure (1) recognizes your honorable discharge from the Regular Marine

Corps.

7. The Commandant appreciates the many contributions you have made to the

Marine Corps and wishes you every success in the future.

By direction

Copy to:

Disbursing Officer

OMPF

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-4 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

ELECTION ENDORSEMENT

I certify that I have selected my (Home of Record/Place of Commission (*))

for the purposes of travel allowances incident to my discharge. I further

certify and understand that this selection, once made and travel allowance is

received for travel thereto, is irrevocable and no further entitlement to

travel allowances shall accrue.

(Signature) (Date)

NOTES:

1. Insert at the (*) either the Home of Record or Place of Commission based

on the officer’s desires.

2. All blank spaces should be filled with the appropriate data elements from

the RETM screens in MCTFS.

3. The PRR should be in “DD Month YYYY” format. Under no circumstances may

a PRR be changed without prior approval from the CMC (MMSR).

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-5 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

Figure 5-5.--Letter of Discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps

ADDITIONAL PARAGRAPHS MAY BE ADDED AS DIRECTED BY THE COMMAND

(Letterhead)

From: (Issuing Command)

To: (Officer Concerned)

Subj: DISCHARGE FROM THE U.S. MARINE CORPS

Ref: (a) MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN)

(b) NAVMED P-117 (MANMED) Chap 15

(c) MCTFS PRIUM (Online)

(d) JTR Chapter 5

(e) MCO P1070.12K (IRAM)

Encl: (1) Discharge Certificate

1. Effective 2359 on (PRR), you are discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps.

2. Your entitlement to pay and allowances terminates on (PRR). You are

entitled to mileage and such other allowances as are authorized in the case

of an officer being discharged from the Marine Corps. You are not entitled

to constructive travel time or pay and allowances while traveling to your

home following your separation from the Marine Corps.

3. The officer having custody of your records is directed to accomplish the

following:

a. Ensure the discharge action authorized in paragraph 1 is effected.

b. Ensure you obtain a Separation History and Physical Examination

before separation to determine your fitness for separation from the Marine

Corps. The DD Form 2807-1, DD Form 2808, and Standard Form 88, must include

the certification required by reference (b).

c. Insert the following in the Officer Qualification Record:

(1) The appropriate copy of the DD Form 214.

(2) A copy of these orders with all endorsements and modifications.

d. Report discharge per reference (c) and Appendix E of reference (a).

e. By endorsement, state the point you elect for mileage allowance per

reference (d).

f. Transmit the HQMC copy of the DD Form 214 with a copy of these orders

to the CMC (MMRP-20) within three working days after effective date of

discharge.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-5 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

Subj: DISCHARGE FROM THE U.S. MARINE CORPS

g. Close out the service record and health (includes medical and dental)

records per reference (e).

h. Provide your disbursing officer with the following information:

(1) Separation authority: MARCORSEPMAN, paragraph (AUTH).

(2) Character of separation: (PLANNED CHAR).

(3) SPD code: (PLANNED SPD). Narrative reason: (Per Appendix A

MARCORSEPMAN).

(4) Separation pay: (Per unit diary history statement, insert

“FULL,” “HALF,” or “NOT ENTITLED,” as appropriate).

4. Immediately upon receipt of these orders, you are directed to furnish two

certified copies to the disbursing officer carrying your pay accounts.

5. Expenditures under these orders are located on the Marine Corps Total

Force System D860 Remarks page.

6. Enclosure (1) recognizes your discharge from the Marine Corps.

7. The Commandant appreciates the many contributions you have made to the

Marine Corps and wishes you every success in the future.

By direction

Copy to:

Disbursing Officer

OMPF

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Figure 5-5 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

ELECTION ENDORSEMENT

I certify that I have selected my (Place of Commission or Home of Selection

(*)) for the purposes of travel allowances incident to my discharge. I

further certify and understand that this selection, once made and travel

allowance is received for travel thereto, is irrevocable and no further

entitlement to travel allowances shall accrue.

(Signature) (Date)

NOTES:

1. For reference (d), use JTR Chapter 5 for those officers discharged with

separation pay who have less than 8 years continuous active duty, and for

those officers discharged with separation pay who have more than 8 years

continuous active duty with no single break of more than 90 days.

2. Insert at the (*) either the Home of Record, Place of Commission, or Home

of Selection per the Joint Travel Regulations.

3. All blank spaces should be filled with the appropriate data elements from

the RETM screens in MCTFS.

4. The PRR should be in “DD Month YYYY” format. Under no circumstances may

the PRR be changed without prior approval from the CMC (MMSR).

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE

Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal

penalties

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Table 5-1 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

Table 5-1.--Separation and Service Options Available After

a Second Failure of Selection for Promotion

Component Grade Status Note Note Note Note Note

1 2 3 4 5

Regular 1STLT & CAPT Unrestricted X X X X

& Reserve

Regular MAJ Unrestricted X X X

Reserve MAJ Unrestricted X

Regular 1STLT & CAPT LDO X X X

Regular WO1 & CWO2 Permanent X X X X

& Reserve

Regular CWO3 Permanent X X X

& Reserve

NOTES:

1. Unless eligible to retire or separated sooner under some other provision

of law, an officer will be honorably discharged not later than the first

day of the 7th month after the board results were approved.

2. A major and a CWO3 may be selected for continuation to retirement

eligibility.

3. If within 2 years of retirement eligibility from the last date a

commissioned officer would otherwise be discharged, the officer will be

retained on active duty until eligible for retirement.

4. In lieu of discharge, an officer may request reenlistment in an enlisted

status; or, if a permanent LDO, revert to a warrant officer or enlisted

status.

5. An officer may be selected for continuation until eligible for

retirement. CWO2s and captains with 15 or more years of service should

contact HQMC (MMSR) regarding their continuation status.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Chapter 6 TOC 1 of 5 Enclosure (1)

CHAPTER 6

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

PARAGRAPH

GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6001

RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6002

SECTION 1: POLICY AND GUIDANCE

POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6101

PROCESSING TIME GOALS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6102

PERIODIC EXPLANATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6103

PROVIDING INFORMATION DURING SEPARATION PROCESSING . . . . . . . . . 6104

COUNSELING AND REHABILITATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6105

LIMITATIONS ON SEPARATION ACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6106

CHARACTERIZATION OF SERVICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6107

RECOUPMENT OF ENLISTMENT/REENLISTMENT BONUSES. . . . . . . . . . . . 6108

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES AND ELECTRONIC RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS . . . . . 6109

HEALTH ASSESSMENTS PRIOR TO ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS . . . . . . . 6110

SECTION 2: INVOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

GENERAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6201

CHANGE IN SERVICE OBLIGATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6202

CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6203

DEFECTIVE ENLISTMENT AND INDUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6204

ENTRY-LEVEL PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6205

UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6206

RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6207

RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6208

ALCOHOL ABUSE REHABILITATION FAILURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6209

MISCONDUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6210

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Chapter 6 TOC 2 of 5 Enclosure (1)

SECTION 2: INVOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS (CONTINUED)

PARAGRAPH

NEW ENTRANT DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6211

SECURITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6212

UNSATISFACTORY PARTICIPATION IN THE READY RESERVE. . . . . . . . . . 6213

SEPARATION IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . 6214

WEIGHT CONTROL/BODY COMPOSITION FAILURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6215

SECTION 3: ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

PART A: INITIATING COMMAND ACTION

GENERAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6301

INITIATION OF SEPARATION PROCESSING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6302

NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6303

ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD PROCEDURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6304

COMMAND RECOMMENDATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6305

PART B: SEPARATION AUTHORITY ACTION

GENERAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6306

SEPARATION AUTHORITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6307

SEPARATION AUTHORITY REVIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6308

SEPARATION AUTHORITY FINAL ACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6309

SUSPENSION OF SEPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6310

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION AFTER DECISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6311

SEPARATION OF MARINES BEYOND MILITARY CONTROL BY REASON OF

UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6312

SEPARATION OF MARINES PENDING CONCURRENT DISCIPLINARY/

ADMINISTRATIVE AND DISABILITY PROCEEDINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6313

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Chapter 6 TOC 3 of 5 Enclosure (1)

SECTION 3: ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES (CONTINUED)

PARAGRAPH

PART C: ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION BOARD

CONVENING AUTHORITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6314

COMPOSITION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6315

PROCEDURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6316

WITNESSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6317

OATHS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6318

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6319

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AND REPORT OF THE BOARD. . . . . . . . . . . . 6320

SUBSEQUENT ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION BOARD PROCEEDINGS . . . . . . . 6321

SECTION 4: VOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

GUIDELINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6401

DEFECTIVE ENLISTMENT/REENLISTMENT AGREEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . 6402

CHANGES IN SERVICE OBLIGATION FOR RESERVISTS ON INACTIVE-DUTY. . . . 6403

CHANGES IN SERVICE OBLIGATION FOR ACTIVE DUTY MARINES. . . . . . . . 6404

EARLY RELEASE TO FURTHER EDUCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6405

EARLY RELEASE TO ACCEPT PUBLIC OFFICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6406

DEPENDENCY OR HARDSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6407

PREGNANCY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6408

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6409

SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBER AND SOLE SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBER . . . . . . 6410

OFFICER CANDIDATE DISENROLLMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6411

NOT SELECTED FOR PROMOTION TO STAFF SERGEANT . . . . . . . . . . . . 6412

REDUCTION FROM SNCO TO SERGEANT OR BELOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6413

RESERVIST BECOMES A MINISTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6414

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Chapter 6 TOC 4 of 5 Enclosure (1)

TRANSFER TO THE NAVY HOSPITAL CORPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6415

SECTION 4: VOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS (CONTINUED)

PARAGRAPH

MARINES MARRIED TO OTHER SERVICE MEMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6416

TRANSFER TO THE NAVY AS A RELIGIOUS PROGRAM SPECIALIST . . . . . . . 6417

SEPARATION OF SELECTED MARINE CORPS RESERVISTS IN THE DELAYED ENTRY

PROGRAM (DEP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6418

SEPARATION IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . 6419

RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6420

SEPARATION VIA SECRETARIAL AUTHORITY (“BEST INTEREST OF THE SERVICE”) 6421

FIGURE

COMMANDS DESIGNATED BY CMC (SJA) AS SEPARATION AUTHORITY FOR OTHER

COMMANDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

SAMPLE FORMAT FOR NOTIFICATION WITHOUT AN ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION

BOARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

SAMPLE FORMAT FOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOTIFICATION WITHOUT AN

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION BOARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2a

SAMPLE FORMAT FOR NOTIFICATION WITH AN ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION

BOARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

SAMPLE FORMAT FOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOTIFICATION WITH AN

ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION BOARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3a

NOTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR MATERNITY CARE . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

SAMPLE REQUEST FOR EARLY RELEASE TO FURTHER EDUCATION. . . . . . . . 6-5

SAMPLE NOTIFICATION LETTER FOR VACATING SUSPENSION OF

ADMINISTRATIVE DISCHARGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

SAMPLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RIGHTS BY RESPONDENT OF VACATION OF

SUSPENSION OF ADMINISTRATIVE DISCHARGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

TABLE

GUIDE FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

GUIDE FOR THE REVIEW OF SEPARATION PACKAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Chapter 6 TOC 5 of 5 Enclosure (1)

SEPARATION AUTHORITY FOR VOLUNTARY SEPARATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6001 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6001

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: None

6001. GENERAL

1. The procedures and instructions in this Chapter pertain to the

administrative separation of Marines before completion of active or obligated

service. Unless specifically authorized by separate order, only the reasons

contained in this Chapter may form the basis for a Marine’s separation,

whether voluntary or involuntary.

2. Procedures and instructions for separating Marines at expiration of

active service or upon completion of obligated service are contained in

Chapter 1. Disability separating processing is discussed in Chapter 8.

3. Mandatory Separation Processing. Throughout this Chapter, reference is

made to a requirement to “process (a Marine) for separation.” While

discharge is one possible outcome resulting from separation processing, so

are retention and suspension of the discharge. “Mandatory processing” means

that the commander must initiate the involuntary administrative separation

process to the separation authority. This term does not mean that a board

hearing is mandatory or that separation of the respondent is mandated.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6002 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6002

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (i) Federal Register Vol 73, No. 128, pp 38030-69

(am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)

(ap) JAGINST 5800.7F

(cc) MCO 5354.1E

6002. RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE. DEFINITIONS OF COMMON ADMINISTRATIVE

SEPARATION TERMS. See paragraph 1002 for additional definitions.

1. Administrative Separation. Discharge or release from active duty upon or

before expiration of enlistment, period of induction, or other required

period of service, in the manner prescribed in this Manual, by law, by the

Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the Navy, but specifically excluding

punitive separation by the sentence of a general or special court-martial.

2. Broken Service. Active duty or active duty for training in any branch of

military service of the United States broken by any period greater than

24 hours and after completing a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks of active

duty or active duty for training, unless such service results in continuous

service as defined below.

3. Continuous Service: Enlisted Personnel

a. Service in the regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve which is

continued by reenlistment “within three months” following discharge or

release from active duty. A Marine who is reenlisted on the same day of the

month, three calendar months from the date of discharge or release from

active duty, is reenlisted “within three months.”

b. Reenlistment “within six months” following discharge or release from

active duty provided the member is classified RE-1, recommended for preferred

reenlistment, and holds an MOS listed as a “reenlistable” MOS. A Marine who

reenlisted on the same day of the month, six calendar months from the date of

discharge or release from active duty, is reenlisted “within six months.”

4. Convening Authority. (1) The separation authority or (2) a commanding

officer empowered to convene a special court-martial, who has been authorized

by the Secretary of the Navy to process a case for final action and who

otherwise has the qualifications to act as a separation authority.

5. Counsel. A lawyer qualified and certified under Article 27(b), Uniform

Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), assigned to represent a Marine during

separation processing, or a civilian lawyer retained at the Marine’s expense.

6. Entry-Level Status. Upon enlistment, a Marine qualifies for entry-level

status during: (1) the first 180 days of continuous active military service;

or, (2) the first 180 days of continuous active service after a service break

following more than 92 days of active service. A member of a reserve

component who was not on active duty or is serving under a call or order to

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6002 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

active duty for 180 days or less begins entry-level status upon enlistment in

a reserve component. Entry-level status for such a member of a reserve

component terminates as follows: (1) 180 days after beginning training if

the member is ordered to active duty for training for one continuous period

of 180 days or more; or, (2) 90 days after the beginning of the second period

of active duty training, if the member is ordered to active duty for training

under a program that splits the training into two or more separate periods of

active duty. For the purposes of characterization of service or description

of separation, the member’s status is determined by the date of notification

as to the initiation of separation proceedings. The period of entry-level

status is not interrupted by unauthorized absence or desertion.

7. General Courts-Martial Convening Authority (GCMCA). Article 22 of the

Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and section 0120(a) of reference (an)

JAGINST 5800.7F, defines the GCMCA.

8. Illegal Drug Involvement. Wrongful or improper use, possession,

manufacture, sale, transfer or distribution of any psychoactive substance to

include: amphetamine or similarly acting sympathomimetics; cannabis;

cocaine; hallucinogens; inhalants; opiates; phencyclidine (PCP) or similarly

acting arylcyclohexylamines; and sedatives, steroids, hypnotics, anxiolytics,

or other controlled substances or drug paraphernalia. The term “Controlled

Substances” means a drug or other substance included in Schedules I, II, III,

IV, or V of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970

(84 Stat. 1236) as updated and published under the provisions of that Act.

9. Respondent. A Marine who is the subject of separation proceedings.

10. Separation. A general term which includes discharge, dismissal,

dropping from the rolls, revocation of an appointment or commission,

termination of an appointment, release from active duty, release from custody

and control of the Marine Corps, or transfer from active duty to the: IRR,

Fleet Marine Corps Reserve, Retired List, Temporary or Permanent Disability

List, or Retired Reserve and similar changes in an active or reserve status.

11. Separation Authority. The Secretary of the Navy or an official

authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to take final action with respect to

a specified type of separation.

12. Separation Processing. Processing is initiated on the date a command

receives a written request for separation or on the date a command notifies a

Marine in writing of separation proceedings per Section 3 of this chapter.

Processing is not completed until the appropriate separation authority takes

final action.

13. Sexual Assault Initial Disposition Authority (SA-IDA). An O-6 Special

Court-Martial Convening Authority who has the non-delegable responsibility

for initial disposition under R.C.M. 306, per reference (ak) Manual for

Courts Martial (MCM), for certain sexual assault offenses.

14. Sex Offender. A person having been convicted of a criminal offense

according to guidelines in the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

of 2006 (Title 42 U.S.C. Section 16912 the National Guidelines for Sex

Offender Registration and Notification July 2, 2008).

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6002 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

15. Sexual Harassment. A form of sex discrimination that involves unwelcome

sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical

conduct of a sexual nature when:

a. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a

term or condition of a person’s job, pay, career; or,

b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is used as a

basis for career or employment decisions affecting that person; or,

c. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering

with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or

offensive work environment. Abusive work environment harassment need not

result in concrete psychological harm to the victim, but rather need only be

so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would perceive, and the

victim does perceive, the work environment as hostile or abusive. See

reference (cc) MCO 5354.1E, for additional information regarding sexual

harassment.

16. The Secretary. The Secretary of the Navy includes the Under Secretary

of the Navy or an Assistant Secretary of the Navy when acting under the

authority delegated by the Secretary of the Navy.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6101 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6101

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

6101. POLICY

1. The Marine Corps substantially invests in training every person who

enters its ranks. Separation before completion of a period of obligated

service represents a loss of investment while requiring increased accessions.

Conversely, retaining individuals in the Marine Corps who will not or cannot

conform to required standards of conduct, discipline, and performance creates

high costs in terms of substandard mission performance, administrative

efforts, pay and degradation of morale. Both situations represent an

inefficient use of limited resources. Therefore, every reasonable effort

must be made to identify, in a timely manner, Marines who exhibit a

likelihood for early separation, and either:

a. Improve those Marines’ chances of retention through counseling,

retraining, and rehabilitation; or,

b. Separate promptly those Marines who do not demonstrate potential for

further useful naval service, and recoup (pro rata), as provided by

applicable regulations, monies expended for bonuses paid and/or

education/training dollars paid to a Marine in return for enlisting,

reenlisting, or extending a service obligation when that service is

administratively terminated before successful completion.

2. The standards and procedures established within this Chapter and per

reference (x) DoDI 1332.14 are intended to achieve consistency of application

throughout the Marine Corps based on command responsibility, accountability,

and discretion.

3. Release from Active Duty. Commanders will ensure that Marines who meet

the criteria for separation under this Chapter and per reference (x) DoDI

1332.14 are processed promptly rather than allowing them to continue on

active duty until they reach their normal Expiration of Active Service (EAS)

or Expiration of Current Contract (ECC).

4. Transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). As a general rule,

Marines on active duty who are not qualified to remain on active duty and who

meet the criteria for separation under this Chapter and per reference (x)

DoDI 1332.14 will be discharged (meaning their military status is completely

severed) unless the reason for separation does not affect their eligibility

for active duty or future mobilization. The criteria for retaining a Marine

in the IRR are in paragraph 6311.3.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6102 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6102

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

6102. PROCESSING TIME GOALS. Once separation action has begun, prompt

forwarding, review and decision in each case is essential. Proceedings are

initiated on the date a command receives a written request for separation

from a Marine or on the date a command delivers a notice of separation

proceedings per Section 3 of this Chapter. The following listed time goals

are established for the administrative separations authorized by this Chapter

per reference (x) DoDI 1332.14. The goals are measured from the date of

notification or initiation of a voluntary request until the actual date of

separation. Failure to complete an action within the prescribed time in no

way bars separation or affects characterization. Every effort should be

made, however, to meet the established goals.

1. Separation Without Board Action. If a board is not required or is

waived, separation action should be completed within 15 working days after

the Marine received notification of separation. When the initiating command

and the separation authority are not located in the same geographical region,

processing should be completed within 30 working days.

2. Separation with Board Action. If a board is required, action should be

completed within 50 working days after the Marine received notification of

separation. When the case is forwarded to the Secretary of the Navy, the

case should be sent to the Secretary within 55 working days after the Marine

received notification of separation.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6103 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6103

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

6103. PERIODIC EXPLANATION. Each time the Uniform Code of Military Justice

(UCMJ) is explained to enlisted Marines as required by Article 137 of the

UCMJ, an explanation will be made of the types of administrative separation;

the basis for their issuance; possible characterization of service; the

possible effects of characterization upon reenlistment, civilian employment,

veterans benefits, and related matters; and the possible denial of certain

benefits to Marines who fail to complete at least two years of an original

enlistment. This explanation is usually performed during periodic personal

readiness training via MarineNet online instruction, seminars which are a

requirement for promotion to corporal and separation transition, and may also

be done by fact sheet or other document. A summarization of veteran benefits

is contained in Appendix K. This requirement is a command responsibility,

not a procedural entitlement. Failure by a Marine to receive or to

understand such explanations does not create a bar to separation or

characterization of service.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6104 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6104

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

6104. PROVIDING INFORMATION DURING SEPARATION PROCESSING

1. During separation processing of all Marines (except those separated for

immediate reenlistment), provide a copy of Appendix D to the Marine, which

informs the Marine about the Naval Discharge Review Board and the Board for

Correction of Naval Records and advises that a discharge under other than

honorable conditions, resulting from a period of continuous unauthorized

absence of 180 days or more, is a conditional bar to benefits administered by

the VA, notwithstanding any action by the Discharge Review Board. A

summarization of service benefits is contained in Appendix K.

2. Providing information about these boards is a command responsibility, not

a procedural entitlement. Failure by a Marine to receive and understand the

explanation required by this paragraph does not prevent separation or

accurate characterization.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6105 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6105

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

(am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)

(ao) United States Navy Regulations 1990 W/CH 1

(cj) MCO P1070.12K W/CH 1

6105. COUNSELING AND REHABILITATION

1. Marine Corps policy is that reasonable efforts at rehabilitation should

be made before initiation of separation proceedings.

2. Unless separation is mandatory, the potential for rehabilitation and

further useful military service will be considered by the separation

authority and, where applicable, the administrative board. If separation is

warranted, despite the potential for rehabilitation, consideration should be

given to suspension of the separation, if authorized.

3. In cases involving unsatisfactory performance, pattern of misconduct,

minor disciplinary infractions, or other bases requiring counseling under

paragraph 6105, separation processing may not be initiated until the Marine

is counseled concerning deficiencies and afforded a reasonable opportunity to

overcome those deficiencies as reflected in appropriate counseling and

personnel records. No certain amount of time can be used to define

“reasonable opportunity.” This must be determined by the commanding officer

on a case-by-case basis. The commanding officer must sign adverse page 11

entries. Rehabilitation efforts must include the following and be documented

in the Marine’s service record:

a. Written notification concerning deficiencies or impairments;

b. Specific recommendations for corrective action, indicating any

assistance available;

c. Comprehensive explanation of the consequences of failure to

successfully take the recommended corrective action; and,

d. Reasonable opportunity for the Marine to undertake the recommended

corrective action.

e. Make the following entry as appropriate on page 11 of the service

record upon completion of counseling. The Marine will acknowledge by signing

the entry. See reference (cj) MCO P1070.12K W/CH 1 paragraph 4006.3r,

concerning rebuttal and counter-entry requirements. The Marine’s signature

acknowledges that counseling has occurred, not that the Marine concurs with

the content of the entry. These entries, once properly made, may not be

removed by subsequent commanding officers based upon the passage of time or

subsequent good performance. The date of the page 11 entry is the date that

the Marine was counseled by the commanding officer. Forward a photocopy of

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6105 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

the completed page 11 entry and written rebuttal statement, if any, to the

CMC (MMRP-20) within 30 days.

(1) Use this entry to warn a Marine who is NOT currently being

processed for administrative or judicial action. The purpose of this format

is to warn Marines about problems, consequences and to offer an opportunity

for improvement.

____Date____: Counseled this date concerning the following

deficiencies: ____________________. Specific recommendations for

corrective action are ______________________ and to seek assistance,

which is available through the chain of command and __________________.

Failure to take corrective action and any further violations of the

UCMJ, disciplinary action, or incidents requiring formal counseling may

result in judicial or adverse administrative action, including but not

limited to administrative separation. I understand that failure to

complete my enlistment contract with an honorable characterization of

service may preclude my eligibility for benefits from the Department of

Veterans Affairs or other organizations and have an adverse effect on

future civilian employment. I was advised that within 5 working days

after acknowledging this entry I may submit a written rebuttal which

will be filed in the electronic service record. I choose to ____ /not

to ____ make such a statement.

_______________________________ _______________________________

Signature of Marine Signature of Commanding Officer

(2) Use this entry to document problems for a Marine who is currently

being processed for administrative or judicial action. The purpose

of this format is to document problems that are the bases for impending or

current judicial or administrative processing when the Marine has previously

been counseled and given an opportunity to overcome problems or when the

basis for separation (such as commission of a serious offense) does not

require that the Marine be given such an opportunity. It may also be used to

document additional problems arising after judicial or administrative

processing has already begun. This entry is not a prerequisite to civilian

or military judicial action or to administrative separation.

____Date____: Counseled this date concerning the following

deficiencies: ____________________. Specific recommendations for

corrective action are ______________________ and to seek assistance,

which is available through the chain of command and __________________.

I understand that failure to complete my enlistment contract with an

honorable characterization of service may preclude my eligibility for

benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs or other organizations

and have an adverse effect on future civilian employment. I understand

that I am being processed for the following judicial or adverse

administrative action: ________________________. I was advised that

within 5 working days after acknowledging this entry I may submit a

written rebuttal which will be filed in the electronic service record.

I choose to ____ /not to ____ make such a statement.

_______________________________ _______________________________

Signature of Marine Signature of Commanding Officer

f. If the individual Marine annotates their desire “not to” make a

statement, the entry is appropriately annotated as such and no further

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6105 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

administrative action is required. When the individual Marine desires to

make a statement, the following guidance applies:

(1) Complete the statement using white paper, preferably typewritten

or printed, and ensure the statement is dated and signed.

(2) The Marine’s statement must conform to Article 1122, reference

(ao) United States Navy Regulations 1990 W/CH 1, regarding temperate

language, limited to pertinent facts concerning the deficiencies identified

in the page 11 entry, and shall not question or impugn the motives of another

person.

(3) This is not the forum for surfacing issues more timely and

appropriately handled at either Request Mast procedures or via a Complaint of

Wrongs per reference (am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM) Article 138 of the

UCMJ.

4. The commanding officer must also determine, on a case-by-case basis,

whether the Marine has effectively overcome the noted deficiencies after the

counseling and page 11 entry have been made. There are no requirements for

subsequent imposition of nonjudicial punishment or other administrative or

judicial actions as a prerequisite for separation proceedings. There must be

some evidence in the administrative separation proceedings, however,

indicating the Marine has not overcome the noted deficiencies.

5. A Marine being processed for separation under one of the bases requiring

counseling under paragraph 6105 may only be processed if the counseling entry

reasonably relates to the specific basis for separation ultimately

recommended.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6106 1 of 5 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6106

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

6106. LIMITATIONS ON SEPARATION ACTION

1. A Marine may not be separated on the basis of the following:

a. Conduct that has been the subject of military or civilian judicial

proceedings (including summary court-martial) resulting in an acquittal or

action having the effect of an acquittal except:

(1) When such action, having the effect of an acquittal, is based on a

judicial determination not based on the issue of factual guilt of the

respondent;

(2) When the judicial proceeding was conducted in a state or foreign

court and separation is in the best interest of the Marine Corps as

determined by the Secretary of the Navy on a case-by-case basis; or,

(3) When the acquittal was solely by reason of lack of mental

responsibility. Marines in this category will be processed for disability

separation. When disability separation is not appropriate, process the

Marine for separation in the best interest of the Service per paragraph 6214.

b. Conduct that has been the subject of a prior administrative board

proceeding in which the separation authority approved the board’s finding

that the evidence did not sustain the factual allegations. Such conduct may

form the basis for separation unless the separation authority determines that

the finding was materially influenced by fraud or collusion on the part of

the respondent or some other person acting on the respondent’s behalf, and an

administrative board in a new hearing recommends separation.

c. Conduct that has been the subject of a prior administrative

separation proceeding resulting in a final determination by a separation

authority that the Marine should be retained, unless:

(1) Subsequent conduct or performance forms the basis, in whole or in

part, for a new proceeding; or,

(2) There is new or newly discovered evidence that was not reasonably

available at the time of the prior proceedings; or,

(3) The finding has been determined by the separation authority to

have been materially influenced by fraud or collusion on the part of the

respondent or some other person acting on the respondent’s behalf and an

administrative board, in a rehearing, recommends separation.

d. Guidance for Marines found fit by the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB).

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1900.16 CH 2

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(1) Marines who have been found fit by the PEB may not later be

involuntarily administratively separated for the same medical condition(s)

for which they were found fit without approval of the Secretary of Defense.

Therefore, such separations would be expected to be the rare exception.

Marines found fit should be retained in their current duties, reassigned, or

their case reevaluated for disability separation by the ASN (M&RA). Only

medical conditions that are potentially rateable by the PEB and limit

assignability should be submitted for disability reevaluation. Contact CMC

(MMSR-2) on fit cases considered for either disability reevaluation or

administrative separation for further guidance. The restrictions in this

paragraph do not apply to other bases for administrative separation,

separation at the end of active service obligation, or any prioritization at

reenlistment.

(2) Administrative separation for condition not a disability and those

separation program designator (SPD) codes must comply with the requirements

in paragraph 6203.2.

2. A prior court-martial conviction for a serious offense is not a bar to

administrative separation processing based on that offense. See paragraph

1004.4 regarding characterization limitations.

3. Time limitations. No “statute of limitations” exists for administrative

separations. Accordingly, a Marine may be processed for separation based on

conduct notwithstanding (1) the length of time between the conduct and the

notification of separation or (2) the expiration of a statute of limitations

for court-martial or nonjudicial punishment. However, Marines undergoing

administrative separation processing will not be involuntarily retained on

active duty or administratively separated past their release date (EAS) that

was established by an enlistment/re-enlistment contract or a valid extension

of such a contract (see paragraph 1008).

4. FMCR/Retirement-Eligible Marines

a. Marines with 20 or more years of service are subject to

administrative separation per this Manual. The DC, M&RA is the separation

authority.

(1) A Marine being considered for administrative separation

processing who is eligible for transfer to the FMCR or retired list may

request that transfer before the command initiates administrative separation

processing. See paragraph 7012 and use Figures 7-3, 7-4 and 7-5.

(2) The CMC (MM) may approve the request for transfer to the

FMCR/retired list, or the CMC (MM) may disapprove such a request, and based

on adverse information submitted by the Marine’s chain of command or adverse

material contained in the Marine’s official records, direct administrative

separation processing to ensure the Marine is afforded the procedural rights

of a respondent prior to making a separation, characterization of service,

and grade determination.

(3) The CMC (MM) may only direct administrative separation processing

if the information submitted by the Marine’s chain of command or material

contained in the Marine’s official records forms one of the specific reasons

for involuntary administrative separation per this Chapter.

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1900.16 CH 2

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Para 6106 3 of 5 Enclosure (1)

b. If the Marine does request transfer to the FMCR/retired list, but the

CMC (MM) disapproves the request directing administrative separation

processing, the convening authority shall proceed with administrative

processing per the guidance in the CMC (MM)’s correspondence, this Manual,

and paragraph 7012. Administrative board procedures under paragraph 6304

shall be used.

(1) The final report of the board and the findings and recommendation

worksheet shall include recommendations to the CMC (MM) on separation

(retain, discharge or transfer to the FMCR/retired list), characterization of

service and grade.

(2) The DC, M&RA shall use the following criteria when making a final

determination regarding separation characterization of service and grade:

(a) Nature and severity of the misconduct and its relationship to

and effect upon the performance of military duties;

(b) All performance evaluations and other portions of the service

record bearing on performance in the current pay grade, and whether the

misconduct was known by the reporting seniors, and if not, what effect, if

any, it might have had on the respondent’s records;

(c) Time in current grade and its relationship to the time of the

misconduct; and

(d) Other relevant matters presented by the record of the

respondent.

(3) The automatic reduction to pay grade E-3 for Marines serving in

pay grade E-4 or above who are transferred to the FMCR/retired list with an

under other than honorable conditions characterization of service does not

apply when the Marine requests transfer to the FMCR/retired list.

c. Pre-Board Waiver. A Marine subject to administrative separation

processing initiated by the commanding officer or at the direction of the CMC

(MM), and who did not originally waive the right to an administrative

discharge board at notification, may choose to waive their right to an

administrative separation board and request transfer to the FMCR/retired list

using Figures 7-3, 7-4 and 7-5 prior to the convening of the board. See

paragraph 7012 for additional guidance. Submission of Figure 7-3 through the

chain of command does not constitute termination of administrative separation

proceedings. Board proceedings will be held in abeyance pending the DC,

M&RA’s acceptance and determination.

d. Post-Board Waiver. A Marine subject to administrative separation

processing initiated by the commanding officer or at the direction of the CMC

(MM), when a board has been conducted, may choose to waive continued

administrative separation processing and request transfer to the FMCR/retired

list. Use Figures 7-3, 7-4 and 7-5. Submission of Figure 7-3 through the

chain of command does not constitute termination of administrative separation

proceedings. The DC, M&RA may choose to take immediate action or disapprove

the waiver pending final submission of the complete administrative separation

package through the chain of command.

e. If a Marine does not request transfer to the FMCR/retired list prior

to initiation of administrative separation processing, the convening

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1900.16 CH 2

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Para 6106 4 of 5 Enclosure (1)

authority shall proceed with administrative separation processing per the

guidelines of this Chapter. Per paragraph 6304, the following information

must be included in written notification to a Marine, otherwise eligible, who

does not request transfer to the FMCR/retired list prior to initiation of

administrative separation processing:

(1) Possible loss of all retainer/retired pay and benefits if

discharge is approved;

(2) Possible separation with an under other than honorable conditions

characterization of service if discharge is approved, subject to the

guidelines in Chapters 1 and 6 of this Manual;

(3) If separated with an under other than honorable conditions

characterization of service and serving in pay grade E-4 or above, reduction

to pay grade E-3, effective upon separation;

(4) The Marine may request transfer to the FMCR/retired list after

notification of administrative separation processing. The final

determination of separation, characterization of service, and grade rests

exclusively with the DC, M&RA; and

(5) Not entitled to an administrative separation board if, upon

notification that administrative separation processing has been directed, the

Marine requests transfer to the FMCR/retired list. The final determination

of separation, characterization of service, and grade rests exclusively with

the DC, M&RA.

f. The waiver process under paragraph 6304.5 shall be followed for

Marines, otherwise eligible, who do not request transfer to the FMCR/retired

list prior to the initiation of administrative separation processing.

g. The final determination of separation, characterization of service,

and grade rests exclusively with the DC, M&RA. Commanders are not authorized

to enter into agreements, pre- or post-trial, express or implied, in which a

retirement-eligible Marine is to be retired at a particular pay grade.

5. Dual Processing: Involuntary Administrative Separation and Disability

Evaluation

a. Per SECNAV Memorandum of 1 June 2016, Disability Evaluation System

Dual Processing, Service members being processed for involuntary

administrative separation who have a ratable condition under the Veterans

Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) limiting their performance

of duty may be referred to or continue to be processed in the Disability

Evaluation System (DES). DES processing is not superseded by involuntary

administrative separation for Service members with ratable conditions that

limit their performance of duty, unless they are being processed for

administrative separation based upon provisions that authorize a

characterization of service under other than honorable conditions (e.g.,

misconduct, security, or unsatisfactory participation in the Ready Reserve).

b. The first general officer in the chain of command shall determine

whether an enlisted Service member with a ratable condition may be referred

to the DES or further processed within the DES if the member is being

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6106 5 of 5 Enclosure (1)

processed for involuntary administrative separation based upon a provision

that authorizes a characterization of service under other than honorable

conditions, unless a higher authority is required per paragraph 6307 of this

Manual. If the final determination of characterization of service is

honorable or general (under honorable conditions), the GCMCA is authorized as

the separation authority, unless a higher authority is required per paragraph

6307 of this Manual. (In some commands the Secretary of the Navy has

designated commanding officers in the grade of O-6 as the GCMCA.)

c. When the separation authority directs that a Service member with a

ratable condition be involuntarily administratively separated, based upon a

provision that authorizes a characterization of service under other than

honorable conditions, prior to completion of the DES process despite such

conditions, the separation authority shall determine and document, in the

separation letter or via separate correspondence, that such separation is

warranted despite the condition. For cases involving PTSD, other mental

disorder or TBI, an appropriately credentialed military health care provider

must be consulted for a medical opinion as to whether such condition affected

the Marine’s judgment and behavior and may have been a contributing factor to

the basis for separation. See paragraph 6110.3 of this Manual for more

detailed guidance regarding cases involving PTSD, other mental disorder and

TBI.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6107 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6107

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

6107. CHARACTERIZATION OF SERVICE. The separation authority must determine

the appropriate character of service once the separation is approved.

Commanders initiating separation action must make specific recommendations

based upon the circumstances of the particular case and the guidelines in

paragraph 1004 and Table 6-1.

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15 FEB 2019

Para 6108 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6108

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

6108. RECOUPMENT OF ENLISTMENT/REENLISTMENT BONUSES. Recoupment of unearned

portions of enlistment/reenlistment/career status bonuses is associated with

the corresponding Separation Program Designator (SPD) code.

1. Notice of Recoupment. A Marine who may be subject to recoupment must be

so advised before submitting a request for voluntary separation. A

recoupment notice is contained in Figures 6-2 and 6-3.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6109 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6109

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

6109. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES AND ELECTRONIC RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

1. The electronic signature of a separation authority is a valid and legally

sufficient signature of the separation authority’s final action in all

involuntary administrative separation proceedings described in this Chapter

and per reference (x) DoDI 1332.14.

2. Electronic records of involuntary administrative separation proceedings

described in this Chapter are valid and legally sufficient for all purposes,

to include processing, review, separation authority final action, and record

retention by the CMC (MMRP).

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6110 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6110

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (x) DoDI 1332.14

(ah) DoDI 6040.46

(aj) DoDI 6490.04

(am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)

(aq) NAVMED P-117

6110. HEALTH ASSESSMENTS PRIOR TO ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

1. Per reference (x) DoDI 1332.14, prior to approving any involuntary

administrative separation other than an uncharacterized entry-level

separation under paragraph 6205, initiated for Marines with more than 180

days of active duty, the separation authority must ensure that a Separation

History and Physical Examination (SHPE) of the Marine is performed per

reference (ah) DoDI 6040.46. This health assessment evaluation must be

reviewed and specifically addressed by the separation authority as to any

medical condition(s) affecting (or not affecting) the basis for separation.

Separation authorities shall state in the separation letter that they have

reviewed the SHPE and shall state whether identified medical conditions did

not, may have, or did have an effect on the performance or conduct resulting

in the basis for separation. If a medical condition may have or did have an

effect on the basis for separation, the separation authority shall address

their consideration of the medical condition(s) when explaining the reasons

for the respondent’s separation and characterization of service. These

health assessments medical evaluations shall be completed by appropriately

credentialed medical providers authorized to perform separation health

assessments evaluations and shall be sufficient in scope and timing to meet

separation health medical requirements. The intent of performing these

health assessments evaluations is to ensure that separation authorities have

all pertinent information about any medical condition(s) that may have a

material impact on a Marine’s behavior, including post-traumatic stress

disorder (PTSD), other mental disorder or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Inherent in any separation action is that authority’s discretion to direct

additional medical treatment and determine the date of separation or direct

retention as appropriate.

a. The SHPE is a These medical evaluations are standard separation

health assessment medical evaluation per references (ah) DoDI 6040.46 and

(aq) NAVMED P-117. Minimum requirements are: (1) the Marine’s completion of

DD Form 2807-1 (Report of Medical History), (2) an interview and completion

of DD Form 2808 by an appropriately credentialed medical provider, and (3)

the medical provider’s completion and signature on these and any other

required documents. The separation authority shall review this report and

any post-deployment health assessments for consideration of any medical

issues affecting separation.

b. Medical providers, commanding officers or separation authorities may

direct further health assessments medical evaluation as warranted by the

circumstances of each case.

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6110 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

2. The separation authority for entry-level Marines or Reserve Marines not

on active duty with no history of combat service, or deployment, or service-

related sexual assault will be exempt from reviewing is not required to

review the SHPE final medical evaluation; however, the commanding officer

initiating separation will be required to certify that these Marines had no

combat service or deployment history and were not diagnosed with PTSD, other

mental disorder or TBI, and have not made an allegation of service-related

sexual assault. The SHPE is not required final medical evaluation will also

be exempted in instances where Reserve Marines have a history of combat

service or deployment and are undergoing administrative separation

proceedings, but do not respond to notification and other requirements for

administrative separation.

3. As part of the SHPE a Marine shall receive a mental health medical

evaluation per reference (aj) DoDI 6490.04, to assess whether the effects of

PTSD, other mental disorder or TBI constitute matters in extenuation that

relate to the basis for administrative separation if the Marine had been

previously diagnosed by an appropriately credentialed medical provider such

as a physician, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed clinical social

worker or psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse as experiencing

PTSD, other mental disorder or TBI, or if the Marine had reasonably alleged

the influence of PTSD, other mental disorder or TBI. The commanding officer,

after considering the advice of a medical provider, shall determine if PTSD,

other mental disorder or TBI is reasonably alleged and should be further

evaluated by a more appropriate medical provider. The circumstances that may

have affected PTSD, other mental disorder or TBI include, but are not limited

to, contingency deployments and service related sexual assault, and are not

constrained by any period of time elapsed since the precipitating factor.

a. In a case involving PTSD, the mental health medical evaluation will

be performed by an appropriately credentialed medical provider such as a

physician, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed clinical social

worker, or psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse.

b. In a case involving TBI, the physical examination medical evaluation

may be performed by an appropriately credentialed medical provider such as a

physician, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or other health-care

professional as appropriate.

c. PTSD, other mental disorder or TBI evaluations are not required if

the Marine is being separated pursuant to a sentence of a court-martial or

other UCMJ proceeding (Appendix 2 of reference (cp) MCTIMS (Online) for

Courts-Martial (MCM). However, administrative separation in lieu of court-

martial does not constitute a court-martial or other proceeding conducted

pursuant to Appendix 2 of reference (cp) MCTIMS (Online), and therefore

compliance with this paragraph is required.

d. These health assessments medical evaluations are performed per this

paragraph (6110) and references (ah) DoDI 6040.46, (aj) DoDI 6490.04, and

(aq) NAVMED P--117, and appropriately credentialed medical providers

determine health assessment medical evaluation requirements.

e. A Marine receiving a health assessment medical evaluation in

accordance with this paragraph will not be separated until the result of the

health assessment medical evaluation has been reviewed by appropriate

authorities responsible for evaluating, reviewing, and approving the

separation.

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6110 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

f. PTSD, other mental disorder or TBI evaluations must specifically

include comments on the presence or absence of these conditions and, if

present, the extent to which they affected the Marine’s performance or

conduct judgment and may have been a contributing factor in the basis for

separation. For those cases in which PTSD, other mental disorder or TBI was

determined by an appropriately credentialed medical provider such as a

physician, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed clinical social

worker or psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse to be a contributing

factor to one or more of the bases for separation, the GCMCA’s separation

endorsement shall, in light of an identified PTSD, other mental disorder or

TBI contributing factor, explain the reasons for the respondent’s separation

and characterization of service.

4. If the health assessment medical evaluation results in a diagnosis of

PTSD, other mental disorder, or TBI, and the separation authority determines

it is service related, sufficiently extenuating, mitigating, and possibly a

disability, the separation authority should consider separation processing

for physical disability under Chapter 8 of this Manual.

5. Marines separated under these provisions shall be directed to consult

with a representative from the VA regarding veteran benefits and services

prior to separation with that counseling dated and signed in DD Form 2648,

pre-separation counseling checklist.

6. This policy does not provide an additional procedural basis of appeal or

redress for respondents.

7. See Paragraph 6307 of this Manual for information regarding separation

authority.

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6201 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6201

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

6201. GENERAL. This section lists the reasons a commander may recommend

involuntary administrative separation of a Marine before the Marine’s

expiration of current contract and sets up the necessary administrative rules

for separating a Marine under any of the reasons given.

1. Format. The general bases for separation are identified by the title at

the beginning of major numbered paragraphs. For example, “Convenience of the

Government” is a general basis for separation. Specific bases for separation

are identified in paragraphs under the general bases for separation. For

example, “Parenthood” is a specific basis for separation under the general

basis “Convenience of the Government.” For some general bases such as

“Alcohol Abuse Rehabilitation Failure”, there are no specific bases. Refer

to Section 4 for details on reasons for voluntary separation.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6202 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6202

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

6202. CHANGE IN SERVICE OBLIGATION. Separation authorities may separate

Marines when the CMC directs separation as part of a general demobilization

or reduction in force. Characterize service as honorable, general (under

honorable conditions), or uncharacterized under the rules in Table 6-1.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6203 1 of 7 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6203

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

(x) DoDI 1332.14

(y) DoDI 1332.18

(aj) DoDI 6490.04

(aq) NAVMED P-117

(au) SECNAVINST 1850.4E

(ay) SECNAVINST 5300.30E

(bc) SECNAVINST 6320.24A

(bj) MCO 1040.31

(br) MCO 1306.16F

(cl) MCO P1400.32D W/CH 1-2

6203. CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT. A Marine may be separated for the

convenience of the government for the reasons set forth below. Characterize

service as honorable, general (under honorable conditions), or

uncharacterized under the rules in paragraph 1004 and Table 6-1.

1. Parenthood. Marines are Marines 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Specific duties, assignments, or circumstances, not to mention the

fundamental mission of the Marine Corps, require all Marines, regardless of

marital status, to be responsive to command and Marine Corps needs. When a

Marine's parental responsibilities result in repeated absenteeism, interfere

with a Marine’s effective performance of duty, or preclude present or future

availability for worldwide assignment, separation is required unless the

Marine can resolve the conflict to the commanding officer’s satisfaction.

Before initiating separation action, commanding officers must formally

counsel the Marine per paragraph 6105 concerning specific deficiencies and

give the Marine an opportunity to overcome the noted deficiencies. When the

performance of duty still does not conform to commonly acceptable standards,

follow the procedures in Section 3 of this Chapter.

2. Condition Not a Disability. This basis now includes personality and

other mental disorders. See reference (au) SECNAVINST 1850.4E.

a. Whenever a Marine’s performance deteriorates or has an adverse effect

on others in the unit, commanding officers and subordinate leaders will try

to determine the cause. When the command suspects a physical or mental

condition interferes with the Marine’s effective performance of duty, the

Marine should be referred to the appropriate medical authority. Commanders

must comply with reference (bc) SECNAVINST 6320.24A reference (aj) DoDI

6490.04 when referring a Marine for a mental health evaluation. If

examination by a medical officer confirms that the Marine is suffering from a

physical or mental condition apparently beyond the individual’s control and

indicates that the condition is not a disability, initiate separation

proceedings per paragraph 6303 or 6304 as appropriate. Condition(s) must be

certified by an appropriately privileged medical provider as not ratable by

the PEB.

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6203 2 of 7 Enclosure (1)

b. Service members with conditions that interfere with the performance

of duty, but that are not specifically listed as compensable under the

Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), may be eligible

for involuntary administrative separation under this basis per references (x)

DoDI 1332.14,(y) DoDI 1332.18 and (au) SECNAVINST 1850.4E.

(1) Medical officer health assessments and recommendations for

administrative separation for a condition not constituting a disability must

be endorsed by a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) Convening Authority prior to

delivery to the command. Convening authorities will provide a Convening

Authority Separation Recommendation to the command within five business days

for cases not requiring Flag medical department officer review and that

document will include the appropriate International Statistical

Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) code.

(2) If one or more of the below conditions apply to a Marine,

Convening Authorities will forward the Convening Authority Separation

Recommendation to The Medical Officer/Director of Health Services of the

Marine Corps (TMO) for endorsement and return to the command within 10 days;

(a) personality disorder; (2) greater than four years of service, (3) ever

deployed to an imminent danger pay area; or (4) ever completed or been

flagged to complete a Post Deployment Health Assessment.

b. Certain conditions and defects of a developmental nature designated

by the reference (ba) SECNAVINST 1850.4E do not constitute a physical

disability and are not ratable in the absence of an underlying ratable

causative disorder as determined by appropriate medical providers. These

conditions include, but are not limited to, those listed below.

*(1) Enuresis

*(2) Sleepwalking and/or Somnambulism

*(3) Dyslexia and other learning disorders

*(4) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

*(5) Stammering or stuttering

*(6) Incapacitating fear of flying confirmed by a psychiatric

evaluation

*(7) Airsickness, Motion, and/or Travel Sickness

*(8) Phobic fear of air, sea and submarine modes of transportation

*(9) Certain Mental Disorders including:

*(a) Uncomplicated Alcoholism or other Substance Use Disorder

*(b) Personality Disorders

*(c) Mental Retardation

*(d) Adjustment Disorders (except Chronic Adjustment Disorders

which are a ratable disability effective 10 April 2013)

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6203 3 of 7 Enclosure (1)

*(e) Impulse Control Disorders

*(f) Sexual Gender and Identity Disorders and Paraphilias

*(g) Sexual Dysfunction

*(h) Factitious Disorder

*(10) Obesity

*(11) Overheight

*(12) Psuedofolliculitis barbae of the face and/or neck

*(13) Medical contraindication to the administration of required

immunizations

*(14) Significant allergic reaction to stinging insect venom

*(15) Unsanitary habits

*(16) Certain Anemias (in the absence of unfitting sequelae)

including Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD), other

inherited Anemia Trait, and Von Willebrand’s Disease.

*(17) Allergy to uniformed clothing or wool

*(18) Long sleeper syndrome

*(19) Hyperlipidemia

c. Some conditions may warrant that the Marine be provided a reasonable

opportunity to correct any performance deficiencies prior to the initiation

of administrative separation; and commanding officers, with the advice of

appropriate medical providers, will make these determinations. In such

cases, paragraph 6105 requires counseling and a reasonable opportunity to

correct deficiencies, and failure to take corrective action must be

documented. The opportunity to correct deficiencies need not extend for a

protracted observation period. At any time after formal counseling, Marines

repeating or continuing behaviors that interfere with the performance of

their duties or disrupt the good order and discipline of their unit may be

processed for administrative separation. Separation under this basis

requires written notification per paragraph 6303 or 6304, as appropriate, and

that the Marine’s condition does not qualify as a disability.

d. Marines who have been found fit by the PEB may not later be

involuntarily administratively separated under this basis for the same

medical condition(s) for which they were found fit without approval from the

Secretary of Defense.

e. Characterization of service is honorable unless the separation is an

entry-level separation or general, under honorable conditions of service is

warranted. Use SPD codes for condition not a disability and assign re-

enlistment code RE-3P for this basis of separation. The command will retain

a copy of the convening authority medical recommendation for separation with

other separation documents as required in unit files and forward a copy of

all required separation documents to MMRP-10 for inclusion in the OMPF.

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1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6203 4 of 7 Enclosure (1)

f. Additional Requirements for Personality and Other Mental Disorders

(1) Before initiating separation, the command must have counseled the

Marine per paragraph 6105; given the Marine a reasonable opportunity to

correct deficiencies; and have documentation of failure to correct those

deficiencies. The opportunity to correct deficiencies need not extend for a

protracted observation period. At any time after formal counseling, Marines

repeating or continuing behaviors that interfere with the performance of

their duties or disrupt the good order and discipline of their unit may be

processed for administrative separation.

(2) Written nonmedical evidence must be submitted to show specific

examples of how the Marine is unable to function in the Marine Corps. These

may be counseling entries on page 11 of the SRB/ESR or statements from

witnesses.

(3) The diagnosis will address PTSD, other mental illness and TBI

comorbidity. Unless found fit by the disability evaluation system, a

separation for personality or other mental disorder is not authorized if

service-related PTSD or TBI is also diagnosed.

3. Reserved for Future Use Personality Disorder.

*a. Basis for processing. Separation under this paragraph is authorized

only if, due to personality disorder (PD), the Marine’s ability to function

effectively in the military environment is significantly impaired and if no

other basis for separation applies. For example, if separation can be based

on another basis, including another basis under convenience of the

government, misconduct, or unsatisfactory performance, use one of those

bases. Initiate separation proceedings per paragraph 6303 or 6304 as

appropriate.

*b. Counseling. Before initiating separation, the command must have

counseled the Marine in accordance with paragraph 6105; given the Marine a

reasonable opportunity to correct deficiencies; and have documentation of

failure to correct those deficiencies. The opportunity to correct

deficiencies need not extend for a protracted observation period. At any

time after formal counseling, Marines repeating or continuing behaviors that

interfere with the performance of their duties or disrupt the good order and

discipline of their unit may be processed for administrative separation.

*c. Documentation. PD separation documentation requirements are as

follows:

*(1) Commanders must comply with reference (bb) SECNAVINST 6320.24A

and reference (bc) DoDI 6490.04 when referring a Marine to a mental health

evaluation. Diagnosis must be made by a psychiatrist or Ph.D.-level

psychologist.

*(2) Per reference (p), Article 15-23 of the MANMED, the diagnosis

must include a statement from the psychiatrist or Ph.D.-level psychologist

that the Marine’s disorder is so severe that the Marine’s ability to function

effectively in the military environment is significantly impaired. Written

nonmedical evidence must be submitted to show specific examples of how the

Marine is unable to function in the Marine Corps. These can be counseling

entries on page 11 of the SRB/ESR or statements from witnesses.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6203 5 of 7 Enclosure (1)

*(3) Separation under this basis requires written notification per

paragraph 6303 or 6304, as appropriate, and that the Marine’s condition does

not qualify as a naval service disability.

*(4) Diagnosis must be corroborated by a peer psychiatrist or Ph.D.-

level psychologist or higher level mental health professional.

*(5) Diagnosis must address PTSD, TBI, or other mental illness co-

morbidity. Unless found Fit by the disability evaluation system, a

separation for personality disorder is not authorized if service-related PTSD

is also diagnosed.

*(6) Diagnosis must be endorsed by the Regional Naval Medical

Commander.

*(7) Separation solely for PD warrants a re-enlistment code of 3P.

*(8) Characterization of service is honorable unless the separation is

an entry-level separation or a general, under honorable conditions

characterization of service is warranted.

*d. The separation authority’s endorsement will include the following

paragraph. “All requirements in MCO 1900.16, paragraph 6203.3, Personality

Disorder Administrative Separation, have been completed and documented in the

attached case file.”

4. Action in lieu of approved punitive discharge. A Marine may be separated

if placed on appellate leave pursuant to reference (c) Title 10 U.S.C.

Sections 706 and 876a, and whose punitive discharge is set aside, suspended,

remitted, or disapproved during the review process. In this case, separation

processing must be based upon an applicable provision of this Chapter and may

proceed without the Marine being present. The Marine, however, must have

been notified of the separation processing prior to beginning appellate

leave, or be afforded the rights under paragraph 6303 or 6304, as

appropriate, and either waive those rights or fail to respond within 30 days

of receipt of notification of separation proceedings. Further, the

characterization limitations of paragraph 6203 do not apply and

characterization will be based upon the guidelines contained in paragraph

1004.

5. Disenrolled Involuntarily from Officer Candidate Program. A member may

be separated after being involuntarily disenrolled from an officer candidate

program under conditions in which the candidate did not incur, or does not

have, any remaining service obligation. (For voluntary disenrollment, see

paragraph 6411).

6. Failure or Disenrollment From Lateral School Seat Assignment. A Marine

who reenlisted under reference (bj) MCO 1040.31, Lateral Move Program, may

be separated for failure to comply with an express condition of

enlistment/reenlistment; e.g., after failing, or being voluntarily or

involuntarily disenrolled from, an MOS school/OJT under conditions not

resulting in a service obligation to the Marine.

7. Refusal of Medical Treatment

a. A Marine may be separated for refusing medical treatment if that

refusal interferes with duty. The commander must determine if the refusal is

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6203 6 of 7 Enclosure (1)

“reasonable” or “unreasonable” and warrants separation based upon the

situation and the following considerations.

b. Medical, In accordance with reference (p), Navy Medical Publication

P-117, The Manual of the Medical Department (MANMED), article 18-22, states

that medical, dental, and surgical treatment will not be performed on a

mentally competent Marine who does not consent to the recommended procedure.

When a Marine refuses medical treatment, a medical evaluation board must be

convened per reference (aw) NAVMED P-117 (MANMED), and the results forwarded

to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). See Chapter 8 regarding the medical

board and PEB process. The PEB will make a determination of “reasonable” or

“unreasonable” refusal of medical treatment according to reference (au)

SECNAVINST 1850.4E, paragraph 3413. A medical evaluation board and PEB

action are necessary because a determination of unreasonable refusal and

intentional misconduct/willful neglect will result in denial of VA and Social

Security Administration medical treatment for the Marine in the future.

c. If the refusal of medical treatment is determined to be reasonable,

the Marine may still be separated at the commander’s discretion per this

Manual. If unsatisfactory performance of duty or misconduct are not

considerations, separation for physical condition not a disability may be

appropriate with the assignment of reenlistment codes RE-3P or RE-3C.

d. If the PEB determines that the refusal of medical treatment was

“unreasonable” or provides a finding of intentional misconduct/willful

neglect, the commander may consider the following:

(1) Administrative separation for unsatisfactory performance per

paragraph 6206 or misconduct per paragraph 6210.

(2) Administrative reduction. See reference (cl) MCO P1400.32D W/CH

1-2, regarding non-punitive reductions relating to professional incompetence

and competency review boards.

(3) Characterization of Service. If a finding of intentional

misconduct/willful neglect or other negative aspects of a Marine’s

performance outweigh positive aspects of performance, to include proficiency

and conduct average markings, and administrative separation is warranted, the

least favorable characterization of service is general (under honorable

conditions).

e. Refusing Inoculations. Marines are required to submit to required

immunizations according to reference (ao) United States Navy Regulations 1990

W/CH 1 Article 1144. The medical evaluation board and PEB procedures

described in paragraph 6203.7b are not required for Marines refusing

inoculations. Disciplinary action and separation for orders violations may

be appropriate based upon the commander’s decision.

f. Separation processing may not be initiated until the Marine has been

counseled and allowed an opportunity to correct the deficiency per paragraph

6105. If a Marine is separated for “unreasonable” refusal of medical

treatment, the following items must be included as part of the written

notification requirements of paragraph 6303 or 6304 as appropriate:

(1) A reenlistment code of RE-4, not recommended for reenlistment,

will be assigned and the Marine will be discharged and not transferred or

eligible for service in the IRR.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6203 7 of 7 Enclosure (1)

(2) A finding of intentional misconduct/willful neglect requires the

following notifications:

(a) Assignment of separation code _____ (basis determined).

(b) The Marine is not disabled and the condition did not occur in

the line of duty.

(c) The VA and the Social Security Administration may deny future

medical benefits for this condition.

(3) The Marine’s condition does not qualify as a naval service

disability.

8. Physical Standards. Marines may be involuntarily administratively

separated under the convenience of the government basis of additional

grounds, for failure to meet or attain minimum standards required for a

military occupational specialty (MOS). Examples include failing to meet

physical readiness requirements for MOS performance standards and deployment,

combat fitness test, physical fitness test, etc. This basis may be used when

failure to meet the standard results from personal limitations, lack of

motivation, or lack of suitability caused by conditions or circumstances not

ratable by the PEB and not covered by a more specific or appropriate

discharge category. Use SPD code GFT, HFT, and JFT as appropriate, and the

narrative reason for separation shall be Physical Standards for these types

of discharges. Prior to involuntary administrative separation under this

basis, consideration must be given to the potential for conversion to a

specialty that would enable the Marine to continue service vice separation.

This may be an appropriate basis when paragraph 6203.2, condition not a

disability, is not warranted. Separation under this basis requires written

notification per paragraph 6303 or 6304, as appropriate, and that the

Marine’s condition does not qualify as a naval service disability. See

paragraph 6106.1d for limitations on administrative separation for the same

medical condition(s) for which a Marine was found fit by the PEB.

9. Conscientious Objection. A Marine may be separated per reference (br)

MCO 1306.16F.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6204 1 of 3 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6204

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

(bo) MCO 1130.76D

6204. DEFECTIVE ENLISTMENT AND INDUCTION. Marines may be separated for the

following specific reasons:

1. Minority

a. If a Marine is under age 17, the enlistment is void and the Marine

shall be separated. The Marine shall receive an order of release from the

custody and control of the Marine Corps. There is no characterization or

description of service. The separation will be an entry-level separation.

The separation authority is the general court martial convening authority.

b. A Marine who is age 17 shall be separated under the following

circumstances unless retained for the purpose of trial by court-martial.

(1) There is evidence that the Marine is under age 18.

(2) The Marine enlisted without the written consent of the Marine’s

parent or guardian.

(3) An application for the Marine’s separation is submitted to the

CMC by the parent or guardian within 90 days of the Marine’s enlistment.

c. The Marine will be given an entry-level separation.

d. The notification procedures in paragraph 6303 shall be used.

2. Erroneous Enlistment/Reenlistment

a. A Marine may be separated on the basis of an erroneous enlistment,

induction, reenlistment, or extension of enlistment in the following

circumstances, if:

(1) The action would not have occurred had the relevant facts been

known by the Marine Corps or had appropriate directives been followed;

(2) The action was not the result of fraudulent conduct on the part

of the Marine; and,

(3) The defect is unchanged in material respects.

b. Any case brought to a commander’s attention which purports to be of

this nature shall be investigated and a complete report included in the

Marine’s service record book.

c. Service is characterized as honorable, or uncharacterized per Table

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6204 2 of 3 Enclosure (1)

6-1. Initiate separation proceedings following the procedures in paragraph

6303 or 6304 as appropriate.

d. The separation authority is the GCMCA. If an individual has

already sworn in, but fails to ship, or is determined to be ineligible for

enlistment and has not yet reported to a Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD),

the Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) is the

discharge authority.

e. For individuals in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) being separated

because of ineligibility for enlistment, the poolee shall be notified of the

proposed separation and the reasons. The poolee shall be given the

opportunity to submit to the separation authority a statement in rebuttal by

a specified date (not less than 30 days from the date of delivery). The

notice should be delivered personally or sent by certified mail, return

receipt requested (or by an equivalent form of notice if such service is not

available at an address outside the United States). If the poolee fails to

acknowledge receipt of notice, the individual who mails the notification

shall prepare a sworn affidavit of service by mail that shall be inserted in

the poolee’s residual record along with Postal Service Form 3800. An

individual is ineligible for enlistment when he/she:

(1) No longer meets the number of dependents’ criteria; or,

(2) No longer meets physical or mental qualifications; or,

(3) Unfavorable ENTNAC/NAC investigation or unfavorable police record

is completed subsequent to entry into the DEP; or,

(4) Adverse security screening occurs; or,

(5) Identified as a drug user or alcohol abuser.

3. Fraudulent Entry into the Marine Corps

a. Marines who procure a fraudulent enlistment, reenlistment, induction,

or period of active service will be processed for separation unless the fraud

is waived or the fraud no longer exists. An enlistment, induction, or period

of service is fraudulent when there has been deliberate material

misrepresentation, including the omission or concealment of facts which, if

known at the time, would have reasonably been expected to preclude, postpone,

or otherwise affect the Marine’s eligibility for enlistment or induction.

b. The separation authority may waive the Marine’s fraud and authorize

retention provided the existing defect could have been waived by the

commanding general of a recruit depot, or lower authority, during the initial

enlistment processing. If the defect could not have been waived by a

commanding general of a recruit depot, the case must be sent to the CG, MCRC

(ENLRCTG), if the separation authority desires to retain the Marine. See

reference (bo) MCO 1130.76D, to identify cases where only the CMC may

authorize retention.

c. Refer to reference (bo) MCO 1130.76D, for the retention authority the

commanding generals of the recruit depots may exercise. When a fraudulent

enlistment waiver is granted, an appropriate administrative entry, citing the

waiver letter, will be made in block 37 of the DD Form 1966 (Application for

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6204 3 of 3 Enclosure (1)

Enlistment). Recruits whose waiver requests are disapproved will be

discharged per this Chapter.

d. Characterization of service under other than honorable conditions may

only be issued when the fraud involves concealment of a prior separation in

which service was not characterized as honorable (the administrative board

procedure of paragraph 6304 must be used if characterization under other than

honorable conditions is desired). In all other cases, the notification

procedure of 6303 will be used and service will be characterized as

honorable, general (under honorable conditions), or uncharacterized. If the

material misrepresentation included personality disorder, the GCMCA will

weigh the evidence and determine the characterization of discharge. See

Table 6-1 for characterization limitations.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6205 1 of 2 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6205

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

6205. ENTRY-LEVEL PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT

1. A member may be separated while in an entry-level status if unqualified

for further service by reason of entry-level performance and/or conduct, as

evidenced by incapability, lack of reasonable effort, failure to adapt to the

Marine Corps environment, or minor disciplinary infractions.

2. When separation in an entry-level status is warranted by unsatisfactory

performance and/or minor disciplinary infractions, the member normally should

be separated under this paragraph; however, nothing cited in this paragraph

precludes separation under another provision of this Manual.

3. A Marine with broken service may be separated while in indoctrination or

military occupational school training for failure to satisfactorily complete

such training. When separation of a recruit for failure to satisfactorily

complete indoctrination training is warranted, the recruit should normally be

separated under this paragraph. Nothing cited in this paragraph, however,

precludes separation for another reason listed in this Manual.

4. Separation processing may not be initiated until the member has been

counseled per paragraph 6105 concerning deficiencies and has been afforded a

reasonable opportunity to overcome those deficiencies as reflected in

appropriate counseling and personnel records. This requirement is

particularly important because military service is a calling different from

any civilian occupation. A member should not be separated when this is the

sole reason unless there have been efforts at rehabilitation. Such efforts

must include the following and be documented in the member’s service record:

a. Written notification concerning deficiencies or impairments;

b. Specific recommendations for corrective action, indicating any

assistance available;

c. Comprehensive explanation of the consequences of failure to

successfully take the recommended corrective action; and,

d. Reasonable opportunity for the Marine to take the recommended

corrective action.

5. The discharge will be uncharacterized.

6. Follow the procedures of paragraph 6303.

7. Commanding officers of Marine Corps Districts may discharge Reservists

who are members of the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) or members of the Selected

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6205 2 of 2 Enclosure (1)

Marine Corps Reserve awaiting initial active duty for training under this

provision. Separation will be uncharacterized.

8. Within the parameters of “Entry-level Status” established in paragraph

1002, all personnel administratively separated from recruit training will be

processed under this reason except in those limited cases where processing

under a more serious basis is appropriate and where characterization of

service under other than honorable conditions upon discharge is warranted.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6206 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6206

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

6206. UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE. A Marine may be separated if the Marine

is unqualified for further service by reason of unsatisfactory performance.

1. Unsatisfactory performance is characterized by:

a. Performance of assigned tasks and duties in a manner that does not

contribute to unit readiness and/or mission accomplishment, as documented in

the service record; or

b. Failure to maintain required proficiency in grade, as demonstrated by

below average proficiency/conduct numerical marks or adverse fitness report

markings or comments accumulated in the Performance Evaluation System.

2. This basis for separation will not be used for separation of a member in

entry-level status.

3. Separation processing may not be initiated until the Marine has been

counseled per paragraph 6105. If the Marine does not respond to counseling,

commanders may initiate separation following the procedures in paragraph 6303

or 6304 as appropriate. Do not make arbitrary or capricious use of this

authority to force the separation of Marines who possess the potential to be

rehabilitated under the guidelines of paragraph 6105.

4. Characterization will be honorable or general (under honorable

conditions) per Table 6-1.

5. A Marine may be separated for unsatisfactory performance as follows:

a. Unsanitary Habits. The term “unsanitary habits” includes, but is not

limited to, the repeated occurrence of venereal disease infections during the

Marine’s current enlistment or period of service.

b. Unsatisfactory Performance of Duties. A Marine may be separated when

it is determined the Marine is unqualified for further service by reason of

unsatisfactory performance, as defined in paragraph 6206.1. A Marine may

also be separated under this basis for failure to conform to weight and/or

body composition standards as a result of apathy or a lack of self-

discipline.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 6207 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6207

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: None

6207. RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE.

MCO

1900.16

26 Nov 2013

Para 6208 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6208

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: None

6208. RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6209 1 of 1 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6209

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

Reference: (x) DoDI 1332.14

(cb) MCO 5300.17A

6209. ALCOHOL-ABUSE REHABILITATION FAILURE

1. Commanders shall process Marines for administrative separation in the

following circumstances:

a. Any Marine who has been referred to a program of rehabilitation for

alcohol abuse who fails through inability or refusal to participate in,

cooperate in, or successfully complete such a program, and who demonstrates a

lack of potential for continued naval service; or

b. Any Marine who through inability or refusal refuses, fails to

participate in, cooperate in, or does not successfully complete a prescribed

alcohol-abuse or dependency treatment/aftercare program, and or is deemed a

treatment failure by a credentialed and privileged physician or psychologist;

or

c. Any Marine who incurs a subsequent alcohol-related incident after

entering a prescribed alcohol-abuse or dependency treatment/aftercare program

precipitated by a prior alcohol-related incident; or

d. When long-term rehabilitation has been determined necessary, any

Marine who has been transferred to a civilian medical facility for

rehabilitation.

2. Initiate separation proceedings following the procedures in paragraph

6303 or 6304 as appropriate.

3. Characterization is honorable, general (under honorable conditions), or

uncharacterized per Table 6-1.

4. Nothing in this paragraph precludes separation under other provisions in

this Manual. See reference (cb) MCO 5300.17A , for further information.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6210 1 of 9 Enclosure (1)

MARCORSEPMAN 1900.16-6210

ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS

Responsible Office: MMSR-2

Phone: Comm: (703) 784-9322/9323

DSN: 278-9322/9323

References: (v) DoDI 1325.07

(x) DoDI 1332.14

(am) Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)

(ap) JAGINST 5800.7F

(ax) SECNAVINST 5300.28E

(bw) MCO 1752.5B

(cb) MCO 5300.17A

(cc) MCO 5354.1E W/Admin CH

(cl) MCO P1400.32D W/CH 1-2

6210. MISCONDUCT

1. Whenever a Marine is involved in misconduct, as described in the

following paragraphs, commanders shall process the Marine for separation

unless rehabilitation and retention are warranted under the guidelines in

paragraph 6105. Characterization of service normally shall be under other

than honorable conditions, but characterization as general (under honorable

conditions) may be warranted in some circumstances. For Marines who have

completed entry-level status, characterization of service as honorable is not

authorized unless the Marine’s record is otherwise so meritorious that any

other characterization clearly would be inappropriate and the separation is

approved by the GCMCA. When characterization of service under other than

honorable conditions is not warranted for a Marine in entry-level status, the

separation shall be uncharacterized. Separation processing for a series of

minor disciplinary infractions or a pattern of misconduct may not be

initiated until the Marine has been counseled per the guidelines for

counseling in paragraph 6105. Counseling per paragraph 6105 and

rehabilitation are not required if the basis of separation is commission of a

serious offense, a civilian conviction or a similar juvenile adjudication, or

drug abuse. Process per provisions of paragraph 6303 or 6304 as appropriate.

Actions on related misconduct separations:

a. Misconduct involving a fraudulent entry shall be processed under

paragraph 6204.3;

b. Offenses involving drug abuse shall be processed for separation by

reason of the appropriate drug abuse offense in paragraph 6210.5, as well as

other applicable reasons in this Manual;

c. See reference (cl) MCO P1400.32D W/CH 1-2, regarding non-punitive

reductions relating to professional incompetence and competency review

boards; and

d. Sexual misconduct based discharges shall be processed under

paragraphs 6210.6 or 6210.7.

e. Any court-martial conviction or civilian conviction (or ruling

tantamount to a finding of guilty by a civilian court) is binding on an

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6210 2 of 9 Enclosure (1)

administrative board. A conviction from a court of a foreign nation,

however, is not binding on an administrative board.

2. Minor Disciplinary Infractions. A Marine may be separated when there is,

in his or her service record book, a documented series of at least THREE

minor disciplinary infractions, during the current enlistment or extension

thereof, of a nature which have been or would have been appropriately

disciplined under Article 15, UCMJ (nonjudicial punishment). When multiple

offenses have been the subject of one nonjudicial punishment, they remain

separate offenses for the purpose of determining eligibility for processing

under this paragraph. If separation of a member in entry-level status is

warranted solely by reason of minor disciplinary infractions, the processing

should be under Entry-level Performance and Conduct. Separation processing

may not be initiated until the Marine has been counseled per paragraph 6105.

The notification procedure contained in paragraph 6303 may be used if

characterization of service under other than honorable conditions is not

warranted and if the Marine has less than six years of total military

service, including inactive-service in the Ready Reserve as a poolee in the

Delayed Entry Program.

3. A Pattern of Misconduct

a. A minimum of TWO incidents occurring within one enlistment is

required. Misconduct occurring in an extension of an enlistment is

considered to be within one enlistment. The infractions may be minor or more

serious. There must be discreditable involvement with civil or military

authorities or conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline. The

misconduct need not have been the subject of nonjudicial punishment or

military or civilian conviction. Such incidents include, but are not limited

to, an established pattern of minor unauthorized absences; an established

pattern of dishonorable failure to pay just debts; or an established pattern

of dishonorable failure to contribute adequate support to family members or

comply with orders, decrees, or judgments of a civil court concerning support

of family members; or an established pattern of child abuse or domestic,

intimate partner, and immediate family member abuse. The incidents of

misconduct do not have to be of the same nature. Separation authorities do

not have to wait for a second incident of misconduct to begin processing for

administrative separation if another basis is sufficient.

b. Separation processing may not be initiated until the Marine has been

counseled per paragraph 6105. The notification procedure contained in

paragraph 6303 may be used if characterization of service under other than

honorable conditions is not warranted and if the Marine has less than six

years of total military service, including inactive-service in the Ready

Reserve as a poolee in the Delayed Entry Program.

4. Sexual Misconduct

a. Sex Offender. “Sex Offense” is not a specific basis for discharge.

Marines who are convicted of a sex offense under the guidelines of the Sex

Offender Registration and Notification Act, whether in a civilian criminal

court or court-martial, and in the case of a court-martial conviction, if not

punitively discharged, shall be processed for separation under paragraph

6210.6 or 6210.7, as appropriate.

b. Sexual misconduct includes conduct that could form the basis for a

violation of the following Articles of the UCMJ and result in sex offender

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6210 3 of 9 Enclosure (1)

processing per reference (v) DoDI 1325.07 appendix 4 to enclosure (2).

Additionally, any offense alleged as sexual misconduct must have been in

effect at the time the underlying conduct occurred. On and after 1 January

2019, sexual misconduct also includes:

Pre- 1 January 2019

On and After 1 January 2019

(1) Article 120 – Rape and sexual

assault generally

No change

(a) Rape

(b) Sexual assault

(c) Aggravated sexual contact

(d) Abusive sexual contact.

(2) Article 120b – Rape and sexual

assault of a child

(a) Rape of a child

(b) Sexual assault of a child

(c) Sexual abuse of a child

(3) Article 120c – Other sexual

misconduct

(a) Indecent viewing, visual

recording, or broadcasting

(b) Forcible pandering

(c) Indecent exposure

(4) Article 125 – Forcible sodomy

(5) Article 130 - Housebreaking

(6) Article 133 – Conduct

Unbecoming an Officer

(7) Article 134 – Prostitution,

Assault with Intent to Commit

Sodomy, Kidnapping of a Minor,

conduct Prejudicial to Good Order

and Discipline, Possession of

Child Pornography, Possession of

Child Pornography with Intent to

distribute, Distribution of Child

Pornography, Production of Child

Pornography

(8) Article 80 – Attemps (to

commit any of the offenses listed

in subparagraphs (1) through (6)

No change

Article 125 – Kidnapping a minor

Article 130 – Stalking involving fear of

sexual assault

No change

Article 134 –

- Child Pornography

- Possessing, receiving, or viewing

child pornography

- Possession of child pornography

with intent to distribute

- Distributing of child pornography

- Producing child pornography

- Extramarital sexual conduct

- Indecent conduct with a minor

- Pandering and prostitution

No change

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6210 4 of 9 Enclosure (1)

(9) Article 81 – Conspiracy (to

commit any of the offenses listed

in subparagraphs (1) through (6)

(10) Article 82 – Solicitation (to

commit any of the offenses listed

in subparagraphs (1) through (6)

No change

c. Processing for administrative separation is mandatory following the

first substantiated incident, or substantiated attempted incident, of sexual

misconduct, as determined by the Sexual Assault-Initial Disposition Authority

(SA-IDA) or higher. Only the SA-IDA or higher can decide that processing

under this paragraph is an appropriate disposition. This authority may not

be further delegated. The decision to initiate processing must be documented

per reference (bw) MCO 1752.5B. This paragraph is not intended to preclude

disciplinary action including trial by court-martial when appropriate.

d. An incident, or attempted incident, is considered substantiated when

there has been a court-martial conviction, civilian court conviction,

nonjudicial punishment, or when a commander determines, based on a

preponderance of the evidence, that an incident or attempted incident of

sexual misconduct has occurred. See paragraph 6106 for limitations on

separation action.

e. Substantiated incidents of sexual misconduct or attempted sexual

misconduct may constitute both a basis for administrative separation

processing and a violation of the UCMJ. The SA-IDA should wait until the

completion of all criminal investigations until determining the appropriate

disposition.

f. Investigation

(1) Reporting Requirement. See enclosure (1), Chapter 4 of reference

(bw) MCO 1752.5B, for reporting and military criminal investigative

organization investigative requirements.

(2) No preliminary inquiry pursuant to reference (am) Manual for

Courts-Martial (MCM), or administrative investigation pursuant to reference

(ap) JAGINST 5800.7F, shall be conducted until the commander has contacted

the staff judge advocate and the appropriate military criminal investigative

organization.

g. Procedures

(1) The basis for separation shall be under paragraph 6210.6

(Commission of a Serious Offense) or 6210.7 (Civilian Conviction), as

applicable. Counseling per paragraph 6105 is not required for processing a

Marine for separation under this paragraph.

(2) The procedures contained in paragraph 6304 shall be used when

separating a Marine when any part of the basis for separation includes a

substantiated incident of sexual misconduct.

(3) The administrative separation board recorder, in all cases of

substantiated incidents of sexual misconduct or attempted incidents of sexual

misconduct, must be a judge advocate certified under Article 27(b), UCMJ.

MCO

1900.16 CH 2

15 FEB 2019

Para 6210 5 of 9 Enclosure (1)

5. Drug Abuse

a. Commanders shall process Marines for administrative separation for