Applicant Name:  ?????

Application Receipt Date: 071115	Prior Review:     Prior Review Date: NA     

I.  Applicant Request:  Upgrade     Reason Change     RE Code Change    

Issues: See attached DD Form 293 and documents submitted by the Applicant.

II.  Were Proper Discharge and Separation Authority procedures followed?	     
Tender Offer:   NA

See Attachments:  Legal     Medical     Minority Opinion     Exhibits 

III.  Discharge Under Review
Unit CDR Recommended Discharge: 	   Date: NIF
Discharge Received: 			   Date: 970603   Chapter: 10      AR: 635-200
Reason: In Lieu of Trial By Court-Martial	   RE:     SPD: KFS   Unit/Location: C Co, 327th Signal Bn, 35th Signal Bde, Fort Bragg, NC 

Time Lost: None

Article 15s (Charges/Dates/Punishment): None

Courts-Martial (Charges/Dates/Punishment): None

Counseling Records Available: Yes    No 

IV.  Soldier’s Overall Record
Age at current enlistment:  32
Current ENL Date: 950301    Current ENL Term: 4 Years  ?????
Current ENL Service: 	02 Yrs, 03 Mos, 03 Days ?????
Total Service:  		05 Yrs, 08 Mos, 01 Days ?????
Previous Discharges: 	RA 911001-950228/HD
Highest Grade: E5		Performance Ratings Available: Yes    No 
MOS: 31F MSE Network SW Sys Operator   GT: 114   EDU: HS Grad   Overseas: NIF   Combat: None
Decorations/Awards: AGCM, NDSM, ASR, NCOPDR, Certificate of Achievement (2)

V.  Post-Discharge Activity
City, State:  Lake Elsinore, CA
Post Service Accomplishments: None listed by the Applicant.

VI.  Facts, Circumstances, and Legal Basis for Separation

       a.  Facts and Circumstances:
       The evidence of record shows that on 14 January 1997, the Applicant was charged with operating a pick-up truck in a reckless manner by speeding to elude arrest, failing to stop for a blue light and siren, and failing to stop at 3 stop signs.  On 4 March 1997, the Applicant consulted with legal counsel and voluntarily requested, in writing, discharge under the provisions of Chapter 10, AR 635-200 in lieu of trial by court-martial.  In this request, the Applicant admitted guilt to the offense, or a lesser included offense.  Further, the Applicant indicated that he understood that he could receive an under other than honorable conditions discharge and that the discharge would have a significant effect on eligibility for veteran’s benefits.  The Applicant submitted a statement in his own behalf.  The unit commander and intermediate commanders recommended approval of an under other than honorable conditions discharge.  On 31 March 1997, the separation authority approved the discharge with a characterization of service of under other than honorable conditions.  The Applicant was to be reduced to the lowest enlisted rank. 
       The Applicant received a GOMR (930716) for driving while under the influence of alcohol (930101).
       The Applicant received a GOMR (930716) for refusing to submit to a lawfully required blood alcohol test when apprehended for driving while impaired (921212).
       The Applicant's Request For Withdrawal of Previous Request For Discharge in Lieu of Court-Martial Under the Provisions of Chapter 10 (970325) indicates the Applicant was charged with possession of cocaine but that the charge was dismissed because the evidence was the result of an illegal search.  However, in the subject document, the Applicant states he was guilty of possession of cocaine.

       b.  Legal Basis for Separation:  
       Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel.  Chapter 10 of that regulation provides, in pertinent part, that a member who has committed an offense or offenses for which the authorized punishment includes a punitive discharge may submit a request for a discharge for the good of the service in lieu of trial by court-martial.  The request may be submitted at any time after charges have been preferred and must include the individual’s admission of guilt.  Army policy states that although an honorable or general discharge is authorized, a discharge under other than honorable conditions is normally considered appropriate.  

       c.  Response to Issues, Recommendation and Rationale:  
       After a careful review of all the Applicant’s available military records during the period of enlistment under review, the issues and documents he submitted, the analyst recommends that the Applicant’s characterization of service be upgraded to general, under honorable conditions.  This recommendation was made after full consideration of his faithful and honorable service, as well as his record of misconduct.  The evidence in this case supports a conclusion that the Applicant’s characterization of service was too harsh, and as a result it is inequitable.  While the Applicant's misconduct is not condoned, the analyst noted that the overall length and quality of the Applicant's service mitigated the discrediting entries in his service record.  Accordingly, the analyst recommends to the Board that the Applicant’s characterization of service be upgraded to general, under honorable conditions.  However, the reason for discharge remains both proper and equitable.  This action entails a restoration of grade to SGT/E5.  

VII.  Summary of Army Discharge Review Board Hearing

Type of Hearing: 		Date: 24 September 2008         Location: Washington, D.C.

Did the Applicant Testify?  Yes     No  

Counsel: NA

Witnesses/Observers: NA 

Exhibits Submitted: NA

VIII.  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 characterization of service was too harsh based on the Applicant’s length and quality of his service and as a result it is inequitable.  Accordingly, the Board voted to grant relief in the form of an upgrade of the characterization of service to general, under honorable conditions.  The Board determined that the reason for discharge was proper and equitable and voted not to change it. This action entails a restoration of grade to SGT/E-5.









        
IX.  Board Decision						
	XI.  Certification Signature
Board Vote:  							          Approval Authority:	
Character - Change 3    No change 2
Reason -     Change 0    No change 5
(Board member names available upon request)
								         EDGAR J. YANGER			 
Issue a new DD Form 214  					         Colonel, U.S. Army
Change Characterization to: 			         President, Army Discharge Review Board 
Change Reason to:  
Other: No Change										
RE Code: 									 
Grade Restoration:   No   Yes   Grade: E-5
ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD - CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE

Case Number AR20070016464
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