Who has the authority to grant a waiver to prevent separation for a second alcohol-related incident?

The authority to grant a waiver to prevent separation for a second alcohol-related incident lies with the Naval Personnel Command. This command is responsible for managing personnel policies and decisions regarding naval personnel, including issues related to misconduct or substance abuse.

Typically, the process for considering waivers involves reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incidents, the service member's overall performance, and the potential for future service. By centralizing this authority within the Naval Personnel Command, the Navy ensures a consistent and standardized approach to handling such sensitive issues.

Understanding the role of the other entities is important as well, but they do not have the authority to grant such waivers. Fleet Force Command, while it oversees operational readiness and specific fleet matters, typically does not get involved in individual administrative actions regarding separation. The Chief of Naval Operations, being the highest-ranking officer in the Navy, focuses on broader strategic issues, and the Military Justice Division handles legal-related aspects of discipline but does not have the authority to grant waivers for retention in cases of alcohol-related incidents.