Nothing in this article prevents separation of a member in an entry level status under another basis for separation. Do not initiate separation processing until the member has been counseled about the deficiencies and has been afforded an opportunity to overcome those deficiencies. Use the notification procedure with the following modification in the member’s statement of awareness.  “I understand that I am being considered for an administrative discharge by reason of entry level performance  and  conduct.   I have been advised that if the proposed separation is approved it will result in my separation  with  an  uncharacterized  discharge  identified as entry level separation. ” COs with SPCM CA have the authority to effect the separation   provided   the   member   has   received counseling, all disciplinary action is complete, and the member   does   not   object. Use  the  notification procedure. Send  the  processed  case  by  letter  of transmittal  to  the  Chief  of  Naval  Personnel  (PERS-83). In those cases where the member objects or the CO does not have the authority to process, send the case to the Chief of Naval Personnel by either letter of transmittal or message. Characterization of service will be ELS. For additional guidance on separation processing by reason of entry level performance and conduct, refer to MILPERSMAN. UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE Separation  of  a  member  under  this  category  is authorized  when  it  is  determined  that  the  member  is unqualified  for  further  naval  service  by  reason  of unsatisfactory    performance.    Unsatisfactory performance   is   demonstrated   by   one   or   more performance  evaluations,  either  regular  or  special,  with unsatisfactory  marks  for  professional  factors  of  2.6  or below  in  either  military  or  rating  knowledge  and performance, or with overall evaluation of 2.6 or below. You may not use this basis for separation for a member in an entry level status or when processing for misconduct  is  appropriate. Do  not  initiate  separation  processing  until  the member has been counseled and has had the opportunity to overcome his or her deficiencies. A page 13 must be issued  by  the  parent  command  before  the  latest qualifying evaluation, and it must address the specific unsatisfactory   performance. Characterization of service will be type warranted by service record (TWSR), which is either honorable or general. COs  with  SPCM  CA  may  effect  the  separation provided  the  member  does  not  object  to  the  separation. If  the  member  objects  to  separation,  the  Chief  of  Naval Personnel PERS-83) is the separation authority. Use the notification procedure. Send the processed case by letter of transmittal or message to the Chief of Naval Personnel (PERS-83). For additional guidance on separation processing by reason  of  unsatisfactory  performance  and  conduct,  refer to  the  MILPERSMAN. HOMOSEXUALITY Due to present (July 1993) changes occurring in policies regarding homosexuals in the military, refer to current  directives  for  guidance  regarding  this  issue. DRUG ABUSE REHABILITATION FAILURE A member who has been referred by his or her CO to a level II or III rehabilitation treatment program for personal drug abuse may be separated when he or she: demonstrates an inability or refusal to participate in, cooperate in, or successfully complete a level II or III rehabilitation program; has an alcohol incident or drug-related incident anytime in his or her career following completion of level II or III and there is no potential for further  service; fails to follow a directed level II or III aftercare program;  or returns to drug abuse following level II or III rehabilitation treatment and there is no potential for further service. Characterization  of  service  will  be  TWSR (honorable  or  general  or  ELS.  Use  the  notification procedure.   COs   with   SPCM   CA   may   effect   the separation provided the member does not object. If the member  objects,  the  Chief  of  Naval  Personnel (PERS-83)  is  the  separation  authority.  Send  the processed  case  by  letter  of  transmittal  to  the  Chief  of Naval Personnel (PERS-83). The CO’s comments must indicate if the member is or is not drug dependent as diagnosed  by  a  physician  or  clinical  psychologist. Message  submission  is  optional. For additional guidance on separation processing by reason of drug abuse rehabilitation failure, refer to the MILPERSMAN. 9-10