Marine Corps Administrative Separation Boards – How Enlisted Marines Can Fight Separation and Protect Their Service

TLDR – An Administrative Separation Board Can End a Marine’s Career, Benefits, and Future Opportunities

When a Marine faces an Administrative Separation Board, their career, benefits, and reputation are at risk. A separation board determines whether the Marine Corps should retain or discharge an enlisted Marine due to alleged misconduct, performance issues, drug use, or other grounds outlined in Marine Corps policy. These hearings are administrative — not criminal — but the consequences can be just as serious. An Other Than Honorable discharge can affect VA benefits, employment, reenlistment opportunities, and security clearances.

• The government must prove allegations by a preponderance of evidence — a low burden.
• Marines have the right to counsel, to present witnesses, and to challenge evidence.
• Boards can recommend Honorable, General, or Other Than Honorable discharges.
• Strong preparation often makes the difference between retention and separation.
• A well-organized defense narrative can influence how the board views the allegations.

What a Marine Corps Administrative Separation Board Really Is

An Administrative Separation Board (often called an “AdSep Board”) is a formal hearing where a panel evaluates whether a Marine should continue serving. The board examines allegations, performance history, and witness testimony, then decides whether separation is appropriate and what characterization of service should accompany the discharge.

The board answers three key questions:

• Did the alleged misconduct or performance issue occur?
• If so, does it meet the criteria for administrative separation?
• If separation is recommended, what should the discharge characterization be?

Because of the low evidentiary standard, Marines must be proactive in building a strong defense.

Common Reasons Enlisted Marines Face Administrative Separation Boards

1. Misconduct Under the UCMJ

Allegations of insubordination, disrespect, AWOL, theft, false statements, or other misconduct often lead to separation boards.

2. Drug Use or Drug-Related Incidents

Positive urinalysis results or possession allegations frequently trigger mandatory separation processing.

3. Alcohol-Related Misconduct

DUIs, public intoxication, fights, or disorderly conduct may lead to board proceedings, even if civilian charges are reduced.

4. Substandard Performance or Failure to Meet Standards

Repeated counseling entries, poor evaluations, or failure to maintain Marine Corps standards may result in AdSep proceedings.

5. Pattern of Misconduct

Multiple minor offenses, repeated counseling, or evidence of ongoing issues may be cited as grounds for separation.

6. Commission of a Serious Offense

Even if the Marine is not court-martialed, allegations considered “serious” under Marine Corps policy may trigger separation.

How a Marine Corps Administrative Separation Board Works

Notification Phase

The Marine receives a written notice specifying the basis for separation and includes any evidence the command intends to use.

Preparation Phase

This is where the defense is built. Marines and their legal counsel gather documents, prepare witnesses, review evidence, and build a narrative that challenges the government’s version of events.

Board Composition

The panel typically consists of three impartial members. At least one enlisted member must be senior in rank to the Marine being processed.

Government’s Case Presentation

• Investigation reports (command investigations, JAGMAN findings)
• FITREPs, Pro/Cons, and evaluations
• NJP records and counseling entries
• Witness statements
• Emails, reports, or digital communication

Defense Presentation

• Supporting witnesses
• Character statements and command endorsements
• Evidence challenging allegations
• Documentation showing improvement or rehabilitation
• Awards, training records, and deployment history

Board Deliberation and Results

The board decides: (1) whether the basis for separation is substantiated, (2) whether separation is appropriate, and (3) the recommended discharge characterization.

Realistic Scenarios Leading to Marine AdSep Boards

Example 1 – Positive Urinalysis for a Marine With No Prior Issues

A single positive test led to mandatory processing. The defense challenged handling procedures and presented evidence of strong service. The board retained the Marine.

Example 2 – Pattern of Minor Misconduct

Several NJPs over two years prompted separation. The Marine’s defense demonstrated significant rehabilitation and strong command support. The board opted for retention.

Example 3 – Social Media Misconduct Allegation

An online misunderstanding resulted in allegations of unprofessional conduct. Context and witness statements successfully countered the claim.

Example 4 – Domestic Dispute With Conflicting Statements

An off-base incident resulted in civilian involvement. After presenting evidence showing inconsistencies and mitigating factors, the board found separation unwarranted.

Example 5 – Failure to Adapt or Meet Standards

A Marine struggling after deployment was recommended for separation. Medical documentation and supportive testimony led the board to recommend retention and treatment.

Five Critical Tips for Marines Facing an Administrative Separation Board

• Tip 1 – Document everything early. Emails, messages, evaluations, and medical records help build a convincing defense.
• Tip 2 – Prepare witnesses effectively. Strong witness testimony can significantly influence the board’s perception.
• Tip 3 – Challenge unclear or unsupported allegations. Many AdSep cases originate from incomplete or biased investigations.
• Tip 4 – Highlight performance and character. Service history, deployability, awards, and achievements matter to board members.
• Tip 5 – Work closely with knowledgeable legal counsel. Understanding board procedures, regulations, and evidentiary standards is essential.

Military Law Resources

Marine Corps enlisted separation procedures are governed by:
MCO 1900.16 – Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual

Protect Your Marine Corps Career

A separation board can change the course of a Marine’s life. Discharge characterizations affect benefits, employment opportunities, and long-term reputation. Proper preparation, documentation, and advocacy are essential to ensuring that your full record of service is accurately represented.

➤ Speak with legal counsel experienced in Marine Corps separations.

Legal Support for Marine Administrative Separation Boards

A strong defense strategy helps present your achievements, challenge unsupported allegations, and demonstrate why continued service is appropriate. Marines who prepare thoroughly have significantly better outcomes than those who rely solely on military counsel or wait until the last minute.

➤ Get representation for your Marine Corps separation board.

Marine Corps Administrative Separation Boards – Frequently Asked Questions