IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:	  6 January 2015

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20140008667 


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 general under honorable conditions discharge.  

2.  He states he realized something had to be done, but he wasn't in violation other than he requested to be out of the service to go to find his family.  His wife at the time had taken off with his 7-month-old son.  

3.  He provides his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).

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 15 November 1977 and continued to serve on active duty through one reenlistment on 30 June 1980.  

3.  He received numerous adverse counseling statements on various dates between October and December 1982 for:

* Failure to complete a platoon run
* Attitude and military appearance
* Failure to conform to a military attitude
* Refusal to improve attitude/suitability for continued military service
* Failure to improve physical condition
* Failure to improve attitude
* Recommendation for discharge under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200 (Personnel Separations – Enlisted Personnel), chapter 13

4.  On 18 January 1983, the unit commander notified him of the proposed recommendation to discharge him under the provisions of Army Regulation 
635-200, chapter 13, for unsatisfactory performance.  He was advised of his rights.  He declined consultation with legal counsel and did not submit statements in his own behalf.

5.  On 26 January 1983, the separation authority waived rehabilitative transfer 
and directed the applicant's separation under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 13, for unsatisfactory performance with issuance of a general discharge.

6.  On 3 February 1983, he was discharged under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 13, for unsatisfactory performance.  At the time of his discharge, he had completed a total of 5 years, 2 months, and 19 days of active military service.  

7.  His service record does not indicate he applied to the Army Discharge Review Board for an upgrade of his discharge within its 15-year statute of limitations.

8.  Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the requirements and procedures for administrative discharge of enlisted personnel.  Chapter 13 provides for separation due to unsatisfactory performance when in the commander's judgment the individual will not become a satisfactory Soldier; retention will have an adverse impact on military discipline, good order, and morale; the service member will be a disruptive influence in the future; the basis for separation will continue or recur; and/or the ability of the service member to perform effectively in the future, including potential for advancement or leadership, is unlikely.  Service of Soldiers separated because of unsatisfactory performance under this regulation will be characterized as honorable or under honorable conditions.

9.  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.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant's contention regarding his family problem is acknowledged.  However, he had many legitimate avenues through which to obtain assistance or relief without committing the misconduct which led to his discharge.  His personal problems are not sufficiently mitigating to warrant an upgrade of his discharge.

2.  His administrative separation was accomplished in compliance with applicable regulations with no indication of procedural errors which would have jeopardized his rights.

3.  His service record shows he received several adverse counseling statements regarding his attitude, personal appearance, and physical condition.

4.  It appears the separation authority determined the applicant's overall service did not meet the standards of acceptable conduct and performance of duty to warrant recommendation of a fully honorable discharge and characterized his service as general under honorable conditions characterization at the time of his discharge.  He has not presented sufficient evidence which warrants changing the general to a fully honorable characterization of service.

5.  The evidence of record does not indicate the actions taken against him were in error or unjust.  Therefore, there is no basis for granting his request.

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)                                         AR20140008667





3


ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


1

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20140008667



2


ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


1