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USMC | DRB | 2007_Marine | MD0700359
Original file (MD0700359.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied
ex-, USMC
MD07-00359
Current Discharge and Applicant’s Request
Application Received: 20070802   Characterization Received: OTHER THAN HONORABLE
Narrative Reason: IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL               Authority: MARCORSEPMAN 6419

 Applicant’s Request:      Characterization change to:
                           Narrative Reason change to:
Applicant’s Issues:       1. Reenlistment opportunities
                           2. Discharge unjust
                           3. Rank reduction unjust
                           
Decision

 By a vote of the Characterization shall .     
By a vote of the Narrative Reason shall IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL

Date: 20 071011                                       Location: Washington D.C.

Discussion

 Issue 1 : either which the Board cannot form the basis of relief for the Applicant, or the Board does not have the authority to grant the relief for which the Applicant petitioned. The Applicant is directed to the Addendum regarding .

Issue 2: ( ). The Applicant contends his discharge was unjust. The record reflects that the Applicant, with counsel consultation , requested an administrative discharge in lieu of trial by court-martial with a general (under honorable conditions) characterization of service with the understanding that an O ther than honorable characterization of service was authorized. The government enjoys a presumption of regularity in the conduct of its affairs. The Applicant bears the burden of overcoming this presumption through the presentation of substantial and credible evidence to support his issue. There is no evidence in the record, nor has the Applicant produced any evidence, to support the contention that he was wrongfully charged and disciplined. The Applicant’s statements alone do not overcome the government’s presumption of regularity in this case.

Issue 3: ( ). The Applicant contends that his reduction from E-6 to E-3 was unjus t. Per the MARCORPSEPMAN 1004 (Separation in lieu of trial by courts-martial), when an enlisted Marine serving in the pay grade E-4 and above is administratively separated with an other than honorable characterization of service, the Marine shall be administratively reduced to pay grade E-3, with such reduction to become effective upon separation.

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)     19931007 - 19931017              Active:          19931018 - 19971023
Active:          199 71024 - 20040219
Period of Service Under Review:
 Date of Enlistment: 20040220               Years Contracted : ; Extension:   Date of Discharge: 20050302
Length of Service : 01 Yrs 00 Mths 10 D ys          Lost Time : Days UA: Days Confine d :
Education Level:         Age at Enlistment:       AFQT: 34          MOS: 0681 Highest Rank:
Proficiency/Conduct marks (# of occasions):               Fitness reports :
Awards and Decorations ( per DD 214): MARINE CORPS GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL (x3), NAVY AND MARINE CORPS ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL (x2), GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM SERVICE MEDAL, GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL, SEA SERVICE DEPLOYMENT RIBBON (x6), NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL (x2), PRESIDENTIAL UNIT COMMENDATION-NAVY, NAVY MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION, NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION, MERITORIOUS MAST, CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION, RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP BADGE, PISTOL SHARPSHOOTER BADGE, MARINE CORPS MARITIAL ARTS BROWN BELT

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

 20040220:        Reenlisted this date for a term of 4 years.
Discharge Process

 Charge(s) Preferred: NOT FOUN D IN RECORD
Charge(s) and Specification(s):
         Article 107 : Giving a false official statement
         Article 134 : Adultery

Date Applicant Submitted SILT request:            20050201
         Consulted with or Waived Counsel:                
         Acknowledged Understanding Elements:    
         Acknowledged Guilt to:                     Article(s) 107, 134
                  BCD/DD authorized for offense(s)        
         Acknowledged Consequences of OTH:       
         Type of Characterization Requested:     

Separation Authority (date):                       COMMANDING GENERAL, 4 TH MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, MARINE FORCE RESERVE ( 20050217 )
         Reason for Discharge directed:           
         Characterization directed:                        
Date Applicant Discharged :                         20050302

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 6419, SEPARATION IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL , of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16F), effective 01 September 2001 until Present.

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 .

C. 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 s 107 (False Official Statement) and 134 (Adultry) .

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, provi ded 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 grante d 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.
Employmen t / 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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