Entry Level Performance and Conduct Discharge (Entry Level Separation)
Marines
After you read this fact sheet, please call the Hotline (877-447-4487) to talk over your options with a counselor.
Contents
MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) (28 MAY 2025)
- Source
- MCO 1900.16 (MARCORSEPMAN) (28 MAY 2025) (1.8 MB)
Comments: To view or download the complete regulation, click on the link to it in the box above these comments.
1002. Definitions of common administrative separation terms.
...
26. Entry-Level Status. Upon enlistment, a member 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 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.
...
6205. ENTRY LEVEL PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT
1. A member may be separated while in an entry level status, if the member is 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 the separation of a Marine 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 member with broken service may be separated while in indoctrination training for failure to satisfactorily complete such training. When separation of a member for failure to satisfactorily complete indoctrination training is warranted, the member 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 Marine has been counseled per paragraph 6105 concerning deficiencies and has been afforded an 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 Marine 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 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 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 DEP or members of the Selected 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 discharge characterization under other than honorable conditions is warranted.
INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR DEFINING AND PROCESSING ENTRY LEVEL SEPARATIONS AND COMMISSIONED OFFICER TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENTS (3/13/2023 | MARADMINS Number: 141/23)
1. Purpose. To provide interim guidance regarding the processing of administrative separations while in an entry-level status, and update time in grade requirements for commissioned officers.
2. In accordance with ref (a); effective 23 December 2022, entry-level status is changed from 180 days to 365 days.
2.a. Definition.
2.a.1. Entry-Level Status. Upon enlistment, a Service Member qualifies for entry-level status during:
2.a.1.a. The first 365 days of continuous active military service; or
2.a.1.b. The first 365 days of continuous active service after a service break of more than 92 days of active service. A Service Member of a Reserve Component who is not on active duty or who is serving under a call or order to active duty for 365 days or less begins entry-level status upon enlistment in a Reserve Component. Entry-level status for such a Service Member of a Reserve Component terminates:
2.a.1.b.1. 365 days after beginning training if the Service Member is ordered to active duty for training for one continuous period of 180 days or more; or
2.a.1.b.2. 180 days after the beginning of the second period of active duty training if the Service 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 Service Member’s status is determined by the date of notification as to the initiation of separation proceedings.
2.b. Categorization. The 365-day eligibility for separation is applied to those Service Members who enlist on, or after, 23 December 2022.
3. In accordance with ref (c), active component commissioned officers applying for voluntary retirement in the grade of Major and above must have served in that grade for a period of not less than three years.
4. These and other changes to reference (b) are expected to be published in CY 2023.
5. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
6. Release authorized by MajGen Michael J. Borgschulte, Director, Manpower Management Division.