R 301554Z Aug 16
MARADMIN 457/16
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DMCS//
SUBJ/ACTIVE DUTY CAREER RETENTION AND EXPANDED PERMANENT LIMITED DUTY (EPLD) POLICY FOR COMBAT WOUNDED MARINES//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/CMC WASH DC MMEA/8SEP2010 //
REF/B/MSGID: DOC/CMC WASH DC MMSR/7AUG2015 //
REF/C/MSGID: DOC/CMC WASH DC C466/8SEP2015//
NARR/REF A IS MCO 1040.31, ENLISTED RETENTION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM MANUAL. REF B IS MCO 1900.16 W/CH1, MARINE CORPS SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT MANUAL. REF C IS NAVMC 1200.1A, MOS MANUAL.
POC/MMEA-1/-/TEL: 703-432-9145//
POC/MMOA-3/-/TEL: 703-784-9284//
POC/RA/-TEL: 703-784-9138//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.   This MARADMIN outlines the requirements for retention on an Expanded Permanent Limited Duty Status (EPLD).
2. MARADMIN 228/06 is cancelled.  This MARADMIN provides administrative guidance to Commanders and their Marines who want to remain on active duty and contribute to the Marine Corps mission despite their medical restrictions.
3. This guidance applies only to those combat wounded Marines whose injuries were the result of hostile action, meet the criteria for awarding of the Purple Heart, and whose injuries were not the result of their own misconduct.  Combat wounded Marines being retained must be capable of performing in a Military  Occupational Specialty (MOS) and effectively contributing to the Marine Corps’ mission.  Passing all or part of the Physical Fitness Test, Combat Fitness Test and/or being worldwide deployable are not prerequisites for retention in this status.  Height and weight standards may be waived on a case-by-case basis.  Retention under this policy may adversely affect Veterans Affairs benefits and entitlements associated with medical separation as a result of combat injury. Marines retained under this policy are attempting to show fitness for duty by requesting retention.  Marines retained under this policy for a year or longer will receive re-evaluation upon final separation, and are subject to a potentially lesser subsequent disability rating as determined through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System.  It is imperative that Marines seeking retention under this policy are fully counseled on the implications of their decision that may be better served by being either medically retired or separated and who might better avail themselves of VA services/entitlements.
4.  Marines found "unfit" for continued Naval Service by the Secretary of the Navy Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) may apply for PLD and subsequently EPLD under the "combat wounded" steps listed below:
    a.  Combat wounded Marines may request to remain in an initial period of PLD until their current EAS.  Submit requests to HQMC (MMSR-4) per ref (b).
    b.  Combat wounded Marines desiring to extend or reenlist beyond the initially approved PLD period may submit for retention in an EPLD status to HQMC (MMEA-1/RAM) via the Total Force Retention System (TFRS).  Career Planners will assist Marines with their submissions.
    c.  Career Planners will ensure the following information is included in the RELM submissions:
    d.  Complete Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and PEB results. Medical officers evaluation and recommendation of Marines suitability for assignment to their requested MOS’s per ref (c) and any updates to the Marines medical condition not otherwise documented.
    e.  A letter from the Marine to CMC indicating reason for their desire for retention (complete current enlistment or career intentions), three lateral move choices per ref (c), if applicable, and willingness to accept a lateral move and geographic assignment if determined necessary through HQMC board action (geographic assignments will be restricted to those bases and stations that have proper medical facilities required for a combat wounded Marines injuries).
    f.  Commanding Officer and Commanding Generals Endorsement (first General Officer in the chain of command).
    g.  First-Term and Career Marines may submit for reenlistment based on current Fiscal Year Retention Guidelines or upon expiration of their initial PLD period.
    h.  HQMC MRA will convene an EPLD Selection Board monthly, or as required, to evaluate and recommend to the CMC the retention suitability of each individual Marines request for continued service in the Marine Corps and their ability to fulfill duties in a suitable MOS. A  Notification of approval/disapproval will occur via TFRS.
    i.  If approved, the combat wounded Marine will sign and acknowledge the "assignment to EPLD" letter by CMC which stipulates the conditions of the retention period.  Copies of the "assignment to EPLD" letter will be signed and attached to the acknowledged TFRS RELM for archiving purposes.  MMSR will ensure a copy is filed in the Marines (OMPF).  Combat wounded Marines retained under this authority need to ensure their OMPF is up to date with this information.
    j.  Combat wounded Marines approved for retention under this policy will reenlist for 48 months and may submit for subsequent reenlistment thereafter without a requirement for an additional retention board unless a change to medical status warrants it. If necessary, lateral move to a suitable MOS will be determined by the EPLD board.
    k.  Assignments of combat wounded Marines will be limited to bases and stations that have suitable medical facilities capable of providing the required additional or follow-up medical care.
5.  Approved Marines will be assigned a Draw Case Code of "CW" (Combat Wounded) which designates their assignment to EPLD.
    a.  Officer.  Approved for incremental periods linked to promotion competitiveness, maximum service to 30 years is allowable provided that the Marine meets promotion and DOPMA/ROPMA criteria that are applicable to all Officers by law.  Officer Retention. Questions and submission requests for Officer cases will be directed to HQMC (MMOA-3).
    b.  Enlisted.  Approved for incremental periods linked to 48-month reenlistments, incremental periods of service will be limited to 36-month reenlistments for those serving beyond 20 years. Maximum service to 30 years is allowable provided that the Marine meets promotion and Enlisted Career Force Controls.
    c.  Reserves.  Reserve Marines are eligible to apply for EPLD. If approved they will be transferred to either the Active Component or joined to the Active Reserve program. Transfers will be handled on a case by case basis with substantial consideration given to the Marines rank and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) coupled with the overall impact on the MOS and the respective population for each component. Contact Reserve Affairs for additional guidance.
6.  Combat wounded Marines approved for this status will accept all provisions as outlined in the "assignment to EPLD" letter, or, they will be allowed to medically separate with the disability rating and associated VA benefits as originally determined by the PEB.
7.  Subsequent reenlistment requests while on an EPLD status require a reevaluation by a Medical Officer who specializes in the area of your disability in order to continue service on active duty.
8.  Release authorized by Gen Robert B. Neller, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//