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USMC | DRB | 2007_Marine | MD0700096
Original file (MD0700096.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied
ex-, USMC
MD07-00096
Current Discharge and Applicant’s Request
Application Received: 20061030   Characterization Received:
Narrative Reason: FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE (Reserve not on active duty (board waived) Authority: MARCORSEPMAN par 6213

 Applicant’s Request:      Characterization change to:
                           Narrative Reason change to:
Applicant’s Issues:       1. No transportation for me to attend drills.


Decision

 By a vote of 5-0 the Characterization shall remain UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS .       
By a vote of 5-0 the Narrative Reason shall remain FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE.

Date: 2007 1 0 04                                      Location: Washington D.C.


Discussion

 Issue (s) 1: T he Board reviews the propriety and equity of an Applicant’s discharge individually, on a case-by-case basis. If such a review reveals an impropriety or inequity, relief is in order. Regulations permit relief on equitable grounds if the Applicant’s discharge is inconsistent with standards of discipline of the Naval service. There is credible evidence in the record that the Applicant violated the UCMJ. The evidence of record does not demonstrate that the Applicant was not responsible for h is conduct or that he should not be held accountable for h is actions. When a Marine’s service has been honest and faithful, it is appropriate to characterize that service under honorable conditions. A under other than honorable conditions discharge is warranted when significant negative aspects of a member’s conduct or performance of duty outweigh the positive aspects of the member’s military record. T he Applicant’s service was marred by numerous unexcused drills periods over a period of time. The record does not show that the Applicant made any attempt to reconcile with the command for assistance or support. An upgrade to honorable would be inappropriate .
In reviewing discharges, the Board presumes regularity in the conduct of Government affairs unless there is substantial credible evidence to rebut the presumption, to include evidence submitted by the Applicant. After a thorough review of the available evidence, to include the Applicant’s Summary of Service, Medical and Service Record Entries , Discharge Process and evidence submitted by the Applicant, t he Board found that


Summary of Service

Prior Service:
 Inactive: USMCR (DEP)     NONE              Active: 19940207-19940831        HON      
Period of Service Under Review:
 Date of Enlistment: 19940103      Years Contracted : ; Extension:          Date of Discharge: 19970227
Length of Service : Active: 00 Yrs 0 6 Mths 25 D ys          Inactive: 02 Yrs 07 Mths 01 D ys
Lost Time : Days UA: Days Confine d :
Education Level:         Age at Enlistment:       AFQT: 71          MOS: 0151 Highest Rank:
Proficiency/Conduct marks (# of occasions):      3.9 ( 4 ) / 3.7 ( 4 )    
Awards and Decorations ( per DD 214): NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP BADGE




Medical/Service Record Entries Related to Characterization of Service or Basis for Discharge

 19940207:        Enlistment contract into the USMCR documents acknowledgement of the requirement to participate in 48 scheduled drills and not less than 14 days of annual training per year for 6 years upon completion of initial active duty training.
19940207:        Applicant reported initial tour of active duty for training.

19940821:        Applicant released from initial tour of active for training with an Honorable discharge by reason of completion of required active service (USMCR) IADT.
19950604 :        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for unsatisfactory participation in the Marine Corps Reserve, specifically failure to attend regular scheduled drills on 950602 (1), 950603 (2), and 950604 (2) .
          Discharge warning issued.

19960107:        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for unsatisfactory participation in the Marine Corps Reserve, specifically failure to attend regular scheduled drills on 960105 (1), 960102 (2). Discharge warning issued.

19960211:        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for unsatisfactory participation in the Marine Corps Reserve, specifically failure to attend regular scheduled drills on 960210 (2), 960211 (2). Discharge warning issued.

19960303:        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for unsatisfactory participation in the Marine Corps Reserve, specifically failure to attend regular scheduled drills on 960302 (2), 960303 (2). Discharge warning issued.

19960414:        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for unsatisfactory participation in the Marine Corps Reserve, specifically failure to attend regular scheduled drills on 960412 (1), 960413 (2), 960414 (2). Discharge warning issued.

19960505:        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for unsatisfactory participation in the Marine Corps Reserve, specifically failure to attend regular scheduled drills on 960503 (1), 960504 (2), 960504 (2). Discharge warning issued.

19960609:        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for unsatisfactory participation in the Marine Corps Reserve, specifically failure to attend regular scheduled drills on 960607 (1), 960608 (2), 960609 (2). Discharge warning issued.

19960804:        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for unsatisfactory participation in the Marine Corps Reserve, specifically failure to attend regular scheduled drills on 960802 (1), 960803 (2), 960804 (2). Discharge warning issued.

19960929:        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for unsatisfactory participation in the Marine Corps Reserve, specifically failure to attend regular scheduled drills on 960927 (1), 960928 (2), 960929 (2). Discharge warning issued.

19961006:        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for unsatisfactory participation in the Marine Corps Reserve, specifically failure to attend regular scheduled drills on 961005 (2), 961006 (2). Discharge warning issued.









Discharge Process

 Date Notified:   19960607
Basis for Discharge:     
Least Favorable Characterization:       
Commanding Officer’s Intended Recommendation:   

Date Applicant Responded to Notification:                  19960625
Rights Elected at Notification:
         Consult with Counsel                       UNSIGNED
         Obtain Copies of Documents                UNSIGNED
         Submit Statement(s) (date)                         UNSIGNED
         Administrative Board                       UNSIGNED

Commanding Officer Recommendation (date):        ( 19961201 )
SJA review (date):       ( 19970207 )
Separation Authority (date):     COMMANDER MARINE FORCES RESERVE ( 19970207 )
Basis for discharge directed:   FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE (R eserve not on active duty (board waived)
Characterization directed:     
Date Applicant Discharged:       19970227


Types of Documents Submitted by Applicant and Considered By Board

 Related to Military Service:      Service and/or Medical Record:            Other Records:

Related to Post-Service Period:         
         Employment:                        Finances:                          Education:               
         Health/Medical Records:                   Substance Abuse:                           Criminal Records:       
         Family/Personal Status:                   Community Service:                References:              
        
Additional Statements From Applicant:    From Representative:
Other Documentation (Describe)      


Pertinent Regulation/Law

 A. Paragraph 6213 of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16E), effective 18 Aug 1995 until 31 Aug 2001.
B. Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174D of 22 December 2004, Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) Procedures and Standards, Part II, Para 211, Regularity of Government Affairs , Part V, Para 502, Propriety and Para 503, Equity .


ADDENDUM: Information for the Applicant

 Complaint Procedures : 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 Instruction 1332.28, you may submit a complaint in accordance with Enclosure (5) of that Instruction to the Joint Service Review Activity, OUSD (P&R) PI-LP, The Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-4000. You should read Enclosure (5) of the Instruction 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 Instruction 1332.28 and other Decisional Documents by going online at “ http://Boards.law.af.mil . ”

Additional Reviews : Subsequent to a document review, former members are eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided the 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 additional evidence related to this discharge. Representation at a personal appearance hearing is recommended but not required. If a former member has been discharged for more than 15 years, has already been granted a personal appearance hearing or has otherwise exhausted his opportunities before the NDRB, the Applicant may petition the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR), 2 Navy Annex, Washington, DC 20370-5100 for further review.

 Service Benefits: The Veterans Administration determines eligibility for post-service benefits, not the Naval Discharge Review Board. There is no requirement or law that grants recharacterization solely on the issue of obtaining Veterans' benefits and this issue does not serve to provide a foundation upon which the Board can grant relief.
Employment/Educational Opportunities : The Board has no authority to upgrade a discharge for the sole purpose of enhancing employment or educational opportunities. Regulations limit the Board’s review to a determination of the propriety and equity of the discharge.

Reenlistment/RE-code: Since the NDRB has no jurisdiction over reenlistment, reentry, or reinstatement into the Navy, Marine Corps, or any other of the Armed Forces, the NDRB is not authorized to change a reenlistment code. Only the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) can make changes to reenlistment codes. Additionally, the Board has no authority to upgrade a discharge for the sole purpose of enhancing reenlistment opportunities. An unfavorable “RE” code is, in itself, not a bar to reenlistment. A request for a waiver can be submitted during the processing of a formal application for reenlistment through a recruiter.
Medical Conditions and Misconduct : DoD disability regulations do not preclude a disciplinary separation. Appropriate regulations stipulate that separations for misconduct take precedence over potential separations for other reasons. Whenever a member is being processed through the Physical Evaluation Board, and subsequently is processed for an administrative involuntary separation for misconduct, the disability evaluation is suspended. The Physical Evaluation Board case remains in suspense pending the outcome of the non-disability proceedings. If the action includes either a punitive or administrative discharge for misconduct, the medical board report is filed in the member’s terminated health record. Additionally, the NDRB does not have the authority to change a narrative reason for separation to one indicating a medical disability or “PTSD.” Only the Board for Correction of Naval Records can grant this type of narrative reason change.

Automatic Upgrades - There 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 Naval service. The NDRB is authorized to consider 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. Examples of documentation that may be provided to the Board include proof of educational pursuits, verifiable employment records, documentation of community service, credible evidence of a substance free lifestyle and certification of non-involvement with civil authorities.

Issues Concerning Bad-Conduct Discharges (BCD ) – Because relevant and material facts stated in a court-martial specification are presumed by the NDRB to be established facts, issues relating to the Applicant’s innocence of charges for which he was found guilty cannot form a basis for relief. With respect to a discharge adjudged by a court-martial, the action of the NDRB is restricted to upgrades based on clemency. Clemency is an act of leniency that reduces the severity of the punishment imposed.

Board Membership: 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

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