approved by the SPCM CA it is irrevocable except in the  most  unusual  circumstances. The request for hardship discharge format and a list of  required  enclosures  can  be  found  in  the MILPERSMAN. The  SPCM  CA  sends  all  approved  or  disapproved hardship  requests  to  the  Chief  of  Naval  Personnel (PERS-40HH)  for  review  and  record  purposes. The  characterization  of  service  will  be  honorable, general,  or  ELS. For additional guidance on separation processing by reason  of  convenience  of  the  government  due  to hardship, refer to the MILPERSMAN. Pregnancy or Childbirth This  type  of  separation  is  voluntary.  A  written request by the female service member initiates the process. The request may be denied if the member is serving  in  a  critical  rate,  has  received  special compensation during the current enlistment, has not completed  obligated  service  incurred,  or  has  executed orders in a known pregnancy status. Officers exercising SPCM CA are authorized to separate members requesting separation under this article. COs or officers in charge (OICs) with SPCM CA send  the  request  to  the  Chief  of  Naval  Personnel (PERS-282) for final action when the member has not completed  obligated  service  incurred  for  fully  or partially  funded  education  or  has  not  completed obligated service incurred for enlisted education and training. Characterization of service will be honorable, general, or ELS. For additional guidance on separation processing by reason  of  convenience  of  the  government  due  to pregnancy or childbirth, refer to the MILPERSMAN. Parenthood This category is for separation of a member who is unable to perform duties assigned, is repetitively absent, or  is  unavailable  for  worldwide  assignment  or deployment  due  to  parenthood. The  Chief  of  Naval  Personnel  or  officer  exercising SPCM  CA  may  direct  separation.  The  Chief  of  Naval Personnel (PERS-282) may direct separation when the member objects to the discharge and final resolution rests with him or her. Commands may not initiate separation  processing  until  the  member  has  been counseled formally about his or her deficiencies and has been  afforded  an  opportunity  to  overcome  the deficiencies. Use  the  notification  procedure  for processing.  The  characterization  of  service  will  be honorable,  general,  or  ELS. For additional guidance on separation processing by reason  of  convenience  of  the  government  due  to parenthood, refer to the MILPERSMAN. Further Education This category allows for separation of a member to attend college, vocational school, or technical school. The requested separation must be within 3 months of the member’s  expiration  of  active  obligated  service (EAOS). The Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel is the approving authority for this early release program. COs are not  delegated  authority  to  separate  members  under this program. All  personnel  desiring  early  release  under  this program should send their requests to the Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel via the Chief of Naval Personnel (PERS-282),  their  CO,  and  the  area  type  commander. For additional guidance on separation processing by reason  of  convenience  of  the  government  due  to furthering of education, refer to the MILPERSMAN. Conscientious  Objectors Conscientious  objectors  are  persons  who,  by  reason of religious training and belief, have a firm, fixed, and sincere objection against participating in war in any form or the bearing of arms. NO vested  right  exists  for  any  member  to  be discharged from the Regular Navy at his or her own request before his or her EAOS even for conscientious objection. The Chief of Naval Personnel must approve a  member’s  administrative  discharge  before  completion of his or her service obligation. If separation is deemed warranted, the type of discharge is determined by the member’s service record and the provisions of DOD Directive  1332.14. When   processing   a   member’s   application   for separation  by  reasons  of  concientious  objection,  refer to the MILPERSMAN for procedures and guidelines. Designation as a Surviving Son and/or Daughter Enlisted  members  who  become  surviving  sons  or daughters as defined in the MILPERSMAN may apply and  promptly  be  discharged. 9-6