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

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

ex-PFC, USMC
Docket No. MD06-00780

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review was received on 20060517.  The Applicant requests the Discharge Characterization of Service received at the time of discharge be changed to honorable.  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 20070315.  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 character of the discharge shall not change.  The discharge shall remain General (Under Honorable Conditions) by reason of convenience of the government due to a personality disorder.

PART I - ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Decisional Issues

	No decisional issues.

Documentation

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

Applicant’s DD Form 214 (State Director of Veterans Affairs - 6)

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Inactive:  USMCR (DEP)	19990330 - 19991107	COG
	Active:    None

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  19991108		Date of Discharge:  20011115

Length of Service (years, months, days):

Active:    02  00  08
	Inactive:  None

Time Lost During This Period (days):

	Unauthorized absence:  None
	Confinement:		  None

Age at Entry:  18

Years Contracted:  5

Education Level:  12				AFQT:  85

Highest Rank:  PFC				MOS:  7251 (Air Traffic Controller Trainer)

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Proficiency:  4.1 (5)				Conduct:  4.1 (5)

Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, (as stated on the DD Form 214):  Rifle Qualifications Badge (Marksman).

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

GENERAL (UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS)/PERSONALITY DISORDER, authority:  MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6203.3.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

001018:	Mental Health Outpatient Consultation by M. M_, PhD, Clinical Psychologist: Applicant referred by flight surgeon to determine whether the service member’s anxiety would preclude him from working as an air traffic controller.
	Diagnoses:	AXIS I: None
			AXIS II: Schizoid personality traits versus disorder
	Applicant fit for full duty given the caveat that he does require supervision in the tower.

001211:	Counseling:  Advised of deficiencies in performance and conduct (Being UA on 2, 20, and 30 Oct.), necessary corrective actions explained, sources of assistance provided, disciplinary and discharge warning issued.

010209:	All ATC ratings suspended.

010423:	Counseling:  Advised of deficiencies in performance and conduct (Inability to handle your financial affairs by writing checks with insufficient funds in your checking account.), necessary corrective actions explained, sources of assistance provided, disciplinary and discharge warning issued.

010604:	Report of Medical History, Physicians summary: Suicidal attempt in Nov 2000.  Evaluated by psych which recommends admin separation based on personality disorder.

011031:	GCMCA, Commander, Marine Corps Air Bases, Eastern Area, directed the Applicant's discharge with a general (under honorable conditions) by reason of convenience of the government due to a personality disorder.

Service Record Book contains a partial Administrative Discharge package.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The Applicant was discharged on 20011115 by reason of convenience of the government due to a personality disorder (A) with a service characterization of general (under honorable conditions).  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 Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (D).

The Applicant contends his discharge should be honorable.  Under applicable regulations, separations based on a personality disorder should be honorable or general (under honorable conditions) as determined by the Applicant’s service record.  A general discharge may be warranted if the Applicant’s service contains records of nonjudicial punishments, disciplinary actions, or if other significant negative aspects existed, which outweighed the positive aspects of the member’s period of service.  Additionally, a general discharge may be warranted if the Applicant’s performance evaluation averages are not sufficient to merit an honorable discharge.  The Applicant’s record contains two retention warning counseling entry for three occasions of unauthorized absences and writing bad checks.  In light of this evidence, the Board unanimously concluded that the Applicant’s discharge characterization of general (under honorable conditions) was proper and equitable.  Relief denied.

The Applicant is advised that the Veterans Administration determines eligibility for post-service benefits not the Naval Discharge Review Board.  There is no requirement or law that grants recharacterization solely on the issue of obtaining Veterans' benefits or enhancing employment and educational opportunities.  Regulations limit the Board’s review to a determination of the propriety and equity of the discharge.  Since these issues do not provide a foundation upon which the Board can grant relief, relief on this basis is not warranted.

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.  The Applicant can provide documentation to support post-service accomplishments or any other evidence related to the discharge at that time.  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 P1900.16F), effective 02 Sep 01 until Present.

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.

D.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174D of 22 December 2004, Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) Procedures and Standards, Part II, Para 211, Regularity of Government Affairs.  

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