Panel recommends general discharge for Kokesh - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Panel recommends general discharge for Kokesh

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — A military panel recommended a non-punitive, general discharge for an Iraq War veteran who wore his uniform during an anti-war protest, rather than the less-than-honorable discharge that had been sought by the Marine Corps.

Cpl. Adam Kokesh, 25, participated in the protest in Washington in March wearing a uniform that had his name tag and other insignia removed. When he was identified in a photo caption in The Washington Post, a superior officer sent him an e-mail saying he might have violated a rule prohibiting troops from wearing uniforms without authorization. Kokesh responded with a letter that contained an obscenity.

After a hearing Monday before an administrative separation board at the Marine Corps Mobilization Command, the panel opted for a general discharge.

“This is a nonpunitive discharge,” said Col. Patrick McCarthy, chief of staff for the mobilization command. “The most stringent discharge that could have been received is other than honorable, and the board chose to raise that up to a general discharge.”

McCarthy said that Kokesh would not lose any military benefits if the panel’s recommendation is approved.

Kokesh was honorably discharged following a combat tour in Iraq, but remains part of the Individual Ready Reserve, comprised of those who have left active duty but still have time remaining on their eight-year military obligations.

His attorneys said Kokesh was not subject to military rules during the protest because he was not on active duty. They said the protest was a theatrical performance, which meant wearing a uniform was a not a violation of military rules. The military considered it a political event, at which personnel are not allowed to wear their uniforms without authorization.

Kokesh was a reservist in an artillery unit when he became disillusioned with the war during his first tour. He said he believes there is no way for Iraq to achieve rule of law with a foreign military imposing martial law.

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Panel recommends general discharge for Kokesh