PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION
We acknowledge that the Navy does not condone alcohol or drug use, has prohibited drinking aboard ship, and screens for drug use with periodic urine tests. However, it is also true that military service has certain built-in stresses long hours, irregular shifts, inclement weather, extra responsibilities, peer pressure, boredom, lack of privacy, etc.-- that cause certain individuals great difficulty. Furthermore, many studies have shown that, in spite of restrictions, substance abuse is higher in the armed forces than in the general population. Sadly, more seasoned service members often lead newer ones astray. Thus the veteran’s statement that he was taken to bars by his shipmates when in port, rather than going there on his own, is credible. Unfortunately, as pointed out above, he was uniquely vulnerable to these influences.
The attached treatment records and testimonials from family and friends show that, after many difficulties, (Applicant) successfully completed chemical dependency treatment in June, 1999 and has been sober and drug-free since. He has made great progress in getting his life back on track. We now ask, on his behalf, that you generously consider the difficulties of his life prior to service, and his sincere efforts to rehabilitate himself since. Having considered these things, we ask that you upgrade his discharge to “Under Honorable Conditions” or better, so that he may qualify for veteran’s benefits.
Sincerely,
J_ V_ O_
Claims Representative.”
PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE
PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW
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 – A PATTERN OF MISCONDUCT.
B. Under the Manual for Courts-Martial, a punitive discharge is authorized for violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 111,drunk driving, 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
NAVY | DRB | 2005_Navy | ND0500930
The Applicant requests the Discharge Characterization of Service received at the time of discharge be changed to general (under honorable conditions). Alcohol was a factor in drug use.”COMCRUDESGRU THREE] directed the Applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct drug abuse. At this time, the Board found that the Applicant’s statements concerning post-service conduct, without documented evidence, do not mitigate the offense for which he was discharged.
NAVY | DRB | 2004_Navy | ND04-00652
ND04-00652 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review was received on 20040309. The Applicant requests the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to honorable. I honestly believe that if I had met my wife back then, that I could have been a career sailor.
NAVY | DRB | 2002_Navy | ND02-00697
When I went back to my squadron, my commander told me that I was being discharge with a General discharge under honorable condition. Applicant did not object to the separation.940209: Commanding Officer, Attack Squadron 196, advised CNMPC of Applicant's discharge with general (under honorable conditions) by reason of alcohol abuse rehabilitation failure. PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW Discussion The Applicant was discharged on 940322 with a characterization...
USMC | DRB | 2003_Marine | MD03-01488
MD03-01488 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review was received on 20030909. The Applicant requests the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to honorable. Looking back on my own personal expectations coming out of boot camp I can see where I exaggerated..
NAVY | DRB | 1999_Navy | ND99-00586
The only discussion I can ever remember my division officer having with me was how he would rip my earring out of my ear if he ever saw me wear it.- The professional counseling that was never scheduled was the result of the only man who tried to help me on this ship. I did not deserve to be denied the professional counseling that was offered to me and ordered by my Captain. After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, the Board...
CG | BCMR | Discharge and Reenlistment Codes | 2009-103
states that in determining whether a drug incident occurred, a commanding officer should consider all the available evidence, including positive confirmed urinalysis test results, any documentation of prescriptions, medical and dental record, and chain of command recommendations. Yet, as evidenced by the applicant’s discharge, the CO determined that the applicant had been involved in a drug incident and recommended his discharge from the Coast Guard, which required the approval of the...
NAVY | DRB | 2002_Navy | ND02-00608
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: USN None Inactive: USNR (DEP) 990827 - 991122 COG Period of Service Under Review :Date of Enlistment: 991123 Date of Discharge: 010606 Length of Service (years, months, days):Active: 01 06 14 Inactive: None 010504: COMCARGRU SEVEN authorized the Applicant's...
NAVY | DRB | 2006_Navy | ND0600110
ND06-00110 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review was received on 20051020. The Applicant requests the Discharge Characterization of Service received at the time of discharge be changed to general (under honorable conditions). Thank you, [signed] R_ W_ (Applicant)” Documentation In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the Applicant, was considered: Applicant’s DD Form 214 Medical Documents from Walla Walla VAMC (54...
NAVY | DRB | 2001_Navy | ND01-00110
ND01-00110 Applicant’s Request The application for discharge review, received 001031, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable or entry level separation or uncharacterized and the reason for the discharge be changed to convenience of the government. 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 (C and D).In applicant’s...
AF | DRB | CY2003 | FD2002-0310
Attachment: Examiner's Brief FD2002-0310 DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD ANDREWS AFB, MD _— a. Basis for Discharge: Respondent has received three Article 15s, all of them alcohol-related. Discharge is appropriate.