Implementing Policy on Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness for the Identification, Processing, and Involuntary Separation of Marines

1.  Purpose.  Pursuant to references (a) through (m), 
this MARADMIN provides direction on the identification, processing, 
and involuntary separation of Marines who have a current diagnosis or 
history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria and 
who have not previously requested voluntary discharge pursuant to 
reference (c).
1.a.  Policy.  Pursuant to references:
1.a.1.  Marines must adhere to standards associated with their 
biological sex.
1.a.2.  A Marine's sex must be accurately reflected in the Defense 
Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and all other systems 
of record.
1.a.3.  If a Commander determines a sex marker change is required in 
DEERS or any other system of record, contact Manpower Military Policy 
(MPO), Manpower Plans and Policy, (MP) Deputy Commandant for Manpower 
and Reserve Affairs (DC M&RA).
1.a.4.  All Exceptions to Policy (ETPs) are revoked allowing a member 
to conform to standards associated to a sex different from their 
identification in DEERS.
1.b.  Definitions.  For the purpose of this MARADMIN, the following 
definitions apply:
1.b.1.  "Sex," is an individual's immutable biological classification 
as either male or female.
1.b.2.  For the purposes of this MARADMIN, an ETP refers to a formal 
authorization that allowed a Marine to live in a manner not aligned 
with their biological sex and was granted by either 1) Headquarters 
Marine Corps authorized deviations from service-level policy (e.g., 
grooming or uniform standards) and/or 2) Local commanders authorized 
the use of local facilities (e.g., heads, barracks, locker rooms).
2.  Identification.  Marines are identified for processing under this 
policy through 1) Periodic Health Assessment or 2) Commander's 
Awareness.
2.a.  Periodic Health Assessment (PHA).  The primary method of 
identifying Marines subject to involuntary separation is the 
Individual Medical Readiness program.  A Marine attesting on the PHA 
self-assessment questionnaire to a diagnosis, history, or symptoms of 
gender dysphoria will be evaluated for medical standards compliance 
as directed by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED).  No Marine 
will be directed to complete a PHA outside the periodicity directed 
in reference (l).
2.b.  Commander's Awareness.  Commanders who are aware of Marines who 
have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms 
consistent with, gender dysphoria will identify Marines subject to 
this policy by directing a medical record review to assess compliance 
with medical standards.  This review is not required if medical 
verification was previously completed (e.g., in support of an 
exception to policy request).  For the purposes of this MARADMIN, 
"Commander's Awareness" is strictly limited to knowledge derived 
from one or more of the following:
2.b.1.  A Marine's prior request for an ETP to adhere to sex-based 
military standards different from their sex.
2.b.2.  A prior request to change their sex-marker in DEERS.
2.b.3.  A medical treatment plan, placement in a medically restricted 
duty status, or deployment waiver associated with a documented 
diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
2.b.4.  A Marine's voluntary self-identification via written 
administrative remarks to their chain of command that they have a 
current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with,
 gender dysphoria pursuant to reference (d).  This self-
identification will acknowledge the member is subject to review for 
compliance with medical standards and possible involuntary 
separation.
2.b.5.  When a commander possesses facts or circumstances not 
explicitly covered in subparagraph 2.b.1. through 4, but which they 
believe demonstrates a diagnosis or, history of, or symptoms of 
gender dysphoria, the commander must present these facts to the 
first general officer (GO) in the Marine's chain of command.  The GO 
will then make a case-by-case determination in consultation with an 
assigned military judge advocate and the BUMED Deployability and 
Action Cell (BUMED DAC) in an advisory capacity, based on medical 
record review as permitted by law and, if necessary, medical 
evaluation.  
2.c.  Medical Verification.  Commanders will contact the BUMED DAC at 
usn.ncr.bumedfchva.mbx.bumed-deployability-action-cell@health.mil to 
initiate an individualized medical record review.  Commanders will 
also notify MPO that they have requested a medical verification 
within 24 hours.
3.  Referral and Initial Actions.  Once a Marine is identified in 
accordance with paragraph 2, the following steps will occur:
3.a. BUMED Notification and Prerequisite for Referral.  Upon 
confirmation that the Marine meets the medical criteria for 
involuntary separation, BUMED DAC will document the Marine as 
non-deployable and not medically ready, and notify MPO of their 
determination.
3.b. Referral for Separation Processing.  The command referral will 
be in naval letter correspondence format and contain the following:
3.b.1.  Marine's Name
3.b.2.  Command Assigned
3.b.3.  Electronic Data Interchange Personal Identifier (EDIPI)
3.b.4.  Annotate whether the Marine receives special pay or a bonus 
and, if applicable, provide a recommendation with justification 
regarding debt recoupment.
3.b.5.  Referrals will be titled with the Marine's initials and the 
last five digits of their EDIPI, and saved in Portable Document 
Format (PDF).
3.b.6.  If commands require GO determination under paragraph 2.b.5. 
the GO assumes all referral procedures and responsibilities.  
3.c.  Final Routing.  The command and GO referrals will be routed to 
MPO.  Once MPO has verified that a package is complete, the referral 
will be routed to the Consolidated Disposition Authority (CDA).
4.  Notification and Placement on Administrative Absence.  Upon 
notification from MPO that a medical verification is confirmed, 
Commanders should place Marines in administrative absence status.  
All Marines notified will begin pre-separation requirements 
immediately, including the Transition Assistance Program. While in 
administrative absence, Marines will be afforded maximum flexibility
to complete such requirements remotely or in civilian attire.  If a 
commander elects not to place a Marine on administrative absence, the 
command will notify MPO within 24 hours. 
4.a.  Active and Active Reserve Components: 
4.a.1.  Marines will be assigned a duty limitation code of E – ADMIN, 
NON-DEPLOY.
4.a.2.  Marines are entitled to full pay and benefits.  However, if a 
Marine is an administrative absence status, they will not receive 
bonus, special, and/or incentive pays.
4.a.3.  Administrative absence will be initiated by the Marine 
through the Marine Online (MOL) Leave and Liberty module with the 
type selected as "Other (Enter Reason in Comments Box)."  The 
comment to be recorded is "Administrative absence in accordance with 
ALNAV 011/26 for the duration of the retirement/separation process."
4.b.  Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR):
4.b.1.  Commanders should excuse Marines from drill execution for the
duration of their separation process.  Marines will not receive 
drill pay or retirement points for excused drills.  If a commander 
elects not to excuse a Marine from drill, the command will notify MPO 
within 24 hours. 
4.b.2.  All excused drills will be reported as "EA – OTHER" via unit 
diary.
4.b.3.  The history statement for the unit diary entry is: "Excused 
absence in accordance with ALNAV 011/26 for the duration of the 
retirement/separation process."
4.c.  Commands remain fully responsible for personnel placed in an 
administrative absence status.  This communication is essential to 
ensure the timely and expeditious completion of all pre-separation 
requirements, meet the prescribed notification timelines, and 
safeguard the Marine's health and welfare throughout the entire 
process.  
5.  Involuntary Separation Board Proceedings.  The process for the 
involuntary separation of Marines is outlined below.  All 
correspondence and documents associated with this MARADMIN will be 
routed through MPO.
5.a.  Authorities.
5.a.1.  The Commander, Navy Installations Command, is designated as 
the CDA.  The CDA is the exclusive authority to initiate involuntary 
separation procedures for all Marines and is the sole show-cause 
authority for all officer boards of inquiry convened pursuant to this 
policy.  The CDA may promulgate necessary involuntary separations 
guidance governing board and referral procedures. 
5.a.2.  The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) is the separation 
authority for all officer and enlisted separations under this policy.
5.b.  Notification of Separation and Marine's Rights.
5.b.1.  Within 30 calendar days of referral, the CDA will inform the 
Marine via their command that involuntary separation proceedings have 
been initiated.  The notification will inform the Marine of their 
right to elect an administrative separation board or board of 
inquiry, as applicable.  The CDA will notify MPO that involuntary 
separation proceedings have been initiated.
5.b.2.  Per reference (j), enlisted Marines being processed under 
this MARADMIN are entitled to an administrative separation board and
officers are entitled to a Board of Inquiry, regardless of time in 
service.
5.b.3.  Upon notification, Marines considering a board may consult 
with a military defense counsel or a civilian defense counsel (at 
their own expense).
5.b.4.  The commander will ensure the Marine understands their right 
to a board and the associated 10-day timeline for election of a 
board.  
5.b.5.  The Marine must respond to the CDA and MPO within 10 calendar 
days of the notification of separation if they are electing a board.
5.b.6.  Failure of the Marine to meet the notification timeline of 10 
calendar days will result in waiving their right to a board.
5.c.  Basis for Separation and Separation program designator (SPD) 
Codes.
5.c.1.  The Service will process officers for separation on the basis 
that their continued service is not consistent with the interests of 
national security, using the Military Personnel Security Program 
(JDK2) SPD code.  As outlined in reference (k), no personnel security 
actions will be pursued under this separation basis, solely for 
meeting gender dysphoria separation criteria.
5.c.2.  The Service will process enlisted Marines for separation on 
the basis that separation is in the best interest of the Military 
Service, using the Secretarial Authority (JFF8) SPD code.
5.d.  CDA Responsibilities and Resourcing.
5.d.1.  The CDA is responsible for the consistent application of 
standards for all boards.  The CDA will make determinations on 
obtaining witnesses and continuances.
5.d.2.  If a Marine waives board proceedings, the CDA will ensure 
the waiver is appropriately documented, and will expeditiously 
process the package to the SECNAV via DC M&RA, MPO.
5.d.3.  DC M&RA will resource the CDA as necessary to effectuate 
these proceedings.  The CDA shall route requests for resources 
directly to DC M&RA.  The Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower 
and Reserve Affairs) (ASN (M&RA)) shall resolve any conflicts 
regarding Service resourcing.
5.e.  Board Procedures and Standards.
5.e.1.  Pre-Separation Requirements.  Commands should strive to have 
Marines complete all pre-separation requirements, as detailed in 
paragraph 12.d., prior to the convening of a board.  Marines will be 
allotted a minimum of 30-days from notification of separation until 
a board is convened.  This 30-day timeline is a critical deadline.  
If a command anticipates any delay, the commander must contact MPO 
to report the circumstances within 24 hours.
5.e.2.  Commands are responsible for funding travel and other 
related expenses associated with the execution of administrative 
boards.
5.f.  Board Findings.
5.f.1.  Boards convened by the CDA will only make findings on whether 
the Marine has a diagnosis or history of, or exhibits symptoms 
consistent with, gender dysphoria and, if so, that the Marine should 
be separated.
5.f.2.  The least favorable characterization of service is Honorable
if the only basis for separation is a diagnosis or history of, or 
exhibiting symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria.  
6.  Post-Board Actions and Final Decision.  Post-board procedures 
shall follow established service processes except as outlined below.
6.a.  Post-Board Reporting Process.  The CDA will prepare the report 
of board proceedings, make recommendations on any letters of 
deficiency submitted by the Marine, and forward the package to MPO.  
DC M&RA will forward final separation packages to the SECNAV via 
ASN(M&RA).
6.b.  ASN (M&RA), will upon receipt from DC M&RA, review the package 
and make a recommendation to SECNAV.  The subsequent actions are as 
follows:
6.b.1.  If the board determines the basis for separation exists and 
ASN (M&RA) recommends approval of the board's recommendation, the 
Marine will be notified by the CDA, via MPO and their commander, of 
their right to either accept ASN (M&RA)'s recommendation or submit 
a retention waiver request.  
6.b.2.  If the board determines the basis for separation exists but 
ASN (M&RA) recommends disapproval, the Marine will be retained.
6.b.3.  If an enlisted administrative separation board determines the 
basis for separation does not exist and ASN (M&RA) recommends 
approval of retention, the Marine will be retained.
6.b.4.  If an enlisted administrative separation board determines the 
basis for separation does not exist but ASN (M&RA) recommends 
disapproval of retention, the Marine will be notified by MPO, via 
their commander, of their right to either accept ASN (M&RA)'s 
recommendation or submit a retention waiver request.  
6.b.5.  If an officer board of inquiry determines the basis for 
separation does not exist, the case is closed and the officer is 
retained.
6.c.  If a Marine waives their right to a board, MPO will notify the 
Marine, via their commander, of their right to submit a retention 
waiver request.
6.d.  Retention Waiver Eligibility. Marines requesting a retention 
waiver must meet the following criteria: 
6.d.1.  Demonstrate 36 consecutive months of stability in the 
individual's sex without clinically significant distress or 
impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of 
functioning.
6.d.2.  Demonstrate that he or she has never attempted to 
transition to any other sex than his or her biological sex.
6.d.3.  Be willing and able to adhere to all applicable standards, 
including the standards associated with his or her sex.
6.e.  If a Marine elects to submit a waiver it is a two-step, 
concurrent routing process:
6.e.1.  Member Waiver Application.  The Marine has 15 calendar days 
from notification of ASN(M&RA)'s recommendation to compile and submit 
their Waiver Request package directly to MPO.  The member at a 
minimum must present evidence that they meet all three eligibility 
criteria.  No waiver requests in any form will be accepted after 
this 15-day deadline.  Contact MPO for further instructions.
6.e.2.  Concurrent Package Submission to Command: Simultaneously, the 
Marine must submit their complete waiver package, including all 
supporting evidence, to their chain of command to begin the 
endorsement process.  The command is responsible for routing the 
package to the first GO for an endorsement that includes an 
assessment of a compelling government interest.  The complete 
package will be forwarded to DC M&RA, via MPO, no later than 30 
calendar days from the date of the Marine's initial Waiver Request 
due date.
6.e.3.  Consideration of a compelling government interest.   
A compelling government interest includes special experience, 
training, and advanced education in a highly technical career field 
designated as mission critical and as a hard-to-fill career field by 
the SECNAV, where such attributes are directly related to the 
operational needs of the Department of the Navy that directly 
supports warfighting capabilities.  
6.f.  SECNAV is the sole approval authority for any retention waiver.
7.  Final Pay, Benefits, and Separation Conditions.  Marines 
separated under this policy are subject to the following:
7.a.  Reentry Code.  Marines separated under this policy will receive 
a reentry code of RE-3G to reflect that an accession waiver is 
required for reentry.  
7.b.  Service Obligation.  Any remaining service obligation, 
including any obligation associated with a transfer of education 
benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and any inactive reserve 
obligation, will be waived.
7.c.  Involuntary Separation Pay.  Marines separated pursuant to this 
policy may be eligible for involuntary separation pay.  In general 
Marines are eligible for separation pay if they have completed at 
least 6 years of continuous active duty service.    
7.d.  Unearned Bonuses, Incentive, and Special Pays.
7.d.1.  Pursuant to reference (a), Marines subject to involuntary 
separation who are in receipt of a bonus, incentive, or special pay 
will have that bonus, incentive, or special pay terminate upon 
placement in an administrative absence status until administrative 
separation proceedings are resolved.  
7.d.2.  Pursuant to reference (f) and 37 U.S.C. § 373, the Department 
of the Navy may recoup any unearned bonuses and/or special and 
incentive pay for Marines who fail to satisfy service eligibility 
requirements as a result of their separation.
7.d.3.  DC M&RA will include a recommendation regarding debt 
recoupment as part of the endorsement on the separation package.  
7.e.  Transition Benefits.  Per reference (b), Marines are eligible 
for all other separation and transition benefits to which they are 
otherwise entitled under law or Department of War policy, with the 
exception of the Skillbridge program.  Participation in Skillbridge 
is not authorized.
8.  Retirement Requests.  
8.a.  Eligibility.
8.a.1.  Marines with sufficient service for a transfer to the Fleet 
Marine Corps Reserve (FMCR) or retirement list per reference (e) may 
request retirement in lieu of involuntary separation pursuant to 
reference (a).
8.a.2.  At any time prior to final action by the SECNAV, Marines with 
greater than 18 but less than 20 years of active service may be 
eligible for early retirement under Temporary Early Retirement 
Authority (TERA), per reference (f).  Contact MPO for further 
instruction.  SECNAV is the final authority for TERA approval.
8.a.3.  Marines with greater than 15 but less than 18 years of active 
service may request an exception to policy for TERA, per reference 
(a).  Contact MPO for further instruction.  The Under Secretary of 
War (Personnel and Readiness) is the final approval authority for 
TERA exceptions to policy.  Pending requests will not delay board 
proceedings.
8.b.  Submission Process for Regular Retirement.
8.b.1.  Requests for retirement must be submitted to HQMC, 
Separations and Retirement Branch (MMSR) and MPO within 30 calendar 
days from the date the Marine has been identified as meeting the 
criteria outlined in this MARADMIN.  The requested retirement date 
will not exceed six months from the date of identification.
8.b.2.  Such requests will include a completed Navy and Marine Corps 
(NAVMC) Form 10274, Appendix J, and shall be routed via the first GO 
in the Marine's chain of command and DC M&RA.
8.c.  Marines Previously Approved for Retirement.  Marines who are 
subsequently identified under this policy will transfer to the Fleet 
Marine Corps Reserve (FMCR) retirement list no later than six months 
from identification.  
8.d.  Commanders will place Marines pending retirement in 
administrative absence status in accordance with paragraph 4.  
9.  Separation for Reasons Other than Gender Dysphoria.
9.a.  Disability Evaluation System (DES).  
9.a.1.  Basis for Referral.  A diagnosis of gender dysphoria does not 
in itself constitute a physical disability, and Marines are 
ineligible for referral to the DES on this basis alone.  However, 
Marines may be referred to the DES if they have a co-morbidity or 
other qualifying medical condition that is appropriate for disability 
evaluation.
9.a.2.  Administrative actions under this MARADMIN (such as 
conducting a board or submitting a waiver) will proceed concurrently 
with the DES process.  The SECNAV will hold any final separation 
determinations in abeyance until the DES process has fully concluded.  
The DES separation determination will take precedence.  
9.a.3.  Notification Requirement.  Commanders will notify MPO within 
24 hours if at any time during the separation process a Marine is 
referred to the DES.
9.b. Administrative Separation. 
9.b.1.  Precedence of other administrative separation actions.  If 
a Marine is being processed for administrative separation for other 
reasons, processing under this MARADMIN will be held in abeyance.  
At the conclusion of the enlisted administrative board, if the Marine 
is not separated, processing under this MARADMIN will resume.
9.b.2.  Commanders shall notify MPO within 24 hours if a Marine, 
undergoing administrative processing under this MARADMIN, 
concurrently becomes subject to administrative separation for any 
other reason.
10. Duty Status Reporting.  Upon identification for involuntary 
separation under this policy, commanders will report via Marine Corps 
Total Force System (MCTFS) the Marine as non-deployable with strength 
category code 'X' and duty status code 'C'.  This duty status will 
remain until the conclusion of the separation process.
11.  Eligibility for Extension. 
11.a.  A Marine approaching their Expiration of Active Service (EAS) 
may request an extension of service under the following 
circumstances:
11.a.1.  The Marine is qualified for Involuntary Separation Pay and 
is awaiting a final separation authority letter from the SECNAV.
11.a.2.  The Marine has elected to appear before an administrative 
separation board and the proceedings are not yet complete.
11.b.  Marine Request Procedure.  Eligible Marines will submit a 
request for an extension of service to their Commanding Officer 
using NAVMC Form 10274.
11.c.  Action by Command.  Upon receipt of a valid request by the 
Marine, the Commanding Officer will extend the Marine's service in 
30-day increments until the separation process is finalized.  
Commanders are not authorized to involuntarily extend a Marines EAS.
12.  Commander's Responsibilities.
12.a.  Dignity and Respect.  Commanders will maximize the use of all 
available command authorities within the Department of War and 
Department of Navy policy, consistent with reference (f), to ensure 
affected personnel are treated with dignity and respect throughout 
this process.
12.b.  Privacy of Health Information.  Commanders will protect the 
privacy of protected health information (PHI) they receive under this 
policy in the same manner as any other PHI.  Access to such 
information will be strictly restricted to personnel with a specific 
need to know for the conduct of official duties.  All personnel are 
accountable for safeguarding health information consistent with law 
and policy.
12.c.  Higher Headquarters Reporting.  Commanders with Marines in 
their commands subject to this policy will submit a report twice a 
month to MPO via their major subordinate command.  Commanders should 
contact MPO for the report template.
12.d.  Pre-Separation Checklist Reporting.
12.d.1.  Commanders must proactively ensure that all efforts are made 
to expedite the completion of the following requirements:
12.d.2.  Final Physical (page 3 of DD 2808 or 2807 stating "Medically 
Qualified for Separation/Retirement").
12.d.3.  DD Form 2648, Pre-Separation/Transition Counseling 
Checklist.
12.d.4.  Commanding Officer's Interview (required for all enlisted 
Marines).
12.d.5.  DD Form 2963, Service Treatment Record Transfer and 
Transmittal.
12.d.6.  Unit Check-Out Sheet.
12.e.  Commanders requiring clarification on any aspect of this 
policy, to include questions regarding available command authorities 
or tools, will contact MPO at the POC listed in this MARADMIN.
12.f.  Proactive Support.  Commanders will support impacted Marines 
during the separation process by advising them of available mental 
health, financial, and separation resources while maintaining 
positive engagement through regular check-ins.
13.  Military OneSource.  Military OneSource is available 24/7 at 
1-800-342-9647 to assist all Marines and their families with any 
aspect of the separation process.
14.  Released authorized by Lieutenant General William J. Bowers, 
Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.