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NAVADMIN 283/21
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SUBJ/CCDA EXECUTION GUIDANCE TO COMMANDERS//
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NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 190/21, 2021-2022 NAVY MANDATORY COVID-19 VACCINATION
AND REPORTING POLICY.
REF B IS NAVADMIN 225/21, COVID-19 CONSOLIDATED DISPOSITION AUTHORITY (CCDA).
REF C IS NAVADMIN 256/21, CCDA GUIDANCE TO COMMANDERS.
REF D IS THE SECRETARY OF THE DEFENSE MEMO MANDATING CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019
VACCINATION FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SERVICE MEMBERS.
REF E IS ALNAV 062/21, 2021-2022 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY MANDATORY COVID-19
VACCINATION POLICY.
REF F IS SECNAVINST 1920.6D, ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF OFFICERS.
REF G IS MILPERSMAN 1611-010, OFFICER PERFORMANCE AND SEPARATIONS FOR CAUSE.
REF H IS MILPERSMAN 1910-142, SEPARATION BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT - COMMISSION
OF A SERIOUS OFFENSE.
REF I IS MILPERSMAN 1910-233, MANDATORY SEPARATION PROCESSING.
REF J IS MILPERSMAN 1910-010, ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION (ADSEP)
POLICY AND GENERAL INFORMATION.
REF K IS NAVADMIN 249/21, CCDA DATA REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
REF L IS 10 U.S. CODE SECTION 8330, ENLISTED MEMBERS: TRANSFER TO FLEET
RESERVE AND FLEET MARINE CORPS RESERVE; RETAINER PAY.
REF M IS 10 U.S. CODE SECTION 8326, ENLISTED MEMBERS: 30 YEARS.
REF N IS 10 U.S. CODE SECTION 1370, REGULAR COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
REF O IS NAVADMIN 268/21, REQUIRED COVID-19 TESTING FOR UNVACCINATED SERVICE
MEMBERS.
REF P IS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MEMO ADDRESSING CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019
VACCINATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND THE READY RESERVE.
REF Q IS 10 U.S. CODE SECTION 8323, OFFICERS: 20 YEARS.
REF R IS 10 U.S. CODE SECTION 12731, AGE AND SERVICE REQUIREMENTS.
REF S IS BUPERSINST 1730.11A, STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE
ACCOMMODATION OF RELIGIOUS PRACTICES.
REF T IS MILPERSMAN 1730-020, IMMUNIZATION EXEMPTIONS FOR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS.
REF U IS BUMEDINST 6230.15B, IMMUNIZATIONS AND CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS FOR THE
PREVENTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
RMKS/1. Purpose. Since we are now past the last date that any Navy service
member may receive the vaccine and meet the deadlines specified in reference
(a), this NAVADMIN provides execution guidance regarding separation of Navy
service members refusing the COVID-19 vaccine as directed in references (a)
through (e).
2. Policy. In order to ensure a fully vaccinated force, U.S. Navy policy
is, first, that all Navy service members receive the vaccine as directed and,
second, that any who refuse the vaccine be processed for separation at the
earliest possible opportunity.
While the vast majority of Navy service members have already received the
vaccine, it remains in the interest of the Navy to encourage remaining Navy
service members to become fully vaccinated as soon as possible and, at such
time, consider them for retention. Regarding those who refuse the vaccine,
the following policy will be implemented to maximize speed and equity in
achieving a fully vaccinated force:
2.a. Navy service members eligible or approved to separate or retire on or
before 1 June 2022. Upon request, permit separation or retirement (as
applicable) as soon as practicable via expedited processes, in lieu of
administrative separation processing. Barring extenuating circumstances,
this will result in an HONORABLE characterization of service.
2.b. Navy service members not eligible to separate or retire on or before 1
June 2022: Process for administrative separation as soon as practicable
based on misconduct.
2.b.(1). Less than 6 years of service: Process for separation with an
HONORABLE characterization. Service members in this category are not
entitled to an Administrative Separation (ADSEP) board or a Board of Inquiry.
2.b.(2). More than 6 years of service: Process for separation with a
GENERAL (under honorable conditions) characterization, however, requests to
waive Administrative Separation boards or Boards of Inquiry in exchange for
HONORABLE characterization of service will generally be favorably endorsed
(barring additional misconduct or unique circumstances).
2.c. The separation guidance in this NAVADMIN applies to active duty, full
time support (FTS)/training and administration of the reserve (TAR), and
selected reserve (SELRES) Navy service members refusing the
vaccine. Paragraph 6, below, provides additional guidance regarding Navy
Reserve service members refusing the vaccine. Navy service members in the
Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), as well as U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) and
Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) midshipmen remain subject to the
vaccine mandates in references (a), (d), and (e), but will be processed per
their governing instructions.
3. Action. Commanders are now directed to conduct separation processing IAW
this NAVADMIN and per references (f) through (j).
3.a. If a Navy service member refusing the vaccine changes their mind and
subsequently receives the vaccine, but cannot meet the deadline specified in
references (a) and (e), Commanders must expeditiously report that fact to the
COVID Consolidated Disposition Authority (CCDA) via *pers-834@navy.mil*
for officers and *832vaccineadseps.fct@navy.mil* for enlisted, in order to
expedite determination regarding pausing or permanently waiving the
administrative actions directed by references (b), (c) and this
NAVADMIN. Commanders are reminded to update the data required by reference
(k) in such cases.
3.b. Separation processing for Navy service members refusing the vaccine
will be IAW this NAVADMIN. Where the terms of this NAVADMIN regarding
separation processing conflict with references (a) through (c), this NAVADMIN
supersedes and replaces that previous guidance.
However, unless specifically waived by the CCDA based on receiving the
vaccine, all other administrative actions associated with vaccine refusal
described in references (b) and (c) including but not limited to pay,
promotion/advancement, fitness reports/evaluations, etc. continue to apply in
all cases of Navy service members refusing the vaccine.
3.c. Officer and enlisted service members separated based on vaccine refusal
will not be eligible for involuntary separation pay.
3.d. Officers separated based on vaccine refusal who have not completed a
service obligation incurred by attending the U.S. Naval Academy, receipt of a
Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Scholarship, or receipt of other
advanced education funds will be required to repay their educational expenses
IAW existing agreements.
3.e. The command endorsement section of separation requests processed in
NSIPS per this NAVADMIN must clearly indicate *COVID-19 VACCINE REFUSAL* and
Commanders must closely monitor progress and results throughout the process.
3.f. Navy service members with approved or pending COVID-19 vaccination
exemption requests shall not be processed for separation per this
NAVADMIN. Navy service members whose COVID-19 vaccination exemption request
is subsequently denied are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as
directed by the exemption adjudicating authority or if the exemption
adjudicating authority does not specify, commence vaccination within 5 days
of being notified of the denial. Navy service members who subsequently refuse
the COVID-19 vaccine after expiration of the specified time to commence
vaccination will be processed for separation per this NAVADMIN. Commanders
are reminded to update the data required by reference (k) in such cases.
3.g. Any officer or enlisted service member refusing the vaccine who has a
currently-approved separation or retirement (as of the date of this NAVADMIN)
for a date on or before 1 June 2022 will be permitted to execute their
separation or retirement without additional administrative separation
processing described below.
3.h. For the purposes of this message, use of the word *retirement* in the
case of enlisted personnel should be read to include transfer to the fleet
reserve, when eligible.
4. Officer Processing: Except as provided in paragraph 3.g, the CCDA, as the
show cause authority, has directed mandatory show cause processing for all
officers who refuse the vaccine IAW reference (f) on the bases of Misconduct,
Moral or Professional Dereliction, and Substandard Performance.
4.a. Commanders shall delay submitting a report of misconduct for officers
who are beyond their minimum service requirement (MSR) to determine if they
are eligible and desire to request an unqualified retirement or resignation
in line with para 2.a. For officers who are not eligible and/or do not
desire to request to retire or resign on or before 1 June 2022, Commanders
shall initiate processing for separation by submitting a report of misconduct
to Commander, Navy Personnel Command (PERS-834) per reference (g) as soon as
practicable, but not later than 21 January 2022. The template for this
report may be found at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/navy-covid-19-
reporting.
For officers who are eligible, request and are command sponsored (via NSIPS)
to retire or resign on or before 1 June 2022, reports of misconduct are not
required. However, if requests for retirement or resignation are disapproved
by higher authority, the provisions of this paragraph regarding required
reports of misconduct and officer show cause will again apply. In those
cases, reports of misconduct must be initiated within 5 days of retirement or
resignation disapproval.
4.a.(1). Unqualified resignation or retirement requests in line with this
paragraph must be submitted no later than 21 January 2022 with a separation
date no later than 1 June 2022.
4.a.(2). Officers who have not met all Time in Grade (TIG) requirements will
not be recommended for a TIG waiver and will be recommended to retire at the
next lower grade in which the officer served on active duty satisfactorily.
4.a.(3). Officers with prior enlisted service, more than 20 years of active
service, and less than 10 years of commissioned service (YCS) are not
qualified for a regular officer retirement, but will be permitted to resign
their commission and reenlist in the highest enlisted paygrade previously
held for the sole purpose of retiring IAW references (l) and (m).
4.a.(4). In cases where an officer is notified after 7 January 2022 that
their exemption request was denied and continues to refuse the vaccine, that
officer will be provided 14 days from the date of such notification to
request resignation or retirement in line with paragraph 4.a. above, if they
are eligible and desire to make such a request. Such requests must still
ensure resignation or retirement on or before 1 June 2022.
4.b. Eligible. An officer eligible to resign is, generally, one who has
completed or will complete their minimum service requirement on or before 1
June 2022. An officer eligible to retire is, generally, one who has
completed or will complete at least 20 years of service on or before 1 June
2022. Additional service obligation incurred due to such Navy benefits as
education and bonuses may be waived, at the discretion of the CCDA or higher
authority, in exchange for agreement to repay any unearned portion of the
benefit. Each case will be individually adjudicated for final determination.
4.c. Probationary Officers (as defined in reference (f), but generally less
than 6 years of commissioned service).
4.c.(1). Except as provided in paragraphs 3.g. and 4.a., probationary
officers who refuse the vaccine will be directed to show cause for retention
by notification procedures. The least favorable characterization of service
shall be HONORABLE, unless inclusion of another basis for separation warrants
a less favorable characterization. The show cause authority will direct
processing after receiving reports of misconduct.
4.c.(2). Once notification is complete IAW reference (f) enclosure 11, the
matter will be submitted to the Secretary of the Navy for final adjudication.
4.d. Non-Probationary Officers (as defined in reference (f), but generally
greater than 6 years of commissioned service).
4.d.(1). Except as provided in paragraphs 3.g. and 4.a., non- probationary
officers who refuse the vaccine will be directed to show cause for retention
by Board of Inquiry procedures. The least favorable characterization of
service directed for consideration will be GENERAL (under honorable
conditions), unless inclusion of another basis for separation warrants a less
favorable characterization.
4.d.(2). Non-probationary officers who refuse the vaccine who will not be
retirement or resignation eligible on or before 1 June 2022, will not have
completed their MSR before 1 June 2022, are denied requests for unqualified
resignation/retirement, or who do not prefer separation or retirement IAW
with paragraph 4.a. above will, in the course of show cause proceedings, be
offered the opportunity to submit a qualified resignation or, in some cases,
a retirement request, for discharge with an HONORABLE characterization of
service in exchange for waiving their right to a Board of Inquiry.
4.d.(2).(a). Qualified resignation or retirement requests under this
paragraph must be submitted no later than 14 days after notification to the
officer.
4.d.(2).(b). Officers requesting retirement under this paragraph will be
recommended to the Secretary of the Navy for retirement in grade so long as
time-in-grade requirements are met IAW references (f) and (n).
4.d.(2).(c). Officers requesting retirement under this paragraph, who have
not met all TIG requirements will not be recommended for a TIG waiver and
will be recommended to retire at the next lower grade in which the officer
served on active duty satisfactorily.
4.d.(2).(d). Officers with prior enlisted service, more than 20 years of
active service, and less than 10 years of commissioned service (YCS) are not
qualified for a regular officer retirement, but will be permitted to resign
their commission and reenlist in the highest enlisted paygrade previously
held for the sole purpose of retiring IAW references (l) and (m).
4.d.(3). Non-probationary officers who refuse the vaccine who do not avail
themselves of the opportunities and options provided above will be subject to
show cause through Boards of Inquiry with GENERAL (under honorable
conditions) as the least favorable characterization
of service.
5. Enlisted Processing. Except as provided in paragraph 3.g., the CCDA has
directed that Commanders shall initiate the administrative separation process
for all enlisted service members refusing the vaccine under reference (h),
Misconduct-Commission of a Serious Offense, plus any additional basis known
at the time of processing. The provisions of reference (g) and MILPERSMAN
1910 (series) apply: treat vaccine refusal cases as though they were listed
in reference (i).
5.a. Commanders shall delay initiating administrative separation processing
for enlisted service members who have greater than 20 years of service or
have an end of active obligated service (EAOS) on or before 1 June 2022 to
determine if they are eligible and desire to request separation or retirement
in line with para 2.a.
For those who are not eligible and/or do not desire to make such a request,
initiate administrative separation processing as soon as practicable, but not
later than 21 January 2022. For those who are eligible, request and are
command sponsored to separate or retire on or before 1 June 2022,
administrative separation processing is not required. However, if such
requests are disapproved by higher authority, the provisions of this
paragraph requiring separation processing will again apply. In those cases,
administrative separation processing must be initiated within 5 days of
disapproval.
5.a.(1). Separation or retirement requests in line with this paragraph must
be submitted no later than 21 January 2022.
5.a.(2). Enlisted service members with an expected EAOS on or before 1 June
2022 may request such separation through use of the Enlisted Personnel Action
Request Form NAVPERS 1306/7. Requests may be approved by Commanders as
described in existing procedures.
5.a.(3). Enlisted service members retiring who submit a request IAW this
paragraph will be retired in grade so long as TIG requirements are met.
5.a.(4). Enlisted service members who have not met all TIG requirements will
be ineligible for a TIG waiver and will be retired at the next lower
grade. Enlisted service members must include their willingness to retire at
a lower pay grade within their request. Commanders must also provide a
narrative in the comments that the request is being submitted IAW this
NAVADMIN.
5.a.(5). In cases where an enlisted service member is notified after 7
January 2022 that their exemption request was denied and continues to refuse
the vaccine, that enlisted service member will be provided 14 days from the
date of such notification to request separation or retirement in line with
paragraph 5.a. above, if they are eligible and desire to make such a
request. Such requests must still ensure separation or retirement on or
before 1 June 2022.
5.b. Eligible. An enlisted service member eligible to separate is,
generally, one who will reach their EAOS on or before 1 June 2022. An
enlisted service member eligible to retire is, generally, one who has
completed or will complete at least 20 years of service on or before 1 June
2022. Additional service obligations incurred due to such Navy benefits as
education and bonuses may be waived, at the discretion of the CCDA or higher
authority, in exchange for agreement to repay any unearned portion of the
benefit. Each case will be individually adjudicated for final determination.
5.c. Enlisted service members with less than 6 years of total service
(and/or reserve military service) at the time of notification.
5.c.(1). Except as provided in paragraphs 3.g. and 5.a., enlisted service
members with less than 6 years of total service shall be processed for
separation using notification procedures. The least favorable
characterization of service shall be HONORABLE, unless significant and
persistent negative aspects of the members conduct or performance of duty in
the current enlistment outweigh positive aspects of the members service
record, or if inclusion of another basis for separation warrants a less
favorable characterization.
5.c.(2). Once the cognizant Commander completes notification, commands shall
endorse and forward to PERS-8 at *832vaccineadseps.fct@navy.mil*, which
will forward to the applicable separation authority and then direct
separation as appropriate.
5.d. Enlisted service members with more than 6 years of total service
(and/or reserve military service) at the time of notification.
5.d.(1). Except as provided in paragraphs 3.g. and 5.a., enlisted service
members with more than 6 years of total service shall be processed using
administrative board procedures. The least favorable characterization of
service shall be GENERAL (under honorable conditions), unless inclusion of
another basis for separation warrants a less favorable characterization.
5.d.(2). Enlisted service members with more than 6 years of total service
who are not eligible for retirement, have an EAOS after 1 June 2022, are
denied a request for separation or retirement, or who do not prefer
separation IAW with paragraph 5.a. above, may request to conditionally waive
an administrative separation board in exchange for separation or retirement
(as applicable) with an HONORABLE characterization of service.
5.d.(2).(a). Conditional waiver requests for separation or retirement must
be received by the Commander no later than 14 days after notification.
5.d.(2).(b). Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the Commander will
favorably endorse the conditional waiver request and forward to PERS 8 at
*832vaccineadseps.fct@navy.mil*, which will forward to the applicable
separation authority and then direct separation as appropriate. Commanders
should generally disapprove a conditional waiver only where additional
misconduct (other than vaccine refusal) is present.
5.d.(3). Enlisted service members requesting retirement IAW this paragraph
may be recommended for retirement in grade if time in grade requirements are
met (as applicable). If TIG requirements are not met, they may be
recommended for retirement at the next lower grade.
5.d.(4). Enlisted service members with more than 6 years of total service
who do not avail themselves of the opportunities and options above will
continue to be processed for administrative separation with GENERAL (under
honorable conditions) as the least favorable characterization of service.
5.e. In order to streamline processing of enlisted separation
cases, commands are directed to visit
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Personnel-Conduct-
Sep/Enlisted-Separations/ for reference materials, letter of transmittal
templates and checklists to be used when submitting enlisted active and
FTS/TAR ADSEP cases to *832vaccineadseps.fct@navy.mil*.
6. Additional Navy Reserve Guidance:
6.a. Navy service members who refuse the vaccine and separate from the
active component (AC) will not be permitted to affiliate with or be assigned
in any status within the reserve component (RC).
6.b. Separations for Navy Reserve service members refusing the vaccine will
be conducted at the Navy Reserve Center to which the members are
assigned. In order to be processed for retirement, separation or
resignation, all Navy Reserve service members refusing the vaccine who are on
active duty (ACDU), to include active duty for operational support (ADOS) and
definite recall, shall be released from active duty (RAD) and returned to a
reserve status no later than 21 Jan 2022.
6.c. Navy Reserve service members on ACDU orders, to include active duty for
operational support (ADOS) and definite recall, who submitted a vaccine
exemption request which is subsequently denied after 7 Jan 2022, and refuse
the vaccine following the expiration of the specified time to commence
vaccination, shall be released from active duty (RAD) and returned to a
reserve status within 14 days of being notified of the denial.
6.d. Commanders must notify the Orders Issuing Authority (OIA), either PERS-
92 or PERS-4X, as soon as possible if they have Navy Reserve service members
refusing the vaccine on ACDU.
6.e. In accordance with reference (p), in no case will a Navy Reserve
service member refusing the vaccine be granted authorized absence from drill
or excused from other reserve duties based on failure to comply with
vaccination requirements.
6.f. Active duty members (including FTS/TAR) who do not have 20 qualifying
years to retire, but have earned qualifying years in the reserves and have a
combination of active duty and reserve years to qualify for a non-
regular/reserve retirement under reference (r) should contact PERS-97 Career
Transition Office by emailing your most current reserve Statement of Service
to *cto.officer@navy.mil* for officers and *cto.enlisted@navy.mil* for
enlisted members prior to 21 January 2022 to inform them of your intentions
to be transferred to the reserves solely for the purpose of retirement.
6.g. *Retirement* for RC members includes transfer to the retired reserve
and non-regular retirement as eligible.
6.h. Additional administrative guidance regarding Navy Reserve service
members refusing the vaccine will be promulgated via a forthcoming
ALNAVRESFOR message.
7. As a reminder, all unvaccinated Navy service members are subject to
screening testing against COVID-19 IAW reference (o). Commanders shall
continue to update the status of unvaccinated service members IAW reference
(k).
8. If in doubt as to how to adjudicate issues related to separation of a
Navy service member refusing the vaccine, Commanders should seek guidance
from their chain of command, their staff judge advocate, and/or the CCDA
before acting. Commands without an assigned legal advisor may seek legal
advice from a Region Legal Service Office. In all cases, Commanders are
accountable to ensure the health and safety of their command while treating
every Navy service member with dignity and respect.
9. Points of contact.
My Navy Career Center: 833-330-6622, *askmncc@navy.mil*.
PERS-8 Active/FTS enlisted separations: *832vaccineadseps.fct@navy.mil*
PERS-8 officer separations: *pers-834@navy.mil*
PERS-8 Active/FTS/TAR enlisted retirements:
*enlisted_active_duty_retirements@navy.mil*
PERS-8 Active/FTS/TAR officer retirements: *pers_835_retirements@navy.mil*
PERS-8 officer and enlisted promotion delays:
npc_promotionwithholds.fct@navy.mil*
PERS-92 officer and enlisted definite recalls: *pers-92@navy.mil*.
PERS-9 Reserve enlisted separations: *913vaccineadseps.fct@navy.mil*.
PERS-97 officer transitions: *cto.officer@navy.mil*
PERS-97 enlisted transitions: *cto.enlisted@navy.mil*
OPNAV POC: CAPT Jason Grizzle, *altn_n1_navy_scr.fct@navy.mil*.
10. Released by VADM John B. Nowell, Jr, COVID Consolidated Disposition
Authority.
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