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NAVY | DRB | 1999_Navy | ND99-00433
Original file (ND99-00433.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied


DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
NAVAL DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD (NDRB)
DISCHARGE REVIEW
DECISIONAL DOCUMENT




ex-AR, USN
Docket No. ND99-00433

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 990208, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable. The applicant requested a documentary record discharge review. The applicant listed the American Legion as the representative on the DD Form 293.


Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 991213. After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, NDRB discerned no impropriety or inequity in the characterization of the applicant’s service. The Board’s vote was unanimous that the character of the discharge shall not change. The discharge shall remain: UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/MISCONDUCT, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.


PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues (verbatim)

1. My discharge was inequitable becuase it was based on isolated incidents in my many month of service with no other adverse action.

2. (EQUITY ISSUE) This former member further requests that the Board include provisions of SECNAVINST 5420.174C., enclosure (1), Chapter 9, as it pertains to post-service conduct, in assessing the merits of his application.

Documentation

In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the applicant, was considered:

None


PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge):

         Active: None
         Inactive: USNR (DEP)     950320 - 950419  COG

Period of Service Under Review :

Date of Enlistment: 950420               Date of Discharge: 960223

Length of Service (years, months, days):

         Active: 00 10 04
         Inactive: 00 00 00

Age at Entry: 20                          Years Contracted: 4

Education Level: 12                        AFQT: 34

Highest Rate: AR

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance: 1.00 (1)    Behavior: 1.00 (1)                OTA: 1.00

Military Decorations: None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards: NDSM

Days of Unauthorized Absence: 61

Character, Narrative Reason, and Authority of Discharge (at time of issuance):

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/MISCONDUCT, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events :

960116:  NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 86 (6 specs): (1) Unauthorized absence from working party muster on 2Oct95, (2) Unauthorized absence from duty section muster on 2Oct95, (3) Unauthorized absence from 2200, 2Oct95 - 1400, 4Nov95 (32 days/surrendered), (4) Unauthorized absence from 18Nov - 26Nov95 (8 days/surrendered), (5) Unauthorized absence from 0730, 3Dec-1825, 5Dec95 (2 days/surrendered), (6) Unauthorized absence from 0700, 17Dec95-2308, 5Jan96 (19 days/surrendered), violation of UCMJ, Article 87: Missing ship's movement on 2Oct95, violation of UCMJ, Article 91 (3 specs): Willfully disobeyed a lawful order from a Chief Warrant Officer, disrespect toward a Chief Warrant Officer, and willfully disobeyed a lawful order from a petty officer.
         Award: Forfeiture of $427 per month for 2 months, restriction for 60 days (Forfeiture of $250 for 2 months suspended for 6 months). No indication of appeal in the record.

960121:  Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to commission of a serious offense as evidence by Commanding Officer's nonjudicial punishment on 16 January 1996 for unauthorized absence for a period of 32 days, missing ship's movement, willfully disobeying a lawful order of a Warrant Officer, being disrespectful in deportment toward a Chief Warrant Officer, and willfully disobeying a lawful order of a petty officer.

960121:  Applicant advised of his rights and having elected not to consult with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to waive all rights except the right to obtain copies of the documents used to support the basis for the separation.

960125:  Commanding officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to absent without leave (30 days or more). Commanding officer’s comments (verbatim): The commission of serious offenses warrants separation in this case. AR (applicant) does not possess potential for further useful service. He has demonstrated his unwillingness to conform to the rules and regulations of military service, and is a negative influence on the good order and discipline of this command and the naval service as a whole. Accordingly, it is strongly recommended that AR (applicant) be separated from the naval service under Other than Honorable Conditions.


960223:  BUPERS directed the applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct.


PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 960223 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to absent without leave (30 days or more) (A and B). The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (C). After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, the Board found that the discharge was proper and equitable (D and E).

In the applicant’s issue 1, the Board found the applicant implies that a permissive doctrine exists whereby one in the military is allowed a “single misdeed”. The Board believes that the applicant is confusing this with the civilian world wherein some offenses are treated with leniency because they are a first time incident on an otherwise clear record. No such leniency exists in the military. The applicant is responsible for his actions and must accept the consequences of his misdeeds. The Board will not grant relief on the basis of this issue.

In the applicant’s issue 2, there is no law or regulation that provides for the upgrade of an unfavorable discharge based solely on the passage of time, or good conduct in the civilian life subsequent to leaving the Service. However, the Board is authorized to consider post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge (D). Those factors include, but are not limited to, the following: evidence of continuing educational pursuits (transcripts, diplomas, degrees, vocational-technical certificates), a verifiable employment record (Letter of Recommendation from boss), documentation of community service (letter from the activity/community group), certification of non-involvement with civil authorities (police records check) and proof of his not using drugs (detoxification certificate, AA meeting attendance or letter documenting participation in the program) in order for consideration for clemency based on post-service conduct. At this time, the applicant has not provided any documentation of good character and conduct. Therefore no relief will be granted. The applicant is reminded that he is eligible for a personal appearance hearing provided the application is received within 15-years from the date of discharge.

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A. Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), Change 9, effective
22 Jul 94 until 02 Oct 96, Article 3630600, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED PERSONNEL BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT.

B. Under the Manual for Courts-Martial, a punitive discharge is authorized for violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article [e.g., 86, for unauthorized absence for a period in excess of 30 days] if adjudged at a Special or General Court-Martial.


C. Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 2, AUTHORITY/POLICY FOR DEPARTMENTAL DISCHARGE REVIEW.

D. Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 9, paragraph 9.2, PROPRIETY OF THE DISCHARGE.

E. Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 9, paragraph 9.3, EQUITY OF THE DISCHARGE.


PART IV - INFORMATION FOR THE APPLICANT


If you believe that the decision in your case is unclear, not responsive to the issues you raised, or does not otherwise comport with the decisional document requirements of DoD Directive 1332.28, you may submit a complaint in accordance with Enclosure (5) of that Directive. You should read Enclosure (5) of the Directive before submitting such a complaint. The complaint procedure does not permit a challenge of the merits of the decision; it is designed solely to ensure that the decisional documents meet applicable requirements for clarity and responsiveness. You may obtain a copy of DoD Directive 1332.28 by writing to:

                  DA Military Review Boards Agency
                  Management Information and Support Directorate
                  Armed Forces Reading Room
                  Washington, D.C. 20310-1809

The names, and votes of the members of the Board are recorded on the original of this document and may be obtained from the service records by writing to:

                  Naval Council of Personnel Boards
                  Attn: Naval Discharge Review Board
                  Washington Navy Yard
                  720 Kennon St SE Rm 309
                  Washington, D.C. 20374-5023     



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