7. 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.
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
6002, 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.
