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NAVY | DRB | 2001_Navy | ND01-00052
Original file (ND01-00052.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied


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


ex-ABFAR, USN
Docket No. ND01-00052

Applicant’s Request
The application for discharge review, received 001016, 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 010329. After a thorough review of the records, 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 – Drug abuse (Use), authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630620.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION


Issues (verbatim)

1. My discharge was inequitable because it was based on one isolated incident in over a 24 month period. Marital problems prompted my request for an emergency leave of which I was denied. I used the drugs to be discharged.
I was the Guide-One of my company in boot camp and graduated top of my class from ABF-A School, ahead of sailors already in the fleet.

 Members of the board, I am proud of my service to my country, but I am ashamed of my actions which were caused by severe emotional stress and youth and resulted in my discharge.

Please consider these circumstances and my service record when reviewing my request.

Thank you very much.

 Documentation
In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the applicant, was considered:
Copy of DD Form 214

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

 Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge):
         Active: None
          Inactive: USNR (DEP)     910319 - 910321  COG
Period of Service Under Review :
Date of Enlistment: 910322               Date of Discharge: 920629

 Length of Service (years, months, days):
         Active: 01 03 08
          Inactive: None
Age at Entry: 20                          Years Contracted: 4
Education Level: 11 GED           AFQT: 77

 Highest Rate: ABFAA
Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

 Performance: 3.10 (2)    Behavior: 3.10 (2)                OTA: 3.20
Military Decorations: None

 Unit/Campaign/Service Awards: NDSM

Days of Unauthorized Absence: 1

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/Misconduct – Drug abuse (Use), authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630620.

 Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events :

910327:  Applicant briefed on Navy' policy on drug and alcohol abuse.
910610:  Applicant briefed on Navy' policy on drug and alcohol abuse.

 911114:  Applicant to unauthorized absence 0700-1400, 14Nov91.
920323:  NAVDRUGLAB, San Diego, CA reports applicant's urine sample received 920316, tested positive for cocaine.
920512:  NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 86 (4 specs):
 Specification 1: Unauthorized absence from 0645, 6Mar92 to 1345, 7Mar92 (1 day).
Specification 2: Unauthorized absence from 0645-1540, 15Apr92.
 Specification 3: Absent from appointed place of duty on 0645, 18Mar92.
 Specification 4: Absent from appointed place of duty on 0630, 1Apr92.
Violation of UCMJ Article 112A:
 Specification: Wrongful use of cocaine on 16Mar92.
         Award: Forfeiture of $392 per month for 2 months, restriction and extra duty for 45 days, reduction to ABFAR. No indication of appeal in the record.
920512:  Medical evaluation for drug abuse found the applicant to be a recreational drug user, not drug dependent.

920512:  Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.
920512:          Applicant advised of his rights and having elected not to consult with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to waive all rights.
920522:  Commanding officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse (use).

920624:  BUPERS directed the applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse (use).
920629:  Applicant found to be alcohol and drug dependent. Applicant rejected VA treatment.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT
REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 920629 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to drug abuse (use) (A). The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (B). After a thorough review of the records, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, the Board found that the discharge was proper and equitable (C and D).
In response to the applicant’s issue, the applicant implies that a permissive doctrine exists whereby one in the military is allowed an "isolated incident". 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. Navy Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), effective 15 Aug 91 until 04 Mar 93, Article 3630620, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED MEMBERS BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT DUE TO DRUG ABUSE.

B. 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.

C. 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.

 D. 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      


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