BOARD DATE:	  12 November 2013

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20130003671 


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 an upgrade of his undesirable discharge.

2.  The applicant states during the past 40-plus years he has not been in trouble with the law.  He has been a father and husband. 

3.  The applicant provides his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge).

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.  On 15 August 1969, he was inducted into the Army of the United States.  He was awarded military occupational specialty 76A (Supply Clerk).  The highest rank he held was private first class/pay grade E-3.
3.  His records show he accepted nonjudicial punishment under the provisions of Article 15, Uniform Code of Military Justice, on 26 March 1970, for being absent from his place of duty on the same date.

4.  A DD Form 458 (Charge Sheet) shows, on 23 February 1971, court-martial charges were preferred against the applicant for being absent without leave (AWOL) during the periods 28 April to 19 August 1970 and 24 August 1970 to 
5 February 1971.

5.  On 26 February 1971, the applicant voluntarily requested discharge for the good of the service in lieu of trial by court-martial under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200 (Personnel Separations), chapter 10.  He acknowledged he had not been subjected to coercion with respect to his request for discharge and he had been advised of the implications that were attached to his request.

	a.  He further acknowledged he understood that if his discharge request was accepted, he may be discharged under conditions other than honorable and furnished an Undesirable Discharge Certificate.  He acknowledged he understood that as a result of the issuance of such a discharge, he would be deprived of many or all Army benefits, he could be ineligible for many or all benefits administered by the Veterans Administration, and he could be deprived of his rights and benefits as a veteran under both Federal and State laws.

	b.  He elected not to submit a statement on his own behalf.

	c.  He acknowledged that prior to completing his request for discharge he had been afforded the opportunity to consult with counsel and was advised of the basis for his contemplated trial by court-martial under circumstances which could lead to a bad conduct or dishonorable discharge, of the effects of his request for discharge, and the rights available to him.  He waived his rights in conjunction with this consultation.

6.  On 25 March 1971, the separation authority approved the applicant’s request for discharge and directed that he be given an Undesirable Discharge Certificate.

7.  On 2 April 1971, he was discharged for the good of the service under the provisions of chapter 10, Army Regulation 635-200, with his service characterized as under conditions other than honorable.  He was issued an Undesirable Discharge Certificate.  His DD Form 214 shows he completed a total 10 months and 13 days of net active service with 278 days of time lost.

8.  The applicant's records document no acts of valor, significant achievement, or service warranting special recognition.
9.  There is no indication he applied to the Army Discharge Review Board for an upgrade of his discharge within its 15-year statute of limitations.

10.  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 Administrations 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 to an individual who was discharged for the good of the service.

	b.  An honorable discharge was a separation with honor and entitled the recipient to benefits provided by law.  The honorable characterization was appropriate when the quality of the member’s service generally met the standards of acceptable conduct and performance of duty for Army personnel or was otherwise so meritorious that any other characterization was clearly inappropriate.

	c.  A general discharge was a separation from the Army under honorable conditions.  When authorized, it was issued to a Soldier whose military record was satisfactory but not sufficiently meritorious to warrant an honorable discharge.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant's contentions are noted.  However, the evidence of record does not support his request for an upgrade of his discharge.

2.  He voluntarily requested discharge from the Army under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 10, in lieu of trial by court-martial.  In doing so, he waived his opportunity to appear before a court-martial.  At the time, an undesirable discharge was normally considered appropriate for Soldiers separated for the good of the service.  All requirements of law and regulation were met and his rights were fully protected throughout the separation process.
3.  His post-service conduct and achievements are noted.  Generally, post-service conduct and achievements are an insufficient basis for upgrading a properly-issued discharge.  

4.  He received nonjudicial punishment for being absent from his place of duty, and he was charged with being AWOL for two long periods.  He had 278 days of time lost due to being AWOL.  Based on this record of indiscipline, his service clearly did not meet the standards of acceptable conduct and performance of duty for Army personnel.  Therefore, he is not entitled to an upgrade of his discharge.

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)                                         AR20130003671



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20130003671



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