Applicant Name:  ?????

Application Receipt Date: 2011/02/28	Prior Review:     Prior Review Date: NA     

I.  Applicant Request:  Upgrade     Reason Change     RE Code Change    

Issues: The applicant states "I didn't see the option so I would like to begin by stating that I received a "General Discharge Under Honorable Condition." I am not here to deny my actions nor to justify them. However like I explained to my chain of command and the psychologist I was appointed to see every week, "I was going through some depression moods and I admit it was a stupid choice." I have not re-used nor do I plan on it. I have went to the VA Hospital for my depression and they have prescribed me anti-depressants which have helped a significant amount. I am currently enrolled in AIU Online for computer programming trying to obtain a secure future for myself and I was hoping to use my G.I. Bill towards my schooling but due to my discharge I have been denied. Therefore my only chance is to request a discharge change in order to be approved and continue forward with my education. Thank you for your time."

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: 091125
Discharge Received: 			   Date: 091211   Chapter: 14-12c (2)       AR: 635-200
Reason: Misconduct (Drug Abuse)	   RE:     SPD: JKK   Unit/Location: A Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY 

Time Lost: AWOL x 1 from (081230-090104) for 5 days.  The applicant returned to his unit. 

Article 15s (Charges/Dates/Punishment): 091014, wrongfully used marijuana between (090720-090819), reduction to Private (E-1), forfeiture of $699.00 pay, extra duty and restriction for 45 days (FG)

090306, AWOL x 1 from (081230-090104), reduction to the grade of Private First Class (E-3), forfeiture of $409.00 pay per month for one month, extra duty and restriction for 14 days (CG)

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

Counseling Records Available: Yes    No 

IV.  Soldier’s Overall Record
Age at current enlistment:  18
Current ENL Date: 061012    Current ENL Term: 3 Years  18 weeks
Current ENL Service: 	3 Yrs, 1 Mos, 5 Days The net active service this period on the DD Form 214 block 12c is incorrect; should be as annotated above.
Total Service:  		3 Yrs, 1 Mos, 5 Days ?????
Previous Discharges: 	None
Highest Grade: E-4		Performance Ratings Available: Yes    No 
MOS: 21B10 Combat Engineer   GT: 104   EDU: GED Cert   Overseas: Southwest Asia   Combat: Kuwait & Iraq (071025-081114)
Decorations/Awards: ARCOM, NDSM, GWOTSM, ICMDLw/CS, ASR, OSR, CAB, MUC

V.  Post-Discharge Activity
City, State:  ?????
Post Service Accomplishments: The applicant states in his issue that he is currently enrolled in AIU online for computer programming and trying to obtain a secure future for himself.  

VI.  Facts, Circumstances, and Legal Basis for Separation

       a.  Facts and Circumstances:
       The evidence of record shows that on 24 November 2009, the unit commander notified the applicant of initiation of separation action under the provisions of Chapter 14-12c (2), AR 635-200, by reason of misconduct-abuse of illegal drugs; in that he wrongfully used marijuana, with a general, under honorable conditions discharge.  He was advised of his rights.  25 November 2009, the applicant consulted 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.  On 30 November 2009, the intermediate commander reviewed the proposed discharge action and recommended approval of the separation action with a general, under honorable conditions discharge.  On 2 December 2009, 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 submitted with the application, the analyst found no mitigating factors which would merit an upgrade of the applicant's discharge. 
       
       The analyst determined that the applicant’s discharge was appropriate because the quality of his service was not consistent with the Army's standards for acceptable personal conduct and performance of duty by military personnel.  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 his service below that meriting a fully honorable discharge.  
       
       The analyst noted the applicant's issue that he is currently enrolled in AIU Online for computer programming trying to obtain a secure future for himself and was hoping to use his G.I. Bill towards his schooling.  The analyst acknowledges the applicant's successful transition to civilian life and the accomplishment outlined in his application.  However, in review of the applicant’s entire service record, the analyst found this these accomplishment did not overcome the reason for discharge and characterization of service granted.  
       
       Further, eligibility for veteran's benefits to include educational benefits under the Post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill does not fall within the purview of the Army Discharge Review Board.  Accordingly, the applicant should contact a local office of the Department of Veterans Affairs for further assistance.
       
       Therefore, the analyst determined that 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: 28 September 2011         Location: Washington, DC

Did the Applicant Testify?  Yes     No  

Counsel: None

Witnesses/Observers: NA 

Exhibits Submitted: Online application dated 22 February 2011.

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

















Legend:
AWOL    	Absent Without Leave		GCM   General Court Martial	NA   Not applicable			SCM	Summary Court Martial
BCD   	Bad Conduct Discharge	GD      General Discharge	NIF   Not in the file			SPCM	Special Court Martial
CG 	Company Grade Article 15	HD      Honorable Discharge	OAD   Ordered to Active Duty		UNC	Uncharacterized Discharge  
DD 	Dishonorable Discharge	HS       High School Graduate	OMPF   Official Military Personnel File	UOTH  	Under Other Than Honorable 
FG	Field Grade Article 15		IADT   Initial Active Duty Training	RE     Reentry Code				Conditions 

ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD - CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE

Case Number AR20110004072
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