Page 11: 6105 Counseling Entry (NAVMC 118(11))

How to fill out the NAVMC 118(11) — 6105 entry

A 6105 is the written counseling the Separations Manual requires before a Marine can be processed for separation on certain bases (e.g., a pattern of misconduct, unsatisfactory performance). It tells the Marine exactly what is wrong, what to do about it, where to get help, and what happens if nothing changes, and it gives the Marine a real chance to fix it. When: After a deficiency the commander wants documented as the first step of counseling and rehabilitation: misconduct (e.g., repeated tardiness, alcohol-related incidents), unsatisfactory performance, after an NJP with a guilty finding, or on assignment to the Body Composition Program. Commanders may also use it where separation is not contemplated.

Step by step

1. Confirm the commander (company or battery level, or equivalent) will conduct and sign the counseling. The date entered is the day the commander actually counsels the Marine.
2. List each deficiency as observed fact: what happened, when, and what standard or UCMJ article it violated.
3. Give specific recommendations for corrective action the Marine can actually carry out.
4. Name the assistance available: chain of command, chaplain, MCCS counseling, SARP, financial counselors, medical.
5. Add the consequence: either state that separation or judicial processing is planned, or use the IRAM sentence that failure to take corrective action may result in administrative separation or limitation on further service.
6. Close with the rebuttal sentence verbatim. The Marine circles to or not to, then signs. The commander signs in person.
7. Give the Marine a reasonable period to correct the deficiency before any separation processing, and send a copy of the entry (and any rebuttal) as the IRAM directs within 30 days.

What a strong one looks like

• The four elements the Separations Manual looks for are: written notice of the deficiency, specific recommendations for corrective action with the assistance available, a clear explanation of the consequences, and a reasonable opportunity to correct. Missing any one can defeat a later separation.
• Write in the Marine's first person, the way the IRAM sample reads ("Counseled this date concerning..."), and keep it factual and brief.
• Tie each corrective action to a deficiency and make it measurable (report 10 minutes early to every formation for 90 days, complete the SARP PRIME course by a date).
• Book the follow-up. A 6105 that is never revisited shows no rehabilitation effort.

Common mistakes

• Vague deficiencies ("poor attitude") instead of dated facts.
• Leaving out the consequence sentence or the rebuttal sentence, or paraphrasing them.
• Signing by direction. The commanding officer or unit commander must physically sign a 6105.
• Starting separation processing without giving the Marine a reasonable chance to correct.
• Using an adhesive label. The IRAM bars labels for 6105 and derogatory entries.