The Coast Guard’s Long History of Unauthorized Separations and Discharges
Enlisted Coastguardsmen babysit Baron Trump (pictured in a “Never Trump” ballcap) to prevent him from drowning himself while his father - known as “Mister Mulligan” - cheats at golf nearby. Here, he is ordering them to fetch a Big Mac from the McDonald’s across the bay.
Discharge Authority For An Administrative Separation
a. Paragraph 1.B.1.f. (Definitions) of the USCG Military Separations manual states: “As used in this Article, these definitions apply:
(9) Discharge Authority. As established here and implemented by regulations issued by an Armed Force, an official authorized to make a final decision on specified types of discharges.”
b. Paragraph 1.B.1.a. (Discharge Authority) of the Military Separations manual states that “Commander, Coast Guard Personnel Service Center, is the Discharge Authority in all cases of administrative separation except…” in separations involving USCG Academy cadets (Superintendent), Training Center Cape May recruits (Commanding Officer), and “The district commander, logistics/service center commands, or commanding officer, as appropriate… in those cases specified in Articles 1.B.7., 1.B.8., 1.B.11., 1.B.12., and 1.B.15.” of the Separations Manual.
As none of the cases specified in Articles 1.B.7, 8, 11, 12 or 15 are germane to my discharge, by USCG regulation, only Commander PSC was authorized to separate me administratively.
Discharge Authority For A Discharge By Reason of Misconduct
a. Paragraph 1.B.17. (Misconduct) subparagraph 1.B.17.a. (Policy) of the Military Separations manual states: “…only Commander (CG PSC) may direct a discharge for misconduct and the type of discharge (under other than honorable, under honrorable conditions, or honorable) as warranted by the particular circumstances of a given case.”
Thus, only Commander PSC was authorized to discharge me for misconduct.
Lack Of Discharge Authority For A Discharge By Reason Of Misconduct
The Separation Authorization that authorized my discharge states: “This separation action has been authorized pursuant to CG PSC-EPM written decision and is issued (by) CG PSC-EPM-1.” Yet, EPM-1 asserted in PSC’s response to an FOIA Request that there was no written / signed authorization by Commander PSC or Commander EPM authorizing my highly unusual and non-regulation Uncharacterized Discharge by reason of Misconduct.
Further, in his Notification of Intent to Discharge, CDR Meador stated: “2. The decision on your discharge and type of discharge you will receive will rest with Commander (CG PSC-EPM-1).” As Paragraph 1.B.17. (Misconduct) subparagraph 1.B.17.a. (Policy) of the USCG Separations Manual makes clear, Commander, EPM-1 does not have the authority to authorize a discharge for misconduct.
EPM-1 did not have the authority to discharge me for misconduct and neither CG PSC nor EPM signed a written decision authorizing my discharge by EPM-1. And my case is just one of many.
