Search Decisions

Decision Text

NAVY | DRB | 2004_Navy | ND04-01046
Original file (ND04-01046.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied


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




ex-DSSN, USN
Docket No. ND04-01046

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review was received on 20040616. The Applicant requests the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to honorable. The Applicant requests a documentary record discharge review. The Applicant did not designate a representative on the DD Form 293.


Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 20050107. After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, no impropriety or inequity in the characterization of the Applicant’s service was discovered by the NDRB. 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 3630620.



PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as stated

Applicant’s issues, as stated on the application:

1. “My discharge was inequitable because it was based on one isolated incident in 28 months of service with no other adverse action.”

2. “I sincerely regret the mistake I made. I was a 4.0 sailor (except for the exit eval.) I worked hard for my country. I was also awarded the Navy Achievement Medal but was never presented. The NAM was awarded to a group of four individuals who worked strenuous hours while underway to install the ship’s new computer network. I saw the certificate with my own eyes. Please look into this matter as well.”


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):

         Inactive: USNR (DEP)     930330 - 930907  COG
         Active: None

Period of Service Under Review :

Date of Enlistment: 930908               Date of Discharge: 960406

Length of Service (years, months, days):

         Active: 02 06 29
         Inactive: None

Age at Entry: 18                          Years Contracted: 4 (24 months extension)

Education Level: 12                        AFQT: 85

Highest Rate: DS3

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance: 3.5 (2)     Behavior: 2.5 (2)                 OTA: 3.34

Military Decorations: None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards: NDSM

Days of Unauthorized Absence: None

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/MISCONDUCT, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630620.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events :

960301:  NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 112a: Wrongful use of a controlled substance on or about 96FEB20.
         Award: Forfeiture of $497 per month for 2 months, restriction and extra duty for 45 days, reduction to E-3. No indication of appeal in the record.

960305:  Medical evaluation for drug abuse found the Applicant to be a drug abuser, not drug dependent.

960307:  Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.

960307:  Applicant advised of rights and having elected not to consult with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to waive all rights. Applicant did not object to the separation.

960313:  Commanding Officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse. Commanding Officer’s comments (verbatim): DSSN M_ (Applicant) tested positive for marijuana as result of a random urinalysis. At mast he admitted to the drug use and stated he had used drugs because he wanted to be separated from the Naval Service. Strongly recommend immediate separation from the Naval Service and the character of discharge be other than honorable.

960328:  BUPERS 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 19960406 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to drug abuse (A). The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (B). 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).

Issues 1-2: The Applicant states his discharge was based on one isolated incident in “28 months of service with no other adverse action.” Despite a service member’s prior record of service, certain serious offenses, even though isolated, warrant separation from the naval service in order to maintain proper order and discipline. The Applicant’s service record is marred by award of nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for illegal drug use, thus substantiating the misconduct for which he was separated. Drug abuse warranted processing for separation, normally under other than honorable conditions. Regulations limit the Board’s review to a determination on the propriety and equity of the discharge. In the Applicant’s case, the Board could discern no impropriety or inequity and therefore considered his discharge proper and equitable. Relief denied.

T
here is no law, or regulation, which provides that an unfavorable discharge may be upgraded based solely on the passage of time, or good conduct in civilian life, subsequent to leaving the service. However, the NDRB is authorized to consider outstanding post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge, to the extent such matters provide a basis for a more thorough understanding of the Applicant’s performance and conduct during the period of service under review. Verifiable proof of any post-service accomplishments must be provided in order for the Applicant to claim post-service conduct and behavior as a reason to upgrade a less than honorable discharge. Evidence of continuing educational pursuits, a positive employment record, a drug-free lifestyle, and certification of community service and non-involvement with civil authorities are examples of verifiable proof that can be submitted. The Board appreciates the Applicant’s efforts to improve his life and his involvement in his local community’s counter narcotic efforts and encourages him to continue his participation. At this time, the Applicant has not provided sufficient verifiable documentation of good character and conduct to mitigate his misconduct while on active duty. Relief is not warranted.
 
The Applicant remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided an application is received, at the NDRB, within 15 years from the date of discharge. The Applicant can provide documentation to support any claims of post-service accomplishments or any other evidence related to his discharge at that time. Representation at a personal appearance hearing is recommended but not required.



Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A . Navy Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), Change 9/94, effective
22 Jul 94 until 02 Oct 96, Article 3630620, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED MEMBERS BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT DUE TO DRUG ABUSE.

B. Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174D of 22 December 2004, Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) Procedures and Standards, Part II, AUTHORITY/POLICY FOR DEPARTMENTAL DISCHARGE REVIEW.

C. Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174D of 22 December 2004, Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) Procedures and Standards, Part V, Para 502, Propriety .

D. Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174D of 22 December 2004, Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) Procedures and Standards, Part V, Para 503, Equity .


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 http://Boards.law.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:

                  Secretary of the Navy Council of Review Boards
                  Attn: Naval Discharge Review Board
                  720 Kennon Street SE Rm 309
                  Washington Navy Yard DC 20374-5023


Similar Decisions

  • NAVY | DRB | 1999_Navy | ND99-01253

    Original file (ND99-01253.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    Age at Entry: 19 Years Contracted: 4 (24 months extension) Education Level: 12 AFQT: 75 Highest Rate: DS3 Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks): Performance: 3.57 (6) Behavior: 3.63 (6) OTA: 3.50 Military Decorations: None Unit/Campaign/Service Awards: NDSM, GCM Days of Unauthorized Absence: 22 Character, Narrative Reason, and Authority of Discharge (at time of issuance):UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/MISCONDUCT, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630620. ...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2004_Navy | ND04-00289

    Original file (ND04-00289.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    The Applicant requests the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to honorable. PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW Discussion The Applicant was discharged on 19960307 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to drug abuse (A). 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...

  • NAVY | DRB | 1999_Navy | ND99-00169

    Original file (ND99-00169.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    No indication of appeal in the record.951214: Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse as evidenced by all drug incidents in your current enlistment.951219: Applicant advised of his rights and having elected not to consult with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to waive all rights.951222: Commanding officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2000_Navy | ND00-00729

    Original file (ND00-00729.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 Enlisted Performance Evaluation Report Copy of First Endorsement to Letter of Appreciation Copy of Letter of Appreciation PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge): Active: USN None Inactive: USNR (DEP) 830110 - 831204 COG Period of Service Under Review :Date of Enlistment: 831205 Date...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2005_Navy | ND0500119

    Original file (ND0500119.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    The Applicant requests the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to honorable or general/under honorable conditions. The discharge shall remain: UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/Misconduct – Drug abuse (Use), authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630620. 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...

  • NAVY | DRB | 1999_Navy | ND99-00873

    Original file (ND99-00873.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    The discharge shall remain: UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/MISCONDUCT, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630620. PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION 951106: An Administrative Discharge Board, based upon a preponderance of the evidence and by unanimous vote, found that the applicant had committed misconduct due to drug abuse, that the misconduct warranted separation, and by a vote of 2 to 1 recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions.

  • NAVY | DRB | 2005_Navy | ND0500459

    Original file (ND0500459.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    010330: DD Form 214: Applicant discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 1910-146. PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW Discussion The Applicant was discharged in absentia on 20010330 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to drug abuse (A). The Applicant remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided an application is received, at the NDRB, within 15...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2005_Navy | ND0500365

    Original file (ND0500365.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    The Applicant requests the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to honorable. The discharge shall remain: UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/Misconduct – Drug abuse (Use), authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630620. 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...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2001_Navy | ND01-00103

    Original file (ND01-00103.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: USN 890616 - 910627 HON Inactive: USNR (DEP) 880621 - 890615 COG Period of Service Under Review :Date of Enlistment: 910628 Date of Discharge: 920603 Length of Service (years, months, days):Active: 00 11 06 Inactive: None After a thorough review of the...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2004_Navy | ND04-01303

    Original file (ND04-01303.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    The Applicant requests the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to honorable. The NDRB is not authorized to change reenlistment codes. 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.