Application Receipt Date: 061020	

Prior Review    Prior Review Date: None

I.  Applicant Request
Request:  Upgrade     Reason Change     RE Code Change    

Issues: See applicant's attached DD Form 293 and supporting documents.

II.  Were Proper Discharge and Separation Authority procedures followed?  
Yes    No        Tender Offer:   ?????

See Attachments:  Legal     Medical     Minority Opinion     Exhibits 

III.  Original Character of Discharge
Unit CDR Recommended Discharge:    Date: 970709
Discharge Received:     Date: 970807   
Chapter: 14    AR: 635-200
Reason: Misconduct
RE:     SPD: JKK
Unit/Location: D Company, 1st Battalion, 32d Armor, Fort Lewis, WA  98433-9500 

Time Lost: None

Article 15s (Charges/Dates/Punishment): 970311/Wrongful use of amphetamines X 2, and wrongful use of methamphetamines X 2/(Field Grade)

Court-Martials (Charges/Dates/Punishment): None

Counseling Records Available: Yes    No 

IV.  Soldier’s Overall Record
DOB:  730627  
Current ENL Date: 950508    Current ENL Term: 04 Years  ?????
Current ENL Service: 02 Yrs, 03Mos, 00Days ?????
Total Service:  05 Yrs, 07Mos, 01Days ?????
Previous Discharges: RA-920107-950507/HD
Highest Grade: E5
Performance Ratings Available: Yes    No 
MOS: 19K10 (M1 Armor Crewman)   GT: 121   EDU: HS Grad   Overseas: Germany   Combat: None
Decorations/Awards: AAM, ARCOM, NDSM, NCOPDR, ASR, AGCM, OSR
V.  Post-Discharge Activity
Home of Record: 
Current Address: 
Post Service Accomplishments: See attached supporting document.

VI.  Facts, Circumstances, and Legal Basis for Separation

      a.  Facts and Circumstances:
      Evidence of record shows that on 9 July 1997, the unit commander notified the applicant of initiation of separation action under the provisions of Chapter 14, AR 635-200, by reason of misconduct—commission of a serious offense abuse of illegal drugs (tested positive for methamphetamines and amphetamines between the period of 19 December 1996 and 2 January 1997), with a general, under honorable conditions discharge.  He was advised of his rights.  The applicant consulted with legal counsel, was advised of the impact of the discharge action, waived consideration of his case by an administrative separation board, and did not submit a statement in his own behalf.  The unit commander subsequently recommended separation from the service and waiver of further rehabilitative efforts.  The intermediate commander reviewed the proposed discharge action and recommended approval of the separation action with a general, under honorable conditions discharge.  On 14 July 1997, the separation authority directed that the applicant be discharged with a characterization of service of general, under honorable conditions.

      b.  Legal Basis for Separation:  
      Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel.  Chapter 14 establishes policy and prescribes procedures for separating members for misconduct.  Specific categories include minor disciplinary infractions, a pattern of misconduct, and commission of a serious offense, to include abuse of illegal drugs, convictions by civil authorities and desertion or absence without leave.  Action will be taken to separate a member for misconduct when it is clearly established that rehabilitation is impractical or unlikely to succeed.  Army policy states that an under other than honorable conditions discharge is normally considered appropriate, but a general discharge under honorable conditions or an honorable discharge may be granted.
      

      c.  Response to Issues, Recommendation and Rationale:  
      After a careful review of all the applicant’s military records, and the independent evidence he submitted, the analyst noted that the unit commander used “Board Procedures” when notifying the applicant that he was initiating action to separate him under the provisions of Chapter 14, AR 635-200, by reason of misconduct.  By using “Board Procedures” the authority for approval of the applicant’s separation rested with the General Court-Martial Convening Authority.  The evidence of record shows that someone other than the General Court-Martial Convening Authority approved the applicant’s discharge.  In view of the foregoing, the discharge was improper.  Accordingly, relief in the form of an upgrade of the characterization of service to fully honorable is recommended.  However, the analyst determined that the narrative reason for discharge was both proper and equitable.  This action does not entail a change to the reentry eligibility (RE) code; however, the Board can consider it.  

VII.  Summary of Army Discharge Review Board Hearing 

Type of Hearing: 			Date: 7 November 2007              
Location: Washington, DC

Did the Applicant Testify?  Yes     No  

Counsel: NA

Witnesses/Observers: NA 

Exhibits Submitted: NA

VIII.  Board Decision
The discharge was:			Proper	 	Improper	
				                 	Equitable	 	Inequitable	

The characterization of service was:   Proper	 	Improper	
				                 	Equitable	 	Inequitable	

The narrative reasons were: 	       	Equitable	 	Inequitable	

DRB voting record:  		      Change 5    No change 0   - Character
		 			      Change 0    No change 5   - Reason
					      (Board member names available upon request)

IX.  Board Discussion, Determination, and Recommendation
After carefully examining the applicant’s record of service during the period of enlistment under review and considering the analyst’s recommendation and rationale, the Board determined that the discharge was and is improper.  Accordingly, the Board voted to grant full relief in the form of an upgrade of the characterization of service to fully honorable.  However, the Board determined that the reason for discharge was both proper and equitable and voted not to change it.

Case report reviewed and verified by: Eric S. Moore, Examiner									        
X.  Board Action Directed
No Change 
Issue a new DD Form 214  
Change Characterization to:    
Change Reason to: NA
Other: NA
RE Code:  
Grade Restoration:   No   Yes  Grade: NA

XI.  Certification Signature and Date
Approval Authority: 

MARK E. COLLINS
Colonel, U.S. Army
President, Army Discharge Review Board

Official: 


CHRISTINE U. MARTINSON			DATE: 20 November 2007
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army
Chief, Secretary Recorder
ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD - CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE

Case Number AR20060014823

Applicant Name:  Mr.        
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