1. The applicant requests that his general under honorable conditions discharge be upgraded to an honorable discharge. He states, in effect, that since his discharge he has led a productive life by returning to school to earn a degree in respiratory therapy while maintaining a full-time job and raising his three year old daughter. He has maintained his sobriety for over four and a half years and feels that he has earned an honorable discharge.
2. The applicants military records show that he was born on 1 May 1966. He completed 12 years of formal education. He enlisted in the Regular Army on 13 November 1985 for 3 years. He completed basic training and advanced individual training and was awarded military occupational specialty 19K (M1 Armor Crewman). He was honorably discharged on 21 March 1988 for the purpose of immediately reenlisting on 22 March 1988 for 4 years.
3. On 27 September 1991, the applicant was referred to the Fort Stewart, GA Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program (ADAPCP). Initial screening had revealed the primary substance of abuse as cocaine and a diagnosis of dependency on cocaine was made.
4. On 1 November 1991, the Rehabilitation Team (the company level commander, ADAPCP counselor, soldier and others as appropriate) met and determined the applicant had problems significant enough to warrant enrollment in Track II. Rehabilitation required a minimum of counseling/therapy two times a month for the duration of the rehabilitation and urinalysis at least once a month for the duration. Attendance at least once weekly at Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings was strongly recommended.
5. On 6 November 1991, the applicant tested positive for cocaine in a urinalysis test.
6. On 25 November 1991, the Rehabilitation Team determined that the applicant had not made satisfactory progress toward successful rehabilitation, that further rehabilitation efforts in a military environment were not justified in light of that lack of progress, and that discharge should be effected.
7. On 5 December 1991, the commander recommended the applicants discharge from the Army under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, Chapter 9, for drug abuse rehabilitative failure.
8. The applicant acknowledged notification and after consultation with counsel waived his right to have his case considered by a board of officers, waived
personal appearance before such a board, waived representation by counsel and elected to submit statements in his own behalf (no statements are available).
9. The applicant completed a separation physical and was found to be qualified for separation.
10. On 4 December 1991, the applicant received a mental status evaluation and was found to be mentally capable of understanding and participating in any proceedings. The examining psychiatrist also remarked that the applicant required in-patient treatment in Track III where he was scheduled for admission on 5 December 1991. He recommended Track III in-patient treatment prior to or at the time of the applicants separation from the military. He also cleared the applicant for any administrative action.
11. On 19 December 1991, the appropriate authority approved the recommendation and directed he be given a general discharge under honorable conditions.
12. On 22 January 1992, he was discharged with a general discharge in pay grade E-4, under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, Chapter 9. He had completed 6 years, 2 months and 10 days of creditable active service and had no lost time.
13. Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. Chapter 9 provides for the discharge of members based on alcohol or other drug abuse such as the illegal, wrongful or improper use of any controlled substance, alcohol or other drug when the soldier in enrolled in ADAPCP and the commander, in consultation with the rehabilitation team, determines that further rehabilitation efforts are not practical, rendering the soldier a rehabilitative failure.
CONCLUSIONS:
1. The applicants administrative separation was accomplished in accordance with applicable laws and regulations in effect at the time of his separation.
2. Although the Board takes cognizance of the applicants good post-service conduct, this factor does not warrant the relief requested and it would not be appropriate to change the records to show that the applicant was discharged honorably from the reenlistment commencing on 22 March 1988. However, it appears that his honorable discharge of 21 March 1988 should be considered as having been issued as a complete and unconditional separation.
3. The circumstances of the applicants honorable discharge on 21 March 1988 have worked an injustice upon him by depriving him of consideration for certain VA benefits for the preceding period of service.
4. In view of the foregoing, it would be appropriate to correct the applicants records as recommended below.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing that the applicant was eligible for a complete and unconditional separation from the military service at the time of his honorable discharge on 21 March 1988.
2. That so much of the application as is in excess of the foregoing be denied.
BOARD VOTE:
GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION
GRANT FORMAL HEARING
DENY APPLICATION
CHAIRPERSON
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