Mco p1900.16f w ch 1-2 marine corps separation and retirement

1101 MARINE CORPS SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT MANUAL*b. Honorable Discharge Certificate (DD Form 256). Discharge certificatewill not be issued unless the Marine is being discharged or reenlisted aftercompletion of the service obligation or through involuntary administrativeseparation proceedings (NOTE: General Discharge Certificate, DD Form 257, wascanceled by DOD in August 2003 and will no longer be used).(1) Custody(a) Discharge certificates shall be kept in the custody of thecommander or a designated representative responsible for their safekeeping,accountability, and proper issue.*(b) When an organization is disbanded, unused dischargecertificates shall be forwarded by registered mail to the Navy Cognizance ISupply System under instructions contained in the Introduction to NAVSUP Pub2003.(2) Preparation(a) Discharge certificates will be prepared by the organizationhaving custody of the service record.(b) The character of discharge is determined per paragraph 1004.*(c) Regular and Reserve Marines separated under honorableconditions will receive the appropriate discharge certificate. Marinesseparated under general (under honorable conditions), other than honorable,bad conduct, and dishonorable conditions will not be issued a dischargecertificate.(3) Completion of the Discharge Certificate*(a) Name. Grade, full name in capital letters (beginning with thefirst name), followed by the social security number (SSN). In the case ofReservists, no additional statement will be placed on the dischargecertificate. The requirement for listing the middle name is waived for theCommanding General, Marine Corps Mobilization Command (MOBCOM), a middleinitial, if applicable, must be included. Do not indicate component (USMC orUSMCR).(b) Date. As shown in the following example: on the “l0th” dayof “June 2001”.(c) Signature. The normal signature of the officer who signs willbe made on the top line. The bottom line will be completed as shown in thefollowing example: "J. P. JONES, MAJOR, USMC."(4) Delivery*(a) Every effort should be made to deliver honorable dischargecertificates in person by an officer, preferably the commanding officer.Delivery should be accompanied by an expression of good wishes.(b) In those instances where personal delivery cannot be made, thefollowing action will be taken:*(1) The commanding officer will mail the discharge certificateto the person concerned using first class mail with the return address:1-32Ch 2