ex-, USMC

Current Discharge and Applicant’s Request

Application Received:  20110929
Characterization of Service Received:  
Narrative Reason for Discharge:  
Authority for Discharge:  MARCORSEPMAN 

Applicant’s Request:	Characterization change to: 
	Narrative Reason change to: 

Summary of Service

Prior Service:
Inactive:	USMCR (DEP)	19981118 - 19981213  	Active:	

Period of Service Under Review:
Date of Current Enlistment:  19981214	Age at Enlistment:  
Period of Enlistment:   Years   Months
Date of Discharge:  20010914	Highest Rank:  
Length of Service:    Year(s)    Month(s)  01  Day(s)
Education Level:  	AFQT:  55
MOS:  0151
Proficiency/Conduct Marks (# of occasions):   () /  ()	Fitness Reports:  

Awards and Decorations (per DD 214):	, , MM (2), CoC (5), LoA (3)

Periods of UA/CONF:  

NJP:  	SCM:  	SPCM:  	  CC:  	Retention Warning Counseling:  

Types of Documents Submitted/reviewed

Related to Military Service:
	DD 214:		Service/Medical Record:		Other Records:	

Related to Post-Service Period:
	Employment:		Finances:		Education/Training:	
	Health/Medical Records:		Rehabilitation/Treatment:		Criminal Records:	
	Personal Documentation:		Community Service:		References:	
	Department of VA letter:		Other Documentation:	
		Additional Statements:
	From Applicant:		From/To Representation:		From/To Congress member:	

Pertinent Regulation/Law

A.  The Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual (MCO P1900.16F), effective 1 September 2001 until Present, Paragraph 6207, HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT.

B.  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 V, Para 502, Propriety and Para 503, Equity.

C.  Public Law 111-321, signed 22 Dec 2010 (implemented 20 Sep 2011). 

D.  Under Secretary of Defense (PR) Memorandum (Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell), 20 Sep 2011. 

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

Applicant’s Issues

1.  The Applicant seeks a change to the narrative reason for separation, contending that he was denied Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Chapter 30 benefits by the VA, who said his discharge was less than Honorable.

2.  (NDRB Issue) The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” warrants changes to the Applicant’s DD Form 214.  

Decision

Date:  20120524	  	Location: Washington D.C.	 Representation: 

By a vote of  the Characterization shall  HONORABLE.
By a vote of  the Narrative Reason shall  .
By a vote of  the Reentry Code shall change to RE-1A.

Discussion

The NDRB, under its responsibility to examine the propriety and equity of an Applicant’s discharge, is authorized to change the character of service and the reason for discharge if such change is warranted.  In reviewing discharges, the NDRB presumes regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs unless there is substantial, credible evidence to rebut the presumption, to include evidence submitted by the Applicant.  The NDRB completed a thorough review of the circumstances that led to the discharge, and the discharge process, to ensure the Applicant’s discharge met the pertinent standards of equity and propriety.  The Applicant’s record of service documents that he received an Honorable discharge and had no retention-counseling warnings and no nonjudicial or judicial punishments for any violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  When notified of administrative separation processing using the  procedure, the Applicant waived his right to consult with a qualified legal counsel or to submit written matters for the Separation Authority’s consideration.  The Applicant did not request a General Court-Martial Convening Authority review; however, the administrative separation was not completed locally and was referred to the Commanding General for final determination.  Though the Applicant was notified that the least favorable characterization he could receive was a General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge, the local command recommended separation with an Honorable characterization of service.  Upon review, the Separation Authority concurred with the findings and recommendations of the chain of command; the Applicant was separated with an Honorable characterization of service pursuant to Homosexual Admission with an assigned reentry code of RE-4 (not recommended for reenlistment).

Issue 1: (Nondecisional Issue)  The Applicant seeks a change to the narrative reason to facilitate access to VA benefit programs (Title 30, Montgomery GI Bill).  There is no requirement, or law, that grants re-characterization solely on the issue of facilitating or enhancing opportunities for VA benefits.  Additionally, the NDRB has no authority to upgrade a discharge for the purpose of facilitating employment or reenlistment.  Regulations limit the NDRB’s review solely to a determination of the propriety and the equity of a discharge.  As such, this issue does not serve to provide a foundation upon which the NDRB can grant relief.  The Applicant is directed to the Addendum, specifically, the paragraph regarding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who determines eligibility for post-service benefits, not the NDRB.  The VA conducts its own determination of eligibility based on service record review and input from an Applicant, upon their request.  This review process includes the right to petition for a review of the initial findings and denial of eligibility.  The Applicant received an Honorable discharge (as properly reflected on his DD Form 214).  However, not all VA programs are administered solely on the characterization of service received by the service member; some programs have other specified requirements that must be met in order to establish benefit eligibility.  The Applicant should refer to the VA website (http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/) for additional assistance.

Issue 2: (NDRB Board Issue) (Decisional) ()  .  The Applicant submitted his request for a change to the narrative reason for separation following the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which was in effect at the time of his discharge.  As such, the discharge was reviewed in accordance with the 20 September 2011 Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel & Readiness) memorandum guidance regarding the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  The Applicant received an Honorable characterization of service at discharge.  In accordance with the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual (MARCORSEPMAN) (MCO P1900.16F), effective 1 September 2001 until Present, Paragraph 6207, HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT, which was in effect at the time of the Applicant’s discharge, the Applicant’s in-service statement and corresponding official statement to his chain-of-command that he was a homosexual created a rebuttable presumption that he engaged in, or had the propensity to engage in, homosexual acts.  The presumption was further reinforced by documentation provided by the Applicant after seeking legal counsel and being advised of the Department of Defense policy and the implications of his actions, which indicated a presumption that he would engage in homosexual conduct.  The Applicant chose not to challenge or to rebut this presumption.  The documentation of record contains a complete copy of the supporting documents in the discharge action.  At the time of discharge, processing for separation was mandatory in accordance with the MARCORSEPMAN.  Based on the statement made by the Applicant, his decision not to rebut any presumptions thereafter, and the commanding officer’s belief that the Applicant’s statements were credible, the Applicant was processed administratively for separation.  Given the detailed documents of record, including the commanding officer’s investigation and his statement in the administrative separation endorsement, the NDRB determined that the Applicant’s separation by reason of Homosexual Admission in accordance with paragraph 6207 of the MARCORSEPMAN was proper and equitable at the time it was issued.

Narrative Reason for Separation: In accordance with the 20 September 2011 Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel & Readiness) memorandum regarding the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” service discharge review boards should normally grant requests to change the narrative reason for discharge wherein Homosexual Admission was the only basis for discharge.  This memorandum further directs that the narrative reason for separation should normally change to Secretarial Authority with a corresponding Separation Code (SPD code).  The Applicant’s record of service reflects that, at the time of discharge, there was no other reason for discharge other than homosexual admission, and there were no aggravating factors.  Accordingly, the NDRB determined that relief in the form of a change to the narrative reason for separation, as requested, shall be granted to Secretarial Authority; additionally, the DD Form 214 shall be amended to reflect a corrected authority for discharge (MARCORSEPMAN paragraph 6214) and the corresponding SPD code of JFF1.

Reentry Code: In accordance with the Under Secretary of Defense (P&R) Memorandum (Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell), dated 20 September 2011, service review boards should normally grant requests to change the reentry code to an immediately-eligible-to-reenter category if the discharge and corresponding reentry code was: (1) based solely on DADT or a similar policy in place prior to enactment of DADT; and (2), there were no aggravating factors in the record, such as misconduct.  As authorized by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower & Reserve Affairs), the NDRB may change reentry codes as set forth in the USD (P&R) memorandum dated 20 September 2011.  The USD (P&R) policy memorandum stated that, if applicable, the new RE code should be RE-1J, however, this is an Air Force specific re-entry code.  In accordance with the guidance and intent of the policy memorandum, the applicable Marine Corps reentry code would be RE-1A (recommended and eligible).  The Applicant’s service record documents faithful service with no misconduct.  The Applicant received an RE-4 reentry code due to early termination of his service for Homosexual Admission.  The NDRB determined that the record of service along with his assigned billet performance, specific duties, and enlisted qualifications would clearly warrant a recommendation for retention had the Applicant not been separated for Homosexual Admission.  As such, in accordance with the 20 September 2011 Under Secretary of Defense (P&R) memorandum, the NDRB determined that the Applicant’s reentry code shall change to RE-1A.

Summary:  After a thorough review of the available evidence, to include the Applicant’s summary of service, service record entries, and the administrative separation process, the NDRB found the discharge was proper and equitable at the time of discharge.  However, pursuant to Public Law 111-321 and in accordance with the guidance set forth in the Under Secretary of Defense (P&R) Memorandum (Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell), dated 20 Sep 2011, the awarded characterization of service shall remain HONORABLE, the narrative reason for separation shall change to SECRETARIAL AUTHORITY with a corresponding SPD Code of JFF1, the authority for discharge shall change to MARCORSEPMAN 6214, and the reentry code shall change to RE-1A.  The Applicant remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing for a period of fifteen years from the date of  discharge.  The Applicant is directed to the Addendum for additional information.

ADDENDUM:  Information for the Applicant

Complaint Procedures:  If you believe 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 Instruction 1332.28, you may submit a complaint in accordance with Enclosure (5) of that Instruction to the Joint Service Review Activity, OUSD (P&R) PI-LP, The Pentagon, Washington, DC  20301-4000.  You should read Enclosure (5) of the Instruction 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 Instruction 1332.28 and other Decisional Documents by going online at “http://Boards.law.af.mil.”

Additional Reviews:  After a document review has been conducted, former members are eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided the application is received at the NDRB within 15 years of the Applicant’s date of discharge.  The Applicant can provide documentation to support any claims of post-service accomplishments or any additional evidence related to this discharge.  Representation at a personal appearance hearing is recommended but not required.  There are veterans organizations such as the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans that are willing to provide guidance to former service members in their efforts to obtain a discharge upgrade.  If a former member has been discharged for more than 15 years, has already been granted a personal appearance hearing or has otherwise exhausted their opportunities before the NDRB, the Applicant may petition the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR), 701 South Courthouse Road, Suite 1001, Arlington, VA 22204-2490 for further review.

Service Benefits:  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines eligibility for post-service benefits, not the NDRB.  There is no requirement or law that grants recharacterization solely on the issue of obtaining veterans benefits and this issue does not serve to provide a foundation upon which the Board can grant relief.

Employment/Educational Opportunities:  The NDRB has no authority to upgrade a discharge for the sole purpose of enhancing employment or educational opportunities.  Regulations limit the NDRB’s review to a determination of the propriety and equity of the discharge.

Reenlistment/RE-code:  Since the NDRB has no jurisdiction over reenlistment, reentry, or reinstatement into the Navy, Marine Corps, or any other of the Armed Forces, the NDRB is not authorized to change a reentry code.  Only the BCNR can make changes to reentry codes.  Additionally, the NDRB has no authority to upgrade a discharge for the sole purpose of enhancing reenlistment opportunities.  An unfavorable “RE” code is, in itself, not a bar to reenlistment.  A request for a waiver can be submitted during the processing of a formal application for reenlistment through a recruiter.

Medical Conditions and Misconduct:  DoD disability regulations do not preclude a disciplinary separation.  Appropriate regulations stipulate that separations for misconduct take precedence over potential separations for other reasons.  Whenever a member is being processed through the Physical Evaluation Board, and is processed subsequently for an administrative involuntary separation or is referred to a court martial for misconduct, the disability evaluation is suspended pending the outcome of the non-disability proceedings.  If the action includes either a punitive or administrative discharge for misconduct or for any basis wherein an Other Than Honorable discharge is authorized, the medical board report is filed in the member’s terminated health record.  Additionally, the NDRB does not have the authority to change a narrative reason for separation to one indicating a medical disability or other medical related reasons.  Only the BCNR can grant this type of narrative reason change.

Automatic Upgrades - There is no law or regulation that provides for an unfavorable discharge to be upgraded based solely on the passage of time or good conduct subsequent to leaving naval service.

Post-Service Conduct:  The NDRB is authorized to consider post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge.  Outstanding post-service conduct, to the extent such matters provide a basis for a more thorough understanding of the Applicant’s performance and conduct during the period of service under review, is considered during Board reviews.  Documentation to support a post-service conduct upgrade includes, but is not limited to: a verifiable continuous employment record; marriage and children’s birth certificates (if applicable); character witness statements; documentation of community or church service; certification of non-involvement with civil authorities; evidence of financial stability or letters of good standing from banks, credit card companies, or other financial institutions; attendance at or completion of higher education (official transcripts); and documentation of a drug-free lifestyle.   The Applicant is advised that completion of these items alone does not guarantee the upgrade of an unfavorable discharge, as each discharge is reviewed by the Board on a case-by-case basis to determine if post-service accomplishments help demonstrate  in-service misconduct was an aberration and not indicative of the member’s overall character.

Issues Concerning Bad-Conduct Discharges (BCD): Because relevant and material facts stated in a court-martial specification are presumed by the NDRB to be established facts, issues relating to the Applicant’s innocence of charges for which he was found guilty cannot form a basis for relief.  With respect to a discharge adjudged by a special court-martial, the action of the NDRB is restricted to upgrades based on clemency.  Clemency is an act of leniency that reduces the severity of the punishment imposed.  The NDRB does not have the jurisdictional authority to review a discharge or dismissal resulting from a general court-martial.

Board Membership:  The names and votes of the members of the NDRB 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