A Marine requiring an assessment will be assigned a case manager. The case manager, through a collaborative effort with the Marine, will conduct a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of the individual’s treatment needs.  As part of the assessment a Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP) will render a diagnostic judgement. The case manager and the Marine will use the assessment results to develop an Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP). 

A classification of quality of service rendered, the characterization of service is recognition of the quality of a Marine's performance and conduct.  Determining the proper characterization should not be underestimated.  Characterization of service serves as a goal for each Marine and as a meaningful endorsement to potential employers.

1. Honorable.  An honorable characterization is appropriate when the quality of the Marine's service is otherwise meritorious that any other characterization would be clearly inappropriate. Enlisted Marine with average proficiency marks of 3.0 or higher and average conduct marks of 4.0 or higher, shall have his or her service characterized as Honorable.
2. General (Under Honorable Conditions). A general characterization of service is appropriate when the Marine's conduct of performance of duty outweigh the positive aspects of the military record. Enlisted Marines with proficiency and conducts marks below 3.0 and 4.0, respectively, should receive a characterization of general, under honorable conditions.
3. Under Other Than Honorable Conditions. This characterization is appropriate when the Marine's conduct or performance of duty, particularly the commission or omission of an act that constitutes a significant departure from that expected of a Marine.

For additional guidance concerning characterization of service for Marine Officers refer to the SECNAVINST 1920.6C. For additional guidance concerning characterization of service for enlisted Marines, refer to chapter 1 of MCO P1900.16F.

Purpose:To assist Marine Corps military families in understanding the impact of deployments on children, to help children better understand the experience of the deployed parent, and to assist in opening lines of communication between the children and the parent remaining at home.

Audience: Marine Corps families, especially young children (ages 4-10).

Key Points to be Communicated: There are two distinct parts to this video: a puppet show and an explanation as to how to conduct the show. The puppet show features puppets from the Camp Pendleton Deployment and Readiness Support office. The message of the puppet show is this:

• The Marine did not leave because of something the child did.
• The Marine still loves the child and family but duty has called the Marine away.
• Life during deployment is different but the Marine wil l be safe, eat, sleep, get medical attention, have mail sent and delivered so that contact can be maintained.
• The child must remember that the parent remaining at home is a source of support and love.

Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, modeled after 21 U.S.C. § 841, provides in pertinent part:

1. Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully uses, possesses, manufacturers, distributes, imports into the customs territory of the United States, exports from the United States, or introduces into an installation, vessel, vehicle, or aircraft used by or under the control of the armed forces a substance described  in subsection (b) shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
2. The substances referred to in subsection (a) are the following:
   1. Opium, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, methamphetamine, phencyclidine, barbituric acid, and marijuana and any compound or derivative of any such substance.
   2. Any substance not specified in clause (1) that is listed on a schedule of controlled substances prescribed by the President for the purposes of this article.

• DD Form 2792, Exceptional Family Member Medical Summary for medical issues only, and
• DD Form 2792-1, Exceptional Family Member Special Education/Early Intervention Summary for educational issues. Any Marine who has a child who has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is required to enroll in the EFMP.

is the automated process that collects and documents information on all formal equal opportunity complaints.  The web-based system is maintained by CMC (MPE) and uses the information gathered to generate statistics for reporting purposes and to keep CMC apprised of equal opportunity issues throughout the Marine Corps.  It is further outlined below:

1. It is the responsibility of the command in which the complaint was received to ensure a DASH report is initiated.  The DASH report is required when a formal complaint is filed and a Marine is the complainant or alleged offender.  The command that receives the complaint is responsible for ensuring a DASH report is submitted to the CMC (MPE).
2. Commanders are required to submit a DASH report, using the format in Appendix D of MCO P5354.1D, within 20 days after the date on which the investigation commenced.  The command EOA will provide advice and assistance on DASH report submission procedures.
3. Commands not located at or near an installation with an EOA need to contact Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (MPE), 3280 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-5103, commercial phone number (703) 784-9371, DSN 278-9371 for further guidance.  DASH reports should not be reported via message traffic due to the sensitive nature of the information and to protect the privacy of the people involved.

Discharge

The wrongful use of a controlled substance, prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or intoxicating substance (other than alcohol) to an extent that it has an adverse effect on performance, conduct, discipline, or mission effectiveness. For purposes of this Manual, drug abuse also includes the intentional inhalation of fumes or gasses of intoxicating substances with the intent of achieving an intoxicating effect on the user’s mental or physical state, and steroid usage other than that specifically prescribed by a competent authority. Drug abuse is also a clinical diagnosis based on specific diagnostic criteria delineated in the American Psychiatric Association, "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," current edition (DSM), and must be determined by a qualified Medical officer (MO) or DoD-authorized licensed practitioner. A diagnosis of drug abuse generally requires some form of intervention and treatment.

primary responsibility is to support the Marine Corps’ illegal drug use prevention activities (e.g., DDR budget, illegal drug use education, and urinalysis testing).

The following agencies offer the services listed. 

• Marine and Family Services –  Personal counseling, stress management, family/relationship counseling
• Chaplains – Spiritual guidance, personal counseling, life issues counseling
• Military OneSource – Anonymous personal, financial, and other advice, brief face-to-face counseling
• Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society – Financial counseling and monetary assistance
• Legal Services – Legal assistance and advice
• Medical – Mental Health evaluation and treatment, health promotion strategies

• The patient' s personal physician;
• Hospice physician (or medical director);
• Nurses and/or Home health aides;
• Social workers;
• Clergy or other counselors;
• Trained volunteers; and
• Speech, physical, and occupational therapists, if needed.

Per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, each public school child who receives special education and related services (i.e. occupational, speech and physical therapy, transportation) must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP describes the special education and related services specifically designed to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability. The program is developed at one or more IEP meetings, and its provisions are detailed in writing in the IEP.

It is customary for both parents to attend an IEP meeting but not necessary. Its important that both parents understand and agree upon the special education needs of their child. IEP meetings can be very stressful for parents because sometimes there are disagreements over what services, goals and objectives are more appropriate for the child. If the Marine cant attend then its a good idea for the spouse to take a friend or advocate with them to support them through the IEP team meeting. Usually IEP meetings are an annual occurrence, however, when interim changes are required the IEP team has to meet to make changes to the IEP.

Marines referred to the SACC will be screened by a drug and alcohol counselor to determine if early intervention or an assessment is warranted. Screenings will be conducted using the clinical package screening forms in NAVMC 2931. If the need for an assessment is ruled out, the individual will be placed in an Early Intervention Program. Generally, the screening process should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete. 

An office run by the installation Staff Judge Advocate to provide comprehensive legal support to our global military community in the areas of estate planning, family law, state and federal taxation, immigration and naturalization, consumer law, military rights and entitlements, and others. The focus of the legal assistance office is to assist those eligible for legal assistance with their personal legal affairs in a timely professional manner by providing clients legal counsel, support, and representation to the maximum extent possible. For more information please see: http://sja.hqmc.usmc.mil/jal/default.htm

In absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, disease or injury suffered by a Marine will be considered to have been incurred in the line of duty.  Disease or injury suffered by a Marine will not be considered to have been incurred in the line of duty when found under any one of the following circumstances:

1. As a result of the Marine's intentional misconduct or willful neglect; 
2. While avoiding duty by desertion or unauthorized absence;
3. While confined under sentence of court-martial that includes an unremitted dishonorable discharge;
4. While confined under sentence of a civil court following conviction of an offense which is defined as a felony by the law of the jurisdiction where convicted.

A general term used to ensure the commander initiates the involuntary separation process, to the separation authority.  This term does not mean that a board hearing is mandatory or that the separation of the respondent is mandatory.

MCO P1900.16F Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual .  Currently, a FOIA (freedom of Information Act) redacted version of the Separation Manual is online. This version is incomplete, however, as it does not contain Change 1. A complete and searchable version of the Manual should be available online with Change 2 by early CY2007.

MCFTB provides educational resources and services to foster personal growth and enhance the readiness of Marine Corps families. MCFTB is comprised of the following:

• Key Volunteer Network (KVN)
• Lifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills (L.I.N.K.S.)
• Spouses' Learning Series (SLS)
• Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP)
• Chaplains Religious Enrichment and Development Operation (CREDO)

The EFMP Coordinators are located at the MFSCs. MFSCs also offers a wide variety of counseling services for families who may need some help in coping with the emotional side or caring for a family member with special needs. The MFSCs also have financial counselors who can assist families who need help achieving their financial goals or when they need guidance when problems arise.  Click here for more details.

A non-punitive order imposing conditions upon a service member to maintain the safety and protection of another person. An MPO does not preclude disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice nor does it preclude the issuance of a civilian protection order. http://www.usmc-mccs.org/victimadv/domestic/MPO%20signed.pdf

It is Department of Defense Policy that every appropriate effort be made to protect victims of abuse from further harm. Commanders have the authority to make military protective orders to safeguard victims, quell disturbances and maintain good order and discipline while victims are pursuing protection order from civilian courts or to support existing civilian protective orders.

Military protective orders (MPO), often referred to as a "no contact" order bars active duty military members from having contact with specified persons against whom they are alleged or confirmed to have committed an act of domestic violence or child abuse. For example, a commander may order a military member to:

1. Avoid contact and communication to the protected person directly, indirectly, or through a third person. This includes face to face, telephone, e-mail, letter, or fax contact.
2. Stay away (specified distance) from the protected person's family, home, workplace or other locations.
3. Vacate military housing and/or be provided temporary military quarters.
4. Attend counseling.
5. Surrender government weapons custody card.
6. Removal of on-base stored personal weapons.
7. Other orders as necessary based on specific circumstances.

There are 11 premise codes authorized for use. Those 11 codes are separated into different types. Using the wrong premise code can cause unnecessary administrative and legal problems. Be sure to consult with legal on the correct premise to use. 

• THE FIRST TYPE IS INSPECTION/SEARCH AND SEIZURE. They include Random (IR), Unit Sweep (IU), Inspection Generic (IO) (authorized by CMC (MRO), Members Consent (VO), and Probable Cause (PO). 
• THE SECOND IS COMMAND AND SERVICE DIRECTED. They include Physician/Medical Directed (MO), Command Directed (CO), Safety/Mishap (AO), Rehabilitation Facility and Navy Drug Screening Lab Staff (RO), Other (OO), and New Entrant (NO). 
• The main difference between the two types is that the Inspection/Search and Seizure codes can be used for discipline, characterization of service and administrative separation processing. The Command and Service Directed can only be used for administrative separation processing. 
• Random Sample (IR) is the random selection of individual(s) from an entire command. Each individual must have an equal chance of selection. 
• Unit Sweep (IU) is the selection of a whole command or an identifiable segment within the command (i.e. paygrade, division, department).
• Inspection Generic (IO) is only used when authorized by CMC (MRO). 
• Consent Test (VO) to be used when there is reason to believe an incident of drug abuse has occurred - an individual is asked to consent to a urinalysis. 
• Probable Cause (PO) to be used when there is reason to believe an incident of drug abuse has occurred and an individual refuses to consent. It is recommended the command Legal Officer or local Navy Legal Service Office concur with circumstances that warrant probable cause. Each of these premises can be used for both disciplinary and administrative separation processing. 
• In any case other than Random and Unit Sweep premises, be sure to follow the following steps: first ask member for Consent (VO); if member refuses, check with your Legal Department to see if circumstances warrant Probable Cause (PO).  The reason for this is these premises can be used for both disciplinary and administrative purposes. All to often a UPC will automatically use the Command Directed (CO) premise which cannot be used for discipline.

A standardized “Return and Reunion for Spouses” presentation has been developed, and is posted on the MCCS website for use by installation staff (commanders, chaplains, MCFTB staff).  All installation commanders and CG, Marine Forces Reserve are tasked to ensure that deliveries of it are readily available and marketed to family members (spouses, children, and significant others) aboard receiving installations and at appropriate reserve locations as early as 30 days prior to return of units.  A narrated and annotated version of this presentation is available through the Navy’s Lifelines 2000 for those not proximate to an installation or otherwise unable to attend a live presentation.

• To record significant events, duties, awards and other pertinent information in a Marine's career for historical purposes.
• To assist local or immediate commanders in making decisions concerning assignments, promotions, eligibility for schooling or overseas duty.
• To maintain the original documentation for underlying entries into the manpower management system computer database.
• To protect the privacy of individual Marines by consolidating information and limiting access to this information to personnel in the chain of command.

Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) serve as the single point of contact for an integrated and transparent response capability and system accountability for sexual assault care. The SARC is considered the center of gravity when it comes to ensuring victims receive appropriate and responsive care with timely access to appropriate services. The SARC coordinates the response to the sexual assault and places particular emphasis on victim support and safety. The SARC oversees routine management and follow up of cases through an established monthly meeting process. The SARC oversees the development and execution of training related to sexual assault. The SARC has oversight responsibility for victim Advocates. Please visit the SAPR web page for a point of contact at your installation.

A form of sex discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s job, 
    pay, or career.
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is used as a basis for career or employment decisions affecting that person.
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individuals work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Workplace conduct, to be actionable as “abusive work environment” harassment, need not result in concrete psychological harm to the victim, but rather need only be so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would perceive, and the victim does perceive, the work environment as hostile or abusive.
• Any person in a supervisory or command position who uses or condones any form of sexual behavior to control, influence, or affect the career, pay, or job of a military member or civilian employee is engaging in sexual harassment. Similarly, any military member or civilian employee who makes deliberate or repeated unwelcome verbal comments, gestures, or physical contact of a sexual nature in the workplace is also engaging in sexual harassment.

• Substantiated - Preponderance of the information indicates that the act of maltreatment occurred.
• Suspected - There is a belief abuse/neglect might have occurred but sufficient information is not available at the time of the CRC meeting to substantiate.
• Unsubstantiated - There are two types:
  • The act did not occur. Preponderance of information indicates no abuse/neglect occurred.
  • Unable to resolve. After all information was made available, it remained unclear whether abuse occurred.

 Substance Abuse Control Officer.  An SACO is usually a collateral duty billet; oversee all aspects of Marine Corps drug and alcohol prevention programs.

• Advise the CO on the administration of the unit drug and alcohol prevention program
• Conduct administrative screenings of individuals referred to the Substance Abuse Counseling Center (SACC) for possible alcohol and/or drug problems
• Coordinate and/or assist in alcohol and drug abuse awareness education, for example, during command orientation
• Establish and monitor a command prevention and intervention program
• Serve as the Aftercare coordinator for the command, and monitor Aftercare plans, where applicable, for members who return after completion of outpatient or inpatient alcohol treatment programs
• Act as an authorized command self-referral agent

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Substance Abuse Counseling Centers provide drug and alcohol education and counseling for active duty, reserve and retired personnel. Eligible family members over age 18 are provided services on a space available basis.
Highly skilled Marine counselors provide the following services:

• Screenings & Assessments
• Early Intervention Outpatient
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment
• Residential Treatment
• SACO Training

The Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) provides career/employment assistance, vocational guidance, and transition information to separating Marines and their family members. The tools and information provided enable all separating Marines and their family members to make a successful transition from military to civilian life. Separating Marines are counseled and advised of the availability of these programs and their responsibility for attending prior to leaving the military. For more information please refer to http://www.usmc-mccs.org/tamp/index.cfm

As a Federal crime victim, you have the following rights:

• The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for their dignity and privacy;
• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender;
• The right to be notified of court proceedings;
• The right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless the court determines that your testimony would be materially affected if you heard other testimony at trial;
• The right to confer with the attorney for the government in the case; 
• The right to available restitution;
• The right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender.
• DD Form 2701