Applicant Name:  ?????

Application Receipt Date: 080925	Prior Review:     Prior Review Date: NA     

I.  Applicant Request:  Upgrade     Reason Change     RE Code Change    

Issues: See DD Form 293 and supporting documentation 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: 051201
Discharge Received: 			   Date: 051214   Chapter: 14-12c(2)       AR: 635-200
Reason: Misconduct (Drug Abuse)	   RE:     SPD: JKK   Unit/Location: B Trp, 1/9 Cav, Ft. Bliss, TX 

Time Lost: AWOL 6 days (050922-050928), mode of return unknown.

Article 15s (Charges/Dates/Punishment): 051102, wrongful use of cocaine (050908-050915), and AWOL (050921-050929); reduction to E1, forfeiture of $617.00 pay per month for two months, extra duty and restriction for 45 days (FG).

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

Counseling Records Available: Yes    No 

IV.  Soldier’s Overall Record
Age at current enlistment:  21
Current ENL Date: 050729    Current ENL Term: 04 Years  ?????
Current ENL Service: 	00 Yrs, 04 Mos, 15 Days ?????
Total Service:  		02 Yrs, 11 Mos, 06 Days ?????
Previous Discharges: 	RA - 030102-050728/HD
Highest Grade: E4		Performance Ratings Available: Yes    No 
MOS: 19D   Cav Scout   GT: 115   EDU: HS Grad   Overseas: Germany, SWA   Combat: Kuwait & Iraq (040212-050226)
Decorations/Awards: BSM w/V device, PH, ARCOM w/V device, ARCOM (2), VUA, NDSM, ASR, GWOTEM, GWOTSM, CAB

V.  Post-Discharge Activity
City, State:  Houston, TX
Post Service Accomplishments: None submitted by the Applicant.

VI.  Facts, Circumstances, and Legal Basis for Separation

       a.  Facts and Circumstances:
       The evidence of record shows that on 28 November 2005, the unit commander notified the Applicant of initiation of separation action under the provisions of Chapter 14, paragraph 14-12c(2), AR 635-200, by reason of misconduct—for having tested positive for cocaine (7 September 2005), failure to go at the time prescribed to accountability formation (14 September 2005), and AWOL (21 September 2005 - 29 September 2005), with a general under honorable conditions discharge.  The Applicant was advised of his rights, waived his right to consult with legal counsel, was advised of the impact of the discharge action, 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 4 December 2005, the separation authority waived further rehabilitative efforts and 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 of this regulation 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, however, a general under honorable conditions or an honorable discharge may be granted.   

       c.  Response to Issues, Recommendation and Rationale:  
       After carefully examining the Applicant’s record of service during the period of enlistment under review and the issue and documents submitted with the application, the analyst determined that the discharge was both proper and equitable.  The Applicant, by violating the Army's policy not to possess or use illegal drugs, compromised the trust and confidence placed in a Soldier.  The Applicant, as a Soldier, had the duty to support and abide by the Army's drug policies.  By abusing illegal drugs, the Applicant knowingly risked a military career and diminished the quality of service below that meriting a fully honorable discharge.  Furthermore, the method in which another Soldier’s case was handled is not relevant as applicable regulations state that each case must be decided on an individual basis considering the unique facts and circumstances of that particular case.  Additionally, the analyst found no evidence of arbitrary or capricious actions by the command.  The analyst was satisfied that all requirements of law and regulation were met and the rights of the Applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process.  Furthermore, the analyst noted that even though a single incident, the discrediting entry constituted a departure from the standards of conduct expected of Soldiers in the Army.  The applicable Army regulation states that there are circumstances in which the conduct or performance of duty reflected by a single incident provides the basis for a characterization.  The analyst having examined all the circumstances determined that the Applicant's single incident of misconduct did, indeed, adversely affect the quality of service, brought discredit on the Army, and was prejudicial to good order and discipline.  This single incident of misconduct clearly diminished the quality of the Applicant's service below that meriting a fully honorable discharge.  Therefore, the analyst determined the reason for discharge and the characterization of service 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: 21 July 2009         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 discharge was both proper and equitable and voted to deny relief.  
        
IX.  Board Decision						
	XI.  Certification Signature
Board Vote:  							          Approval Authority:	
Character - Change 0    No change 5
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: No Change										
RE Code: 
Grade Restoration:   No   Yes   Grade: No Change
ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD - CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE

Case Number AR20080015114
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