IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:	  28 June 2011

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20110000447 


THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE:

1.  Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any).

2.  Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any).


THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant requests upgrade of his undesirable discharge to a general discharge.

2.  The applicant states he was told during out-processing that if he kept his nose clean in civilian life for 3 years, he can get his discharge upgraded.  His reason for being absent without leave (AWOL) stems from becoming an alcoholic while serving in the military.  He has struggled with this disease for many years.  He is now sober and he is trying to get his life in order.  His service discharge would mean a great deal to him if it was upgraded.

3.  The applicant provides no additional evidence in support of his application

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice.  This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant’s failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so.  While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant’s failure to timely file.  In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing.
2.  The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 28 August 1974 for a period of 3 years.  Upon completion of basic combat and advanced individual training he was awarded military occupational specialty 63A (Mechanic Maintenance Helper).

3.  The highest rank/grade he attained was specialist four (SP4)/E-4 on
14 October 1975.

4.  On 17 February 1976, the applicant's company commander preferred court-martial charges against him for violation of Article 86, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), for being AWOL from 23 December 1975 to 12 February 1976.

5.  On 19 February 1976, the applicant consulted with legal counsel and he voluntarily requested discharge under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200 (Personnel Separations - Enlisted Personnel), chapter 10, for the good of the service - in lieu of trial by court-martial.  He was advised that he might be discharged under other than honorable conditions, that he might be deprived of many or all Army benefits, that he might be ineligible for many or all benefits administered by the Veterans Administration, that he might be deprived of his rights and benefits as a veteran under both Federal and State laws, and that he might expect to encounter substantial prejudice in civilian life if he was issued an Undesirable Discharge Certificate.  He was advised that he could submit any statements he desired in his own behalf which would accompany his request for discharge.  

6.  The immediate and intermediate commanders recommended approval of the applicant's request for discharge with an undesirable discharge.

7.  On 25 February 1976, the separation authority approved the applicant's request for discharge under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 10, with issuance of an Undesirable Discharge Certificate and reduction to the lowest enlisted grade.

8.  The applicant's DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) shows he was discharged on 9 March 1976 under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 10, for the good of the service - in lieu of trial by court-martial with issuance of an Undesirable Discharge Certificate.  He completed 1 year, 4 months, and 23 days of total active service and he had       51 days of lost time.

9.  On 29 October 1983, the Army Discharge Review Board, after careful consideration, determined he was properly discharged and denied his request for discharge upgrade.

10.  The Manual for Courts-Martial Table of Maximum Punishments sets forth the maximum punishments for offenses chargeable under the UCMJ.  A punitive discharge is authorized for offenses under Article 86 for periods of AWOL in excess of 30 days.

11.  Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel.

	a.  Chapter 10 of the version in effect at the time provided that a member who committed an offense or offenses for which the authorized punishment included a punitive discharge, could submit a request for discharge for the good of the service at any time after court-martial charges were preferred,.  Commanders would ensure that an individual was not coerced into submitting a request for discharge for the good of the service.  Consulting counsel would advise the member concerning the elements of the offense or offenses charged, type of discharge normally given under the provisions of this chapter, the loss of Veterans Administration benefits, and the possibility of prejudice in civilian life because of the characterization of such a discharge.  An Undesirable Discharge Certificate would normally be furnished an individual who was discharged for the good of the Service.

	b.  Paragraph 3-7a provides that an honorable discharge is a separation with honor and entitles the recipient to benefits provided by law.  The honorable characterization is appropriate when the quality of the member’s service generally has met the standards of acceptable conduct and performance of duty for Army personnel, or is otherwise so meritorious that any other characterization would be clearly inappropriate.

	c.  Paragraph 3-7b provides that a general discharge under honorable conditions is issued to a Soldier whose military record is satisfactory but not sufficiently meritorious to warrant an honorable discharge.  

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant contends his undesirable discharge should be upgraded to a general discharge because it was told to him that if he kept his nose clean after   3 years he will be entitled to the upgrade.

2.  The applicant's request for separation under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 10, for the good of the service to avoid trial by court-martial was voluntary and administratively correct.  All requirements of law and regulations were met and the rights of the applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process.  Moreover, the offense that led to his discharge outweighs his overall record.  Considering all the facts of the case, the characterization of service directed was appropriate and equitable.

3.  The evidence of record shows the applicant was AWOL for a period of 51 days.  Therefore, the applicant's overall quality of service was not satisfactory and he is not entitled to either an honorable or a general discharge.

4.  In view of all of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's requested relief.

BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

____X____  ___X_____  ____X____  DENY APPLICATION

BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice.  Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned.



      ___________X____________
               CHAIRPERSON
      
I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case.

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20110000447



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20110000447



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