Office of the Inspector General (IG):
My name is LtCol McClendon "Mack" Waters, and I am scheduled to retire from active duty on 01 June 2011.
Per Marine Corps order, I am invoking my right to Request Mast. Because my grievances involve immediate higher headquarters and the general court martial authority (GCMA) in my chain of command, and because some concerns are systemic in nature, I request permission to appear before the IG of the Marine Corps.
In December 2010, I submitted a voluntary retirement request in lieu of a board of inquiry after CG, MCCDC imposed NJP on me for Article 133 (Conduct Unbecoming). On 04 April 2011, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) approved CG, MCCDC and DC, M&RA endorsements recommending that I be retired in a lesser grade.
I have reason to believe my case was mishandled at multiple levels. I intend to address potential procedural defects via the Board of Corrections for Naval Records (BCNR) process. However, new information--recently provided to my counsel by a key witness--raises concerns of possible prejudicial activity and unlawful command influence by individuals responsible for handling and disposing of my case. Also, the new information provided and items addressed in my draft BCNR package may identify systemic problems regarding Marine Corps ethics, policy, and law when conducting the investigative, disciplinary, and separation processes. Consequently, I intend to submit a formal complaint seeking IG of the Marine Corps action.
My active duty time is quickly waning, exacerbated by the long holiday weekend. Therefore, I request immediate instructions on the best tack. Please advise on whether or not my retirement orders should be held in abeyance until this issue is resolved.
My administrative headquarters, Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion, Fort Meade, Maryland, has been informed of my pending Request Mast.
Respectfully,
M. N. WATERS, III
Lieutenant Colonel, USMC
(240) 319-6962