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USMC | DRB | 2007_Marine | MD0700571
Original file (MD0700571.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied
ex-, USMC
MD07-00571
Current Discharge and Applicant’s Request
Application Received: 20070320   Characterization Received:
Narrative Reason: PARENTHOOD OR CUSTODY OF MINOR CHILDREN        Authority: MARCORSEPMAN 6203.1

 Applicant’s Request:      Characterization change to:
                           Narrative Reason change to:
Applicant’s Issues:       1. Service Record

Decision

 By a vote of the Characterization shall .     
By a vote of the Narrative Reason shall PARENTHOOD OR CUSTODY OF MINOR CHILDREN

Date: 20 07110 8          Location: Washington D.C.        Representation :


Discussion

 Issue 1: ( ). After review, the Board determined that the Separation Authority’s decision to characterize the Applicant’s service as general (under honorable conditions) was within his authority . However, the Board determine d that the characterization of the Applicant’s service as general (under honorable conditions) did not appear to be consistent with standards of naval discipline. Normally, when service members are involuntarily separated for parenthood, their characterization of service is determined by the members conduct and performance . There was no evidence in the Applicant’s service record of misconduct, and the Applicant’s performance and conduct evaluation ratings reflect ed an acceptable level of performance and conduct. In light of those factors, the Board determined that the negative aspects of the Applicant’s service did not outweigh the positive aspects of his service record. Therefore, it determined that an honorable characterization of service was warranted.
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)     20000106 - 20000124             
Period of Service Under Review:
 Date of Enlistment: 20000125               Years Contracted : ; Extension:   Date of Discharge: 20030901
Length of Service : 3 Yrs 7 Mths 7 D ys     Lost Time : Days UA: Days Confine d :
Education Level: 12 Age at Enlistment:   AFQT: NOT FOUND IN RECORD MOS: 0621 Highest Rank:
Proficiency/Conduct marks (# of occasions):      4.2 ( 8 ) / 4.0 ( 8 )     Fitness reports :
Awards and Decorations ( per DD 214): MARINE CORPS GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, RIFLE EXPERT BADGE (2DN AWD)







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

 2 0010625:        Applicant the subject of a Letter of Appreciation for volunteer work at Ditmar Elementary School.

2 0020815:        Applicant Counseled for duty to notify the command in writing that she was pregnant. Also counseled and understands the obligation to submit a Family Care Plan under MCO 1710.13A.

20030225:        Applicant submits request for Administrative Separation due to inability to complete a Family Care Plan.

20030430 :        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for failure to produce a Family Care Plan in accordance with MCO 1740.13A .

20030505:        Applicant notifies command that she does not have a Family Care Plan.

20030505:        Applicant submits rebuttal to 6105 Counseling dtd 20030430.

20030529:        Command notifies Applicant of Administrative Discharge proceedings.
20030606:        Applicant notifies command she has not been able to replace her original Family Care Plan.

2003 0711 :        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for failure to maintain a Family Care Plan.


Discharge Process

 Date Notified:   20030529
Basis for Discharge:      DUE TO:
        
Least Favorable Characterization:       
Commanding Officer’s Intended Recommendation:   

Date Applicant Responded to Notification:                  20030529
Rights Elected at Notification:
         Consult with Counsel                      
         Obtain Copies of Documents               
         Submit Statement(s) (date)                        
         Administrative Board                      

Commanding Officer Recommendation (date):        ( 20030603 )
SJA review (date):       NOT FOUND IN RECORD
Separation Authority (date):     CG, MCB CAMP PENDLETON ( 20030807 )
Basis for discharge directed:   DUE TO:
Characterization directed:     
Date Applicant Discharged:       20030901

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. Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16F, effective 1 September 2001 until Present), paragraph 6203, CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT .

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, 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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