Search Decisions

Decision Text

USMC | DRB | 2000_Marine | MD00-00277
Original file (MD00-00277.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied


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

ex-Pvt, USMC
Docket No. MD00-00277

Applicant’s Request
The application for discharge review, received 991221, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to general/under honorable conditions. The applicant requested a documentary record discharge review. The applicant did not list any representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 000817. 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: MARCORSEPMAN 6210.5.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues (verbatim)

1. My discharge was inequitable because it was based on one isolated incident in 16 months of service with no other adverse action. Since the time of my discharge I have become completely clean and have maintained a sober and positive attitude and also a great outlook on life. I am requesting for the time being that my discharge be upgraded to General under Honorable conditions.

 Documentation
In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the applicant, was considered:
Copy of DD Form 215
Copy of DD Form 214
Twenty-four pages from applicant's service record
Copy of appointment of Veteran's Service Organization as claimant's representative dated November 12, 1999

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

 Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge):
         Active: None
         Inactive: USMCR(J)                970410 - 970615  COG

 Period of Service Under Review :
Date of Enlistment: 970616               Date of Discharge: 980831

 Length of Service (years, months, days):

         Active: 01 02 16
         Inactive: None

 Age at Entry: 17                          Years Contracted: 4

 Education Level: 12                        AFQT: 42

 Highest Rank: PFC

 Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

 Proficiency: 4.3 (4)                       Conduct: 4.0 (4)

 Military Decorations: None

 Unit/Campaign/Service Awards: MM

Days of Unauthorized Absence: None

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/MISCONDUCT, authority: MARCORSEPMAN 6210.5.

 Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events :

970327:  Applicant briefed upon and certified understanding of Marine Corps policy concerning illegal use of drugs.
980422:  NAVDRUGLAB, San Diego, CA reports urine sample received 980416 tested positive for THC.
980423:  Counseled for deficiencies in performance and conduct. [Disrespect in deportment towards an NCO.] Necessary corrective actions explained, sources of assistance provided, disciplinary and discharge warning issued.
980423:  Counseled for deficiencies in performance and conduct. [Use of THC as identified through urinalysis testing as evidenced by NAVDRUGLAB San Diego msg R 2220228 Apr 98 Batch no. W959 Specimen no. 02. Lab Acc. No. 59804096074 which tested positive for THC.] Necessary corrective actions explained, sources of assistance provided, disciplinary and discharge warning issued.
980511:  Substance Abuse/Dependence evaluation: Diagnosis: Alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence. Meets criteria for abuse/dependence of ETOH.

980623:  Summary Court-Martial.
         Charge I: violation of the UCMJ, Article 112A.
         Specification: Wrongful use of marijuana.
         Finding: to Charge I and the specification thereunder, guilty.
         Sentence: Forfeiture of $617.00, confinement for 30 days, reduced to Pvt.
         CA action 980623: Sentence approved and ordered executed.

980720:  Applicant refused rehabilitation treatment.

980720:  Counseled for deficiencies in performance and conduct. [Pending mandatory administrative separation processing as a result of your summary court martial conviction.] Necessary corrective actions explained, sources of assistance provided, disciplinary and discharge warning issued.
980723:  Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.
980723:  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.

980727:  Commanding officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse. The factual basis for this recommendation was your failure to conform to the standards of the Marine Corps.

980804:  GCMCA [Commanding General, 1 st Marine Division (Rein)] directed the applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 980831 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to drug abuse (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 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.

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 encouraged to continue with his pursuits and 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. Paragraph 6210, MISCONDUCT , of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16E), effective 18 Aug 95 to Present.

B. The Manual for Courts-Martial authorizes the award of a punitive discharge if adjudged as part of the sentence upon conviction by a special or general court-martial for violation of the UCMJ, Article [ e.g., Article 86, unauthorized absence for more than 30 days].
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 view DoD Directive 1332.28 and other Decisional Documents by going online at “ afls14.jag.af.mil ”.

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
                  720 Kennon Street SE Rm 309
                  Washington Navy Yard DC 20374-5023      


Similar Decisions

  • USMC | DRB | 2001_Marine | MD01-01157

    Original file (MD01-01157.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    Commanding General directed the applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse. 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).Issue 1. The Board found no evidence that the applicant’s personality disorder was responsible for the applicant’s decision to use illegal drugs.

  • USMC | DRB | 1999_Marine | MD99-01189

    Original file (MD99-01189.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    MD99-01189 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review, received 990903, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable. Age at Entry: 20 Years Contracted: 4 Education Level: 12 AFQT: 41 Highest Rank: PFC Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks): Proficiency: 4.3 (3) Conduct: 3.8 (3) Military Decorations: None Unit/Campaign/Service Awards: Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, LOA Days of Unauthorized Absence: None Character,...

  • USMC | DRB | 1999_Marine | MD99-00593

    Original file (MD99-00593.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    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: USMC 000000 - 000000 HON Inactive: USMCR(J) 950418 - 951127 COG Period of Service Under Review :Date of Enlistment: 951128 Date of Discharge: 980625 Length of Service (years, months, days):Active: 02 06 28 Inactive: None CA action 980603: Sentence approved...

  • USMC | DRB | 2000_Marine | MD00-00067

    Original file (MD00-00067.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    Documentation In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the applicant, was considered:Copy of DD Form 214 Copy of Certificate of Commendation PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge): Active: USMC None Inactive: USMCR(J) 940218 - 940822 COG Period of Service Under Review :Date of Enlistment: 940823 Date of Discharge: 961011 Length of Service (years, months, days):Active: 02 01 17 Inactive: None ...

  • USMC | DRB | 2002_Marine | MD02-00037

    Original file (MD02-00037.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    Thanks 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: None Period of Service Under Review :Date of Enlistment: 960703 Date of Discharge: 9904?? 990412: GCMCA [Commander, Marine Forces Reserve] directed the applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct...

  • USMC | DRB | 2001_Marine | MD01-00639

    Original file (MD01-00639.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    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. 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). However, the NDRB is authorized to consider outstanding post-service factors in the recharacterization of a...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2004 Marine | MD04-00573

    Original file (MD04-00573.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    The Applicant requested the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to general/under honorable conditions. Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events :970213: Applicant briefed upon and certified understanding of Marine Corps policy concerning illegal use of drugs.990415: Counseled for deficiencies in performance and conduct. Necessary corrective actions explained, sources of assistance provided, disciplinary and discharge warning...

  • USMC | DRB | 2001_Marine | MD01-00986

    Original file (MD01-00986.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION 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).Issue 1. Normally, to permit relief, an error or injustice must have existed during the period of enlistment in question.

  • USMC | DRB | 2001_Marine | MD01-00886

    Original file (MD01-00886.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    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).Issue 1. Separation for drug abuse under Other Than Honorable conditions was proper and equitable. Normally, to permit relief, an error or injustice must have existed during the period of enlistment in question.

  • USMC | DRB | 2001_Marine | MD01-00913

    Original file (MD01-00913.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    990819: Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.990819: 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.990901: NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 112a: On or about 990802, wrongfully used marijuana.Awarded...