Applicant Name:  ?????

Application Receipt Date: 2008/06/30	Prior Review:     Prior Review Date: NA     

I.  Applicant Request:  Upgrade     Reason Change     RE Code Change    

Issues: See enclosed DD Form 293 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: 050916   Chapter: 10       AR: 635-200
Reason: In lieu of Trial by Court-Martial	   RE:     SPD: KFS   Unit/Location: B Btry, 3-319 FA Bn, 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:  22
Current ENL Date: 040207    Current ENL Term: 6 Years  ?????
Current ENL Service: 	01 Yrs, 07Mos, 10Days ?????
Total Service:  		03 Yrs, 07Mos, 11Days ?????
Previous Discharges: 	RA-020606-040206/HD
Highest Grade: E-5		Performance Ratings Available: Yes    No 
MOS: 13F1P Fire Support Spec    GT: 100   EDU: GED Cert   Overseas: Southwest Asia   Combat: Iraq (031021-040207) and (041208-050315)
Decorations/Awards: ARCOM-2, NDSM, ASR, GWOTEM, ICM, GWOTSM

V.  Post-Discharge Activity
City, State:  Beaufort, SC
Post Service Accomplishments: None Listed

VI.  Facts, Circumstances, and Legal Basis for Separation

       a.  Facts and Circumstances:
       The evidence of record shows that on 2 August 2005, the applicant was charged with dereliction of duty (050721), and wrongful use of cocaine between (050711-050715).  On 12 August 2005, 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 did not submit a statement in his own behalf.  The applicant's chain of command recommended approval of the Chapter 10 request with an under other than honorable conditions discharge.  On 16 August 2005, the separation authority approved the Chapter 10 request with an under other than honorable conditions discharge.  The applicant was to be reduced to the lowest enlisted rank. 
       The applicant's record contains a CID Report of Investigation dated 22 July 2005. 

       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 military records during the period of enlistment under review and the issues he submitted, the analyst found several mitigating factors that would merit a partial upgrade of the applicant's characterization of service to general, under honorable conditions.  While, the applicant's misconduct is not condoned, the analyst found that the overall length and quality of the applicant's service, to include his combat service (two tours in Iraq), mitigated the discrediting entries in the service record.  Accordingly, the analyst recommends to the Board that partial relief be granted in the form of an upgrade of the  characterization of service to general, under honorable conditions.  This action entails a restoration of grade to SGT/E-5.
       
       Furthermore, the analyst noted the applicant's issue requesting that his reentry eligibility (RE) code be changed, however, at the time of discharge the applicant was appropriately assigned a reentry eligibility (RE) code of “4.”  An RE code of “4” cannot be waived and the applicant is no longer eligible for reenlistment.  In view of the foregoing, the analyst determined that the reason for discharge, and the reentry eligibility (RE) code were both proper and equitable and recommends to the Board to deny relief.  

VII.  Summary of Army Discharge Review Board Hearing

Type of Hearing: 		Date: 8 April 2009         Location: Washington, DC

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 is too harsh, and as a result it is inequitable.  The Board determined that the overall length and quality of the applicant’s service, to include his combat service (two tours in Iraq), mitigated the discrediting entries in his service record.  Accordingly, the Board voted to grant partial relief in the form of an upgrade of the characterization of service to general, under honorable conditions.  However, the Board determined that the reason for discharge, and the reentry eligibility (RE) code were both 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 5    No change 0
Reason -     Change 0    No change 5
(Board member names available upon request)
								         EDGAR J. YANGER			 
								         Colonel, U.S. Army
X.  Board Action Directed					         President, Army Discharge Review Board
Issue a new DD Form 214  					
Change Characterization to: 			         
Change Reason to: No Change
Other: NA										
RE Code: 
Grade Restoration:   No   Yes   Grade: SGT/E-5
ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD - CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE

Case Number AR20080010837
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