DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
 NAVAL DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD (NDRB)
                     DISCHARGE REVIEW
                   DECISIONAL DOCUMENT

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

 ex-LCpl, USMC
Docket No. MD06-00140

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review was received on 20051026.  The Applicant requests the Narrative Reason for Separation be changed to “Due to Convenience of the Government.”  The Applicant requests a documentary record discharge review.  The Applicant did not designate a representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 20060824.  After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, no impropriety or inequity in the characterization of the Applicant’s service was discovered by the NDRB.  The Board’s vote was unanimous that the reason for discharge shall not change.  The discharge shall remain Honorable by reason of convenience of the government due to a personality disorder.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as stated

Applicant’s issues, as stated on the application:

“The discharge I received is honorable due to the convenience of the government due to personality disorder.  In the last ten years, I have completed a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree and would like to re-establish my career with the federal government.  I am unable to rate any type of veteran’s preference and would like to use my educational background as a means to apply for employment.  However, because of the statement due to personality disorder, I believe my chances of securing a position is limited.  My request is to remove the due to personality disorder from my DD214 and simply state due to the convenience of the government.”

Documentation

In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the Applicant, was considered:

Applicant’s DD Form 214 (2)
Character Reference ltr from D_ R. C_, HRO, dtd December 14, 2004 (2)
Character Reference ltr from Dr. A_ P. P_, Core Faculty Member, School of Business and Information Management, dtd December 15, 2004
Academic Transcript from National University, dtd July 20, 2005
Transcript from Crichton College, dtd March 15, 2004 (2 pages)
Certificate of Appreciation, dtd April 2001
Certificate of Completion, dtd October 3, 2000
Certificate of Attendance at Professional Telephone Skills, dtd February 12, 2001
Certificate of Attendance at Management Skills for Secretaries, Administrative Assistants and Other Office Professionals, dtd February 12, 2001
Certificate of Completion, dtd December 19, 2000

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge):

	Inactive:  USMCR (DEP)	19930224 - 19930427	COG
	Active:    None

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  19930428		Date of Discharge:  19950519

Length of Service (years, months, days):

Active:    02  00  22
	Inactive:  None

Time Lost During This Period (days):

	Unauthorized absence:  None
	Confinement:		  None

Age at Entry:  19

Years Contracted:  6

Education Level:  12				AFQT:  70

Highest Rank:  LCpl				MOS:  2532

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Proficiency:  4.3 (6)				Conduct:  4.3 (6)

Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, (as stated on the DD Form 214):  National Defense Service Medal, Certificate of Commendation, Rifle Marksman Badge

Character, Narrative Reason, and Authority of Discharge (at time of issuance):

HONORABLE/INVOL DIS (PERSONALITY DISORDER), authority:  MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6203.3.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

940531:	Acknowledged understanding of eligibility but not recommended for promotion to Cpl for the month of June 1994 promotion period because of poor leadership performance and military bearing.  Applicant chose to make a statement.

940602:	Applicant’s letter of rebuttal for non-recommendation for promotion to Corporal.

940620:	Medical evaluation by R_ A. A_, LCDR, MC, USN.
		Diagnosis:
1.	Occupational problem, V62.20
2.   Dependent Personality Traits

940808:	Medical evaluation by R_ A. A_, LCDR, MC, USN.
	Diagnosis:  
1.  Personality disorder, NOS, with dependent and passive-aggressive personality traits, severe, EPTE, 301.90
	2.  Occupational problem, V62.20
Applicant found fit for duty, but psychiatrically unsuitable for further military service.  Psychiatrist recommended administrative separation on the basis of a personality disorder of such severity that the Marine’s ability to function effectively in the military environment is significantly impaired.    

940815:	Counseling:  Advised of deficiencies in performance and conduct (Diagnosed by competent medical authority to be suffering from a personality disorder which is negatively affecting ability to sleep, concentrate, maintain appetite, maintain a positive attitude, respect authority and function autonomously at the level of responsibility as a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps.  Applicant has reported to the doctor constantly feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the Marine Corps and inability to handle multiple task demands.), necessary corrective actions explained, sources of assistance provided, disciplinary and discharge warning issued.  Applicant chose to make a statement.

940822:	Applicant’s statement: “I Lcpl L_ D. L_ do make the following statement to affirm that my reason for wanting to separate from the Marine Corps, are not for manipulative reasons.  On 940816, I was counseled by the Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Logan, in regards to my evaluation with Lt Comdr.. Alonzo from Camp Lester Mental Clinic.  The subject matter concerns my recommendation for separation from the Marine Corps.  I must say that this diagnosis did not come to a surprise to me, because I feel I am on the verge of breakdown.  The Marine Corps has caused me to become something I am not.  I feel like a square trying to fit inside of a circle.  I don’t know who I am anymore.  During these past fourteen months, I’ve tried my best to adjust to the military system and expectations but have had little success.  I realize it is causing me to have great emotional problems, I also know the longer I stay in the Corps may be detrimental to my emotional status.  My only problem is I can no longer deal with the pressure, stress, and mental anguish that the Marine Corps entails.  I am not psychotic or suicidal, I just cannot continue to go on acting as if I am emotionally stable, when really I am barely hanging on..  I am getting little sleep at night, but praying each day that I can adjust.  The pressure is tearing me apart emotionally and I feel that separation from the Marine Corps is my last and only alternative.”

950112:	Medical evaluation by R_ A. A_, LCDR, MC USN.  
	Diagnosis:
1.  Personality disorder NOS, with dependent and passive-aggressive features, SEVERE, EPTE, 301.90
	2.  Occupational problem, V62.2
	Psychiatrist recommended administrative separation on the basis of a personality disorder of such severity that the Marine’s ability to function effectively in the military environment is significantly impaired.    Applicant found fit for duty but profoundly unsuitable for continued USMC service.

950119:	Applicant found qualified for separation.

950209:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for honorable discharge with the least favorable characterization of service as general (under honorable conditions) by reason of a personality disorder.  

950209:	Applicant advised of rights and having elected not to consult with counsel, elected to waive all rights except the right to obtain copies of the documents used to support the basis for the separation.

950209:	Commanding Officer, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, recommended Applicant’s honorable discharge by reason of personality disorder.  The factual basis for this recommendation stems from a diagnosis by a psychiatrist that Lance Corporal P_(Applicant) suffers from a personality disorder and non-medical evidence indicating she is incapable of adequately serving in the Marine Corps.  On 20 June 1994, she was evaluated by a psychiatrist in the context of difficulties adjusting to Marine Corps service.  As a result of that counseling, she was diagnosed with Occupational Problems and Dependent Personality Traits; the doctor strongly urged her to seek further help from Family Services for stress management and to revisit the Mental Health Department as required.  On 8 August 1994, she decided, on her own, to return to the Mental Health Clinic and was further evaluated by the same psychiatrist.  This time, the psychiatrist strongly recommended Lance Corporal P_(Applicant) be discharged.  He concluded that due to her dysfunctional personality structure, despite command and counseling interventions, she was continuing to deteriorate in personal and operational functioning.  As required by the reference, I counseled her regarding the doctor’s diagnosis and encouraged her to overcome her impairment and continue on with her Marine Corps career.  Additionally, I transferred her to another section within the Squadron to enable her to start anew under different supervisors.  On the surface, it appeared Lance Corporal P_(Applicant) would successfully overcome her difficulties adjusting to her duties as a U.S. Marine.  However, when her supervisor suggested it was time for her to return to her platoon to resume training in her primary MOS, she immediately demonstrated great anxiety and, after conferring with the chaplain, returned to the Mental Health Clinic for a third session with the psychiatrist on 12 January 1995.  The doctor’s recommendation of 8 August 1994 stood.  On 26 January 1995, the command conferred with the Wing Staff Judge Advocate who concurred with processing this Marine for discharge due to a personality disorder.  As a result, I have determined that it is in the best interest of the Marine Corps and Lance Corporal P_(Applicant) that she be separated from service immediately.  

950221:	SJA review determined the case sufficient in law and fact.

950221:	GCMCA, Commanding General, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, directed the Applicant's honorable discharge by reason of convenience of the government due to a personality disorder.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The Applicant was discharged on 19950519 by reason of convenience of the government due to a personality disorder (A) with a service characterization of honorable.  After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, the Board found that the discharge was proper and equitable (B and C).  

The NDRB, under its responsibility to examine the propriety and equity of an Applicant's discharge, will change the reason for discharge if such a change is warranted.  The Applicant does not deny that she was suffering from a personality disorder at the time of her discharge.  She was diagnosed by competent medical authority as possessing a long-standing disorder of character and behavior of such severity as to interfere with serving adequately in the military.  The Applicant's DD Form 214, Block 28, narrative reason for separation, indicates she was separated by reason of personality disorder.  No other narrative reason for separation could more clearly describe why the Applicant was discharged.  Additionally, the NDRB does not normally change a the narrative reason for separation on the basis of post-service accomplishments and the Board has no authority to change narrative reason for separation for the sole purpose of enhancing employment or educational opportunities.  To change the Narrative Reason Separation would be inappropriate.  Relief denied.

The Applicant remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided an application is received, at the NDRB, within 15 years from the date of discharge.  Representation at a personal appearance hearing is recommended but not required.

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Paragraph 6203, CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT, of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16D), effective 27 Jun 89 until 17 Aug 95.

B.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174D of 22 December 2004, Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) Procedures and Standards, Part V, Para 502, Propriety.

C.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174D of 22 December 2004, Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) Procedures and Standards, Part V, Para 503, Equity.

PART IV - INFORMATION FOR THE APPLICANT

If you believe that the decision in your case is unclear, not responsive to the issues you raised, or does not otherwise comport with the decisional document requirements of DoD Directive 1332.28, you may submit a complaint in accordance with Enclosure (5) of that Directive.  You should read Enclosure (5) of the Directive before submitting such a complaint.  The complaint procedure does not permit a challenge of the merits of the decision; it is designed solely to ensure that the decisional documents meet applicable requirements for clarity and responsiveness.  You may view DoD Directive 1332.28 and other Decisional Documents by going online at “http://Boards.law.af.mil”.

The names, and votes of the members of the Board are recorded on the original of this document and may be obtained from the service records by writing to:

		Secretary of the Navy 	Council of Review Boards
		Attn:  Naval Discharge Review Board
		720 Kennon Street SE Rm 309
		Washington Navy Yard DC  20374-5023