Proof of Concept. Not official USMC content, not authoritative for pay, records, or leave decisions. Sourced from public MCO and MARADMIN material. Read full disclaimer.
Proof of Concept. Not official USMC content, not authoritative for pay, records, or leave decisions. Sourced from public MCO and MARADMIN material. Read full disclaimer.
Commander
Personnel Decisions reference for battalion and squadron commanders. Authority-anchored policy summaries and signing actions.
Personnel Decisions Overview
Commanders make personnel decisions affecting careers, pay, and service status. This page indexes the five core decision categories: separations, retirement processing, reductions in grade, promotion withholds, and the authority chain governing each.
Administrative Separation Authority
Commander authority on administrative separation processing. Notification basis, board basis, characterization decisions, and the route from package preparation to Separation Authority signature.
Retirement Processing
Three retirement paths the commander interacts with: voluntary retirement at 20+ years, medical retirement through IDES, and the disability evaluation system for non-service-connected and service-connected conditions. The CO endorses, supports, and documents.
Reductions in Grade
Three pathways for reducing a Marine's grade: NJP under UCMJ Article 15, administrative reduction for unsuitability, and reduction as part of court-martial sentence. Each has its own authority chain, procedural rules, and pay impact timeline.
Promotion Withholds and Removals
Three commander actions on promotions: withhold pending investigation or action, request removal from a selection list, and respond to promotion delays. MCO P1400.32D governs. Each action has specific notification, timing, and appeal requirements.
