DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
 NAVAL DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD (NDRB)
                     DISCHARGE REVIEW
                   DECISIONAL DOCUMENT

 ex-OS2, USN
Docket No. ND00-00836

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 000614, requested that the reason for the discharge be changed.  The applicant requested a documentary record discharge review.  The applicant did not list any representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 010125.  After a thorough review of the records, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, NDRB discerned no impropriety or inequity in the reason for the applicant’s discharge.  The Board’s vote was three to two that the reason for the discharge shall not change.  The discharge shall remain:  HONORABLE /MISCONDUCT, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues (verbatim)

1.  Board, Please reconsider the narrative #28, I feel based on my service record it is unfair.  Please reconsider my military career I was always dedicated.  My continuing weight problems I understood the navy policy, but the UCMJ for the check writing incident (that my wife committed) was not warranted, and these two reasons I feel not warranted for narrative #28.

2.  My family is struggling now and because of narrative I can not receive VA Benefits or obtain a Government Job to work towards a retirement.  I have 7 children and I would like to be able to take care of my family and continue to support the military in my city, hoping my children follow in my footstep. "Go Navy" again, please reconsider.

Documentation

In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the applicant, was considered:

Copy of DD Form 214

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge):

	Active:   USN			840710 - 870708	HON
	Inactive: USNR 		840305 - 840709	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  930312		Date of Discharge:  960220

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    02  11  09
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  27			Years Contracted:  5 

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  38

Highest Rate:  RM2

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  3.76 (5)	Behavior:  3.60 (5)		OTA:  3.55

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  SASM, AFEM, SSDR, GCA, CGSOR (2ND), BATTLE"E", NDSM	 

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None 

Character, Narrative Reason, and Authority of Discharge (at time of issuance):

HONORABLE/MISCONDUCT, authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

930312:	Reenlisted at NAVSPASUR DAHLGREEN, VA for 5 years.

	
941029:	Retention Warning:  Advised of deficiency (Financial indebtedness), notified of corrective actions and assistance available, advised of consequences of further deficiencies, and issued discharge warning.

951026:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 134 (3 specs): Check, Worthless, by dishonorably failing to maintain funds.
	Award:  Reduction to E-4 (suspended for 6 months).  No indication of appeal in the record.

951206:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable due to the commission of a serious offense as evidenced by your NJP conviction for violation of UCMJ Article 134 of 951026 and for weight control failure as evidenced by failure as evidenced by failure to achieve prescribed physical readiness standards as outlined in OPNAVINST 6110.1 (Physical Readiness Program).

951211:  	Applicant advised of his rights and having consulted with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to appear before an Administrative Discharge Board.

951212:	An Administrative Discharge Board, based upon a preponderance of the evidence and by a vote of 2 to 1 found that the applicant did commit misconduct due to commission of a serious offense and did fail to meet weight standard, the board specifically finds by a preponderance of the evidence member failed to honor all debts and member failed to meet weight standards for six years.  As to each allegation set forth in the notice of proposed separation, the board finds that all allegations are supported by a preponderance of evidence.  Specifically, that the findings do warrant separation for commission of a serious offense and separation for weight control failure.

960117:	Officer in Charge, Military Department, USNS SAN DIEGO (T-AFS 6) recommended discharge honorable by reason of misconduct due to the commission of a serious offense as evidenced by your NJP conviction for violation of UCMJ Article 134 of 951026 and for weight control failure as evidenced by failure as evidenced by failure to achieve prescribed physical readiness standards as outlined in OPNAVINST 6110.1 (Physical Readiness Program).  Commanding officer’s comments (verbatim):  Forwarded, highly recommending immediate approval of the Administration Board’s proposal to honorably discharge OS2 ____(applicant). OS2 ____(applicant) has repeatedly failed to meet PRT standards and to honor debts.  As noted by OS 2 ____(applicant’s) testimony, his family problems require long term rehabilitation which excludes OS2 ____(applicant) from sea duty.  OS2 ____ is not worldwide assignable and continues to be an administrative burden for USNS SAN DIEGO.

960207:	BUPERS directed the applicant's discharge honorable by reason of misconduct due to the commission of a serious offense.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT 
REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 960220 honorable for misconduct due to commission of a serious offense (A and B).  The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (C).  After a thorough review of the records, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, the Board found that the discharge was proper and equitable (D and E).

In response to applicant’s issue 1, the Board found that, even thought the applicant’s service record was commendable, it does not mitigate the violation of the UCMJ for which the applicant was charged.  Even though the applicant’s wife may be the individual who wrote the worthless checks, the applicant is still responsible for those actions since it was the applicant’s account.  The applicant must still be held accountable for that offense and is fortunate to have received an honorable characterization of discharge.  A change in the reason for discharge is not warranted.

In response to applicant’s issue 2, the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is a separate agency that makes its own determinations on VA eligibility.  There is no requirement or law that grants recharacterization based solely on the issue of obtaining veteran's benefits. The Board reminds the applicant that he does have an honorable discharge from his first period of enlistment which could be used to obtain benefits.  The Board encourages the applicant to contact his nearest DVA Regional Office for further information regarding his VA eligibility.  This is not an issue for which the Board will grant relief.  

The following is provided for the applicant’s edification.  There is no law or regulation that provides for the upgrade of an unfavorable discharge based solely on the passage of time or good conduct in the civilian life subsequent to leaving the Service.  However, the Board is authorized to consider post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge (E).  Those factors include, but are not limited to, the following:  evidence of continuing educational pursuits (transcripts, diplomas, degrees, vocational-technical certificates), a verifiable employment record (Letter of Recommendation from boss), documentation of community service (letter from the activity/community group) and certification of non-involvement with civil authorities (police records check) in order for consideration for clemency based on post-service conduct.  At this time, the applicant has not provided any documentation of good character and conduct.  Therefore no relief will be granted.  The applicant is encouraged to continue with his pursuits and is reminded that he is eligible for a personal appearance hearing provided the application is received within 15-years from the date of discharge. 

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), Change 9, effective 
22 Jul 94 until 02 Oct 96, Article 3630600, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED PERSONNEL BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT – COMMISSION OF A SERIOUS OFFENSE.

B.  Under the Manual for Courts-Martial, a punitive discharge is authorized for violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 134, for checks, worthless, by dishonorably failing to maintain funds, if adjudged at a Special or General Court-Martial.

C.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 2, AUTHORITY/POLICY FOR DEPARTMENTAL DISCHARGE REVIEW.  

D.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 9, paragraph 9.2, PROPRIETY OF THE DISCHARGE.

E.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 9, paragraph 9.3, EQUITY OF THE DISCHARGE.

PART IV - INFORMATION FOR THE APPLICANT

If you believe that the decision in your case is unclear, not responsive to the issues you raised, or does not otherwise comport with the decisional document requirements of DoD Directive 1332.28, you may submit a complaint in accordance with Enclosure (5) of that Directive.  You should read Enclosure (5) of the Directive before submitting such a complaint.  The complaint procedure does not permit a challenge of the merits of the decision; it is designed solely to ensure that the decisional documents meet applicable requirements for clarity and responsiveness. You may view DoD Directive 1332.28 and other Decisional Documents by going online at "afls14.jag.af.mil".

The names, and votes of the members of the Board are recorded on the original of this document and may be obtained from the service records by writing to:

		Naval Council of Personnel Boards
		Attn:  Naval Discharge Review Board
		720 Kennon Street SE Rm 309
		Washington Navy Yard DC  20374-5023	 

RECORD OF VOTE

BOARD MEMBER			CHARACTER		BASIS/REASON 

D. STOVER-KENDRICK		Relief not warranted		 Relief warranted
COL, USMC, Presiding Officer

W. BURKE, Jr., CDR, USN		 Relief not warranted             Relief not warranted
Member

C. BUCHHEISTER, LCDR, USN    Relief not warranted	           Relief not warranted
Member

P.A. HAYES, LCDR, USN             Relief not warranted	           Relief not warranted
Member

L.J.  NEVEL, LT, USN		 Relief not warranted		Relief warranted
Recorder

A.  The Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C, Change 9, effective 22 Jul 94 until 02 Oct 96),  Article 3630600, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED PERSONNEL BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT, states:

1.  A member may be separated for misconduct by reason of one or more of the following circumstances:

a.  Misconduct Due to Minor Disciplinary Infractions.  A series of at least three but not more than eight minor violations (e.g. specifications) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) (none that could result in a punitive discharge - see Manual for Courts-Martial, Appendix 12, and not drug related) documented in the service record, within the current enlistment, which have been disciplined by not more than two punishments under the UCMJ.  The member must have violated counseling (Article 3610250.5) prior to initiating processing.  If separation of a member in entry level status is warranted solely by reason of minor violations of the UCMJ, and the member's misconduct does not meet the eligibility requirements for any other misconduct, the processing should be under Entry Level Performance and Conduct (Article 3630200).

b.  Misconduct Due to a Pattern of Misconduct

(1)  A pattern of misconduct is defined as discreditable involvement with civil and military authorities.  The member must have violated counseling (Article 3610250.5) prior to initiating processing.  Such a pattern may include both minor and serious infractions as evidenced by:

(a)  Three or more civilian convictions within the current enlistment.

(b)  Three or more punishments under the UCMJ within the current enlistment.

(c)  Any combination of three civilian convictions and punishment(s) under the UCMJ within the current enlistment.

(d)  Three or more periods of unauthorized absence of more than 3 days duration each within the current enlistment.

(e)  Nine or more violations (e.g., specifications) of the UCMJ within the current enlistment which have been disciplined by punishment under the UCMJ.

(2)  A pattern of misconduct is defined as well by discreditable management of one's personal and financial affairs as evidenced by:

(a)  A set pattern of failure to pay just debts.  (Include financial statement prepared as specified in Article 6210140.14 when case is forwarded.)

(b)  A set pattern of failure to contribute adequate support to dependents or failure to follow orders, decrees, or judgments of a civil court concerning the support of dependents.  Include copies of court order(s), judgments, etc.

c.  Misconduct Due to Commission of a Serious Offense (processing not mandatory).  An individual may be processed for administrative separation when a punitive discharge would be authorized by the Manual for Courts-Martial for the same or a closely related offense.  Note that:

(1)  If the offense is evidenced by a general or special court-martial conviction--the findings of which have been approved by the Convening Authority--the findings of the court-martial as they relate to the administrative discharge process (basis and reason) are binding on the Administrative Board (see Article 3610260.7a).

(2)  If the offense is evidenced solely by a court-martial conviction and the court-martial Convening Authority has remitted or suspended a punitive discharge, forward the case to the same Convening Authority for endorsement according to Article 3610260.7b.

d.  Misconduct Due to Commission of a Serious Offense (processing mandatory)

(1)  An individual must be processed for administrative separation when the commanding officer believes by a preponderance of the evidence that the individual committed extremely serious misconduct that either resulted in, or had the potential to result in death, or serious bodily injury, such as but not limited to:  homicide, arson, armed robbery, etc.

(2)  Sexual Perversion.  An individual must be processed for administrative separation when an incident involves sexual behavior that deviates from socially acceptable standards of morality and decency.  Such behavior may violate military or civilian law and includes, but is not limited to:

(a)  lewd and lascivious acts;

(b)  sodomy (forcible heterosexual or child molestation); consensual and forcible homosexual acts with of-age individual shall be processed under Article 3630400);

(c)  indecent assault;

(d)  indecent acts; and

(e)  indecent exposure.

Note that if circumstances involve an incestuous relationship, commanding officers shall notify Chief of Naval Personnel (CHNAVPERS) (Pers-661/83) immediately upon discovery.  Per OPNAVINST 1752.2, Pers-661 will review the case for referral to the Family Advocacy Program; if member is not accepted, Pers-83 will direct processing for separation.  Note that acceptance into family advocacy programs run by Family Service Centers at local commands does not constitute formal acceptance into the Navy's Family Advocacy Program.

(3)  Sexual Harassment.  An individual must be processed for administrative separation following punitive actions if appropriate, on the first substantiated incident of sexual harassment involving any of the following circumstances:

(a)  threats or attempts to influence another's career or job for sexual favors;

(b)  rewards in exchange for sexual favors; or

(c)  physical contact of a sexual nature which, if charged as a violation of the UCMJ, could result in a punitive discharge.

Note that an incident is substantiated if there has been a nonjudicial punishment or court-martial conviction, or the commanding officer is convinced based on the preponderance of the evidence that sexual harassment has occurred.  All forms of sexual harassment not mentioned above must still be handled administratively (i.e.; NAVPERS 1070/613, Administrative Remarks (Page 13) counseling, letters of instruction, nonpunitive letters, remarks in evaluations, etc.).

e.  Misconduct Due to Civilian Conviction (processing not mandatory).  An individual may be processed for administrative separation based on a conviction by civilian authorities, or action taken which is equivalent to a finding of guilty, provided the offense, or closely related offense could warrant a punitive discharge (see Manual for Courts-Martial, Appendix 12), or the sentence includes confinement of 6 months or more without regard to suspension or probation.

f.  Misconduct Due to Civilian Conviction (processing mandatory).  An individual must be processed for administrative separation based on a conviction by civilian authorities, or action taken which is equivalent to a finding of guilty, which involved an offense that either resulted in, or had the potential to result in death, or serious bodily injury, such as but not limited to:  homicide, arson, armed robbery, etc., or is a sexual perversion as described in  subparagraphs 1d(2)(a) - (e).

2.  Under this article, counseling and warning as outlined in Article 3610260.5 is only required for members being processed for misconduct due to pattern of misconduct or misconduct due to minor disciplinary infractions.  The latest offense and counseling and warning must have occurred while assigned to the parent command.  Separation activities defined in Article 3640476, and other commands to which temporary duty is authorized by CHNAVPERS, are exempt from this requirement.

3.  Characterization.  Normally Other Than Honorable, but characterization as General may be assigned when warranted.  For respondents who have completed entry level status, characterization of service as Honorable is not authorized unless the respondent's record is otherwise so meritorious that any other characterization would be clearly inappropriate.  When characterization of service as Other Than Honorable is not warranted for a member in entry level status, the separation shall be described as Entry Level Separation.

4.  Reduction in Rate.  When a servicemember serving in pay grade E-4 or above is administratively separated with an Other Than Honorable characterization of service, the member shall be administratively reduced to pay grade E-3, such reduction to become effective upon separation.

5.  Procedures

a.  The Administrative Board procedure (Article 3640200) shall be used in processing all reasons, except when processing for misconduct due to minor disciplinary infractions, in which case Notification procedure (Article 3640200) may be used.

b.  Separation processing for misconduct due to civil conviction may be initiated whether or not a member has filed an appeal of a civilian conviction or has stated an intention to do so.  Execution of an approved separation should be withheld pending outcome of the appeal or until the time for appeal has passed.  The member may be separated prior to final action on appeal upon his or her request or upon direction of the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV).

c.  Members confined in a foreign penal institution may be processed for separation, but may not be discharged or separated from the service until the completion of imprisonment and return to the United States.  In unusual cases, (i.e., life sentence without possibility of parole) such discharges or separations may be authorized by SECNAV by Reason of Best Interest of the Service (see Article 3630900).  SECNAVINST 5820.4 refers.

d.  Members must be dual or multiple processed where appropriate, (i.e., members processed for misconduct due to civil conviction must also be processed (dual) for misconduct due to commission of a serious offense if the offense for which convicted could warrant a punitive discharge).  Exceptions: 

(1)  misconduct involving only preservice, prior service, or current service homosexual conduct shall be processed only under Article 3530400;

(2)  misconduct involving only drug abuse (civil or military) shall be processed only under Article 3630620;

(3)  misconduct involving only violation of UCMJ Article 83 shall be processed only under Article 3630100.

e.  Members may be processed for separation by reason of misconduct for offenses which occur preservice or in a prior enlistment, provided the misconduct was unknown to the Navy at the time of enlistment or reenlistment and processing for fraudulent enlistment is inappropriate.  Under these unusual circumstances, Notification procedures (see Article 3640200) shall be used as the least favorable characterization of service possible for offenses which occur prior to entry into active duty or in prior enlistment is General.

f.  Officers exercising special court-martial convening authority are delegated authority (see Article 3610220) to separate members only if an Administrative Board recommends separation with a General or Honorable discharge, the member does not object to the discharge, and that characterization is consistent with guidance in Article 3610300.  In cases where member objects to separation, CHNAVPERS (Pers-83) is Separation Authority.  Regardless of an Administrative Board's recommendation, CHNAVPERS is Separation Authority for members being separated by reason of misconduct due to commission of a serious offense as evidenced by sexual perversion or sexual harassment.

g.  Forward processed case by letter of transmittal to Pers-83.  Ensure member's full name, rate, and SSN have been indicated on each page of the case.  In those cases where the commanding officer effects the separation, indicate date and characterization of separation awarded.  Refer to Article 3640200.11 for message submission option in those cases where member waives an Administrative Board, the commanding officer does not have authority to effect separation, or member objects to separation.

OPTIONAL FINDINGS

X. NAVADMIN 149/96 (CNO WASHINGTON DC message 062350Z JUN 96), announced changes to the SECNAVINST 1910.4B (Subj: Enlisted Administrative Separations), effective 06 June 1996, and states in part:

1.  REF A HAS BEEN SIGNED, CHANGING THE ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION (ADSEP) PROCESS FOR ENLISTED PERSONNEL.  I WILL BE ISSUING A CHANGE TO CHAPTER 36 OF THE MILPERSMAN (MPM) TO IMPLEMENT THE NEW AUTHORITY GRANTED, ALONG WITH OTHER CHANGES TO HELP REDUCE OUR TRANSIENT POPULATIONS AND MAKE THE ADSEP PROCESS EASIER.  IN THE MEANTIME, THIS MESSAGE ANNOUNCES AND AUTHORIZES IMMEDIATE CHANGES TO CURRENT PROCEDURES AND POLICIES.  THIS NAVADMIN IS ORGANIZED AS FOLLOWS:

A.	PROCESSING PROCEDURES (PARA 2)
B.	SEPARATION AUTHORITIES (PARA 3)
C.	POLICY CHANGES (PARA 4)
D.	RECORDS KEEPING (PARA 5)

2.	PROCESSING PROCEDURES.

A.  ALL COMMANDING OFFICERS AND THEIR SUPERIORS IN THE CHAIN OF COMMAND, ALONG WITH CERTAIN OFFICERS-IN-CHARGE (SPECIALLY DESIGNATED) ARE SPECIAL COURT-MARTIAL CONVENING AUTHORITIES (SPCMCA).  SPCMCA'S ARE NOW AUTHORIZED TO DETERMINE WHICH SEPARATION PROCESSING PROCEDURES ARE APPROPRIATE IN A PARTICULAR CASE.  THERE ARE TWO PROCESSING PROCEDURES: NOTIFICATION (NO ADMIN SEPARATION BOARD) AND ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD PROCEDURES.  IF THE OFFENSE OR THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE OFFENSE ARE SUCH THAT AN OTHER-THAN-HONORABLE (OTH) DISCHARGE IS NOT WARRANTED, THE SPCMCA IS AUTHORIZED TO USE NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES (MPM 3640200.5/6). IF AN INDIVIDUAL PROCESSED UNDER NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES IS SEPARATED, THE LEAST FAVORABLE CHARACTERIZATION OF DISCHARGE WILL BE A GENERAL DISCHARGE.  THIS AUTHORITY IS LIMITED TO SEPARATION PROCESSING BASED ON MISCONDUCT DUE TO COMMISSION OF A SERIOUS OFFENSE (MPM 3630600.lC/D), A PATTERN OF MISCONDUCT (MPM 3630600.lB), OR CIVIL CONVICTIONS (MPM 3630600.lE/F) BUT NOT INCLUDING THE TYPES OF MISCONDUCT OUTLINED IN PARA 2B BELOW; SECURITY (3630700); OR UNSATISFACTORY PARTICIPATION IN THE INDIVIDUAL READY RESERVE (IRR) (MPM 3630800).  THIS PROCEDURAL CHANGE ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR CONDITIONAL WAIVERS PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED IN NAVADMIN 121/96.

B.  ADMIN BOARD PROCEDURES MUST STILL BE USED FOR ALL SEPARATION CASES INVOLVING MANDATORY PROCESSING.  THESE ARE:

(1)  HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT - (MPM 3630400),
(2)  MISCONDUCT - COMMISSION OF A SERIOUS OFFENSE OR A CIVIL
CONVICTION (MPM 3630600) WHEN:

(A)  MISCONDUCT RESULTS IN, OR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY;

(B)  MISCONDUCT IS THE RESULT OF SEXUAL PERVERSION (LEWD AND LASCIVIOUS ACTS; SODOMY, INCLUDING FORCIBLE HETEROSEXUAL OR CHILD MOLESTATION; AND INDECENT ASSAULT, ACTS, OR EXPOSURE;

(C)  ACTS AGAINST THE SECURITY OF THE NAVY OR THE NATION, INCLUDING VIOLATIONS OF UCMJ ART 94 (MUTINY AND SEDITION), 99 (MISBEHAVIOR BEFORE ENEMY), 100 (SUBORDINATE COMPELLING SURRENDER), 101 (IMPROPER USE OF COUNTERSIGN), 102 (FORCING SAFEGUARD), 104 (AIDING THE ENEMY), 106 (SPYING), 106A (ESPIONAGE), AND 113  (MISBEHAVIOR OF SENTINEL OR LOOKOUT IN TIME OF WAR); OR (D) SEXUAL HARASSMENT INVOLVING THREATS OR ATTEMPTS TO INFLUENCE ANOTHER'S CAREER OR JOB FOR SEXUAL FAVORS, REWARDS IN EXCHANGE FOR SEXUAL FAVORS, OR PHYSICAL CONTACT OF A SEXUAL NATURE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A PUNITIVE DISCHARGE IF PUNISHED UNDER THE UCMJ.

(3)  MISCONDUCT DUE TO DRUG ABUSE (MPM 3630620).

3.  SEPARATION AUTHORITIES (AUTHORITY SENIOR TO THOSE LISTED BELOW MAY ALSO SERVE AS SEPARATION AUTHORITY FOR THE REASONS LISTED):

A.  SPCMCA'S ARE THE SEPARATION AUTHORITY WHEN MEMBERS ARE PROCESSED FOR SEPARATION BY REASON OF:

(1)  OTHER DESIGNATED PHYSICAL OR MENTAL CONDITIONS (MPM 3620200).
(2)  REVIEW ACTION (MPM 3620200).
(3)  DEPENDENCY OR HARDSHIP (MPM 3620210).
(4)  PARENTHOOD (MPM 3620215).
(5)  PREGNANCY OR CHILDBIRTH (MPM 3620220).
(6)  PERSONALITY DISORDER (MPM 3620225).
(7)  SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBER (MPM 3620240).
(8)  RESERVIST BECOMES A MINISTER (NEW REASON FOR ADSEP).
(9)  WEIGHT CONTROL FAILURE (MPM 3620260).
(10) ENTRY LEVEL PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT (MPM 3630200).
(11) DRUG ABUSE REHABILITATION FAILURE (MPM 3630500).
(12) ALCOHOL ABUSE REHABILITATION FAILURE (MPM 3630550).
(13) DEFECTIVE ENLISTMENTS AND INDUCTIONS - ERRONEOUS (MPM
3620280).
(14) DEFECTIVE ENLISTMENTS AND INDUCTIONS - MINORITY (MPM 3620285).
(15) DEFECTIVE ENLISTMENTS AND INDUCTIONS - DEFECTIVE ENLISTMENT AGREEMENTS (MPM 3620283).
(16) DEFECTIVE ENLISTMENTS AND INDUCTIONS - SEPARATION FROM DELAYED ENTRY PROGRAM (3630810).
(17) SEPARATION IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL, ONLY WHEN THE REQUEST IS BASED SOLELY ON AN UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE OF 30 DAYS OR MORE.

B.  SPCMCA'S MAY ALSO SERVE AS SEPARATION AUTHORITY WHEN A MEMBER IS PROCESSED FOR SEPARATION FOR ONE OF THE REASONS LISTED IN PARA 3C BELOW, PROVIDED:

(A) NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES ARE USED, OR

(B) ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD PROCEDURES ARE USED AND THE
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD RECOMMENDS SEPARATION WITH AN HONORABLE, GENERAL, OR ENTRY LEVEL SEPARATION.

C.  GENERAL COURT-MARTIAL CONVENING AUTHORITIES (GCMCA'S) ARE THE SEPARATION AUTHORITY FOR SEPARATION IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL (MPM 3630650) (EXCEPT FOR HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT CASES, WHICH MUST BE FORWARDED TO CHNAVPERS, AND CASES IN WHICH THE SPCMCA SEPARATES PER PARA 3A(17) ABOVE).  GCMCA'S ALSO SERVE AS SEPARATION AUTHORITY WHEN MEMBERS ARE PROCESSED FOR THE REASONS LISTED BELOW IF ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD PROCEDURES ARE USED AND THE BOARD RECOMMENDS AN OTH OR RETENTION, OR THE MEMBER WAIVES THE BOARD:

(1) DEFECTIVE ENLISTMENTS AND INDUCTIONS - FRAUDULENT ENTRY INTO THE NAVAL SERVICE (MPM 3630100).
(2) MISCONDUCT - PATTERN OF MISCONDUCT (MPM 3630600).
(3) MISCONDUCT - COMMISSION OF A SERIOUS OFFENSE (MPM 3630600).
(4) MISCONDUCT - CIVILIAN CONVICTION (MPM 3630600).
(5) MISCONDUCT - DRUG ABUSE (MPM 3630620).
(6) UNSATISFACTORY PARTICIPATION IN THE READY RESERVE (MPM 3630800).

D.  CHIEF OF NAVAL PERSONNEL (CHNAVPERS) IS THE SEPARATION
AUTHORITY WHEN MEMBERS ARE PROCESSED FOR SEPARATION BY REASON OF:

(1) EARLY RELEASE TO FURTHER EDUCATION (MPM 3620235).
(2) SELECTED CHANGES IN SERVICE OBLIGATIONS (GENERAL
DEMOBILIZATION OR REDUCTION IN AUTHORIZED STRENGTH) (MPM 3620100).
(3) SELECTED CHANGES IN SERVICE OBLIGATION (ACCEPTANCE OF AN
ACTIVE-DUTY COMMISSION OR APPOINTMENT, OR ACCEPTANCE INTO A PROGRAM LEADING TO SUCH A COMMISSION OR APPOINTMENT IN ANY BRANCH OF THE MILITARY SERVICE) (MPM 3620100).
(4) CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION (MPM 1860120).
(5) HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT (MPM 3630400).
(6) ANY BASIS FOR SEPARATION WHEN THE SERVICEMEMBER HAS 18 YEARS OR MORE OF TOTAL ACTIVE FEDERAL MILITARY SERVICE (TAFMS).
(7) MISCONDUCT CASES WHEN THE SERVICEMEMBER HAS PHYSICAL EVALUATION BOARD (PEB) ACTION COMPLETED OR PENDING.
(8) FRAUDULENT ENLISTMENT WHEN THE PROCESSING COMMAND IS
RECOMMENDING A WAIVER OF PROCESSING AND RETENTION OF THE
SERVICEMEMBER.

E.  THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY IS THE SEPARATION AUTHORITY WHEN MEMBERS ARE PROCESSED BY REASON OF:

(1) BEST INTEREST OF THE SERVICE (BIOTS) (MPM 3630900).
(2) DISABILITY (MPM 3620270).
(3) ALL CASES INVOLVING RESERVISTS WITHIN 2 YEARS OF ELIGIBILITY  FOR RETIRED OR RETAINER PAY.
(4) ALL CASES WHEN THE SOLE BASIS FOR PROCESSING IS AN SPCM/GCM CONVICTION THAT DID NOT INCLUDE A PUNITIVE DISCHARGE, AND
THE PROCESSING COMMAND RECOMMENDED AN OTH.
(5) ALL MISCONDUCT CASES BASED SOLELY ON CIVIL CONVICTION(S)
WHEN FINAL ACTION ON THE MEMBER'S APPEAL HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN (UNLESS THE SERVICEMEMBER REQUESTS SEPARATION BEFORE FINAL ACTION ON THE APPEAL).

4.  POLICY CHANGES.

(A) THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE SENIOR MEMBER OF AN ADMIN BOARD TO BE AN ACTIVE DUTY LIST OFFICER IS DELETED.  TAR AND STAFF CORPS OFFICERS ARE NOW PERMITTED TO SERVE AS SENIOR MEMBERS OF ADMIN BOARDS.  THE REQUIREMENT THAT ONE MEMBER BE A LINE OFFICER SERVING IN PAYGRADE 04 OR ABOVE IS DELETED.  HOWEVER, THE SENIOR MEMBER MUST STILL BE IN PAYGRADE 04 OR ABOVE.

(B) A PATTERN OF MISCONDUCT IS RECLASSIFIED AS TWO OR MORE NJP'S, COURTS-MARTIAL, OR CIVIL CONVICTIONS (OR COMBINATION THEREOF) WITHIN THE CURRENT ENLISTMENT (MPM 3630600.lB). A NAVPERS 1070/613 COUNSELING/WARNING IS STILL REQUIRED PER MPM 3610260.

(C) THE REQUIREMENT TO HAVE CHNAVPERS APPROVAL FOR TEMDU TRANSFERS IN CONNECTION WITH ADSEP AND/OR DISCIPLINARY ACTION IS DELETED.  THE TRANSFERRING COMMAND, WITH ISIC APPROVAL, NEED ONLY OBTAIN THE GAINING COMMAND'S CONCURRENCE FOR THE TEMDU TRANSFER. 

5. RECORD-KEEPING.  ADSEP CASES WILL CONTINUE TO BE FORWARDED TO BUPERS AFTER THE SEPARATION AUTHORITY'S FINAL ACTION ON THE CASE FOR REVIEW AND FILING IN THE SERVICEMEMBER'S PERMANENT RECORD.  A COPY OF THE SERVICEMEMBER'S DD-214 (RECORD OF DISCHARGE) SHOULD ACCOMPANY THE ADSEP PACKAGE IF THE SERVICEMEMBER WAS SEPARATED LOCALLY.