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USMC | DRB | 2007_Marine | MD0701093
Original file (MD0701093.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied
ex-, USMC
MD07-01093
Current Discharge and Applicant’s Request
Application Received: 20070801   Characterization Received:
Narrative Reason: ERR-B00        Authority: MARCORSEPMAN 6210.3

 Applicant’s Request:      Characterization change to:
                           Narrative Reason change to:
Applicant’s Issues:       1. Employment and Educational Opportunities
                           2. Young and immature
                           3. Post Service

Decision

 By a vote of the Characterization shall .
 By a vote of the Narrative Reason shall MISCONDUCT

Date: 20 08 0117             Location: Washington D.C.         Representation :

Discussion

 : 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 that his problems were attributed to his youth and immaturity. While he may feel that this was the underlying cause of his misconduct, the record clearly reflects his willful misconduct and demonstrated he was unfit for further service. The evidence of record did not show that the Applicant was either not responsible for his conduct or that he should not be held accountable for his actions. When a Marine’s service has been honest and faithful, it is appropriate to characterize that service under honorable conditions. An 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. The Applicant’s service was marred by four retention warnings and three nonjudicial punishments (NJP) for violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), Article 86 (Unauthorized absence – 4 specs), Article 91 (Disrespect toward a non commissioned officer) , and Article 92 (Failure to obey and order or regulation – 5 specs). Violation of UCMJ Article 92 is considered a serious offense for which a punitive discharge is authorized if adjudged by a Special or General Courts Martial. An upgrade to honorable would be inappropriate.

Issue 3: ( ). The NDRB is authorized to consider post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge. However, there is no law or regulation, which provides that an unfavorable discharge, may be upgraded based solely on the passage of time, good conduct, or favorable endorsements in the civilian life subsequent to leaving the service. Normally, to permit relief, a procedural impropriety or inequity must have been found to have existed during the period of enlistment in question. Outstanding post-service conduct, to the extent that such matters provide a basis for a more thorough understanding of the Applicant’s performance and conduct during the period of service under review, is considered. The Applicant provided his statement along with three character reference letters as evidence of his post-service accomplishments. The Applicant's efforts need to be more encompassing. For example, the Applicant could have produced evidence of a verifiable employment record, documentation of community service, and certification of non-involvement with civil authorities. The Board determined that the documentation provided by the Applicant did not mitigate the circumstances that resulted in the characterization of discharge.

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)     20020209 - 20020916              Active:
Period of Service Under Review:
 Date of Enlistment: 20020917               Years Contracted :                 Date of Discharge: 20060815
Length of Service : Yrs Mths 29 D ys                        Lost Time : Days UA: Days Confine d :
Education Level:         Age at Enlistment:       AFQT: 65          MOS: 0656 Highest Rank:
Proficiency/Conduct marks (# of occasions):      3.6 ( 10 ) / 3.6 ( 10 )            Fitness reports :
Awards and Decorations ( per DD 214): Rifle , GWOTSM, NDSM, LOA (2), COA

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

 20040311 :        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for violation of Article 91 of the UCMJ on 20040227 you failed to obey an order from a Noncommissioned Officer when you were ordered to field day your barracks room and remain in your room for a field day inspection by you Company Gunnery Sergeant. This conduct is detrimental to the good order and discipline of the unit and will not be further tolerated.

20041102:        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for violation of Art 86 and 92 of the UCMJ on 20030803 by not reporting to duty as specifically and explicitly directed by your enlisted chain of command. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable and does not adhere to Marine Corps Ethics of Honor, Courage and Commitment. It is a direct reflection on your maturity, judgment, and military bearing, all of which need significant improvement.

2005011 6 :        NJP -- Viol UCMJ Art. 86 (2 specs) - (1) Unauthorized absence from field day formation, (2) Unauthorized absence from 5-6 accountability formation, Art. 92 (2 specs) - (1) Wrongfully operating a motor vehicle without a license on 20041208 and 20041209, (2) Wrongfully operating a motor vehicle without a license on 20041208 and 20041209.
         Awarded - FOP ($ 642.00 ) for ( 2 months); RIR ( ); Restr for ( 45 days); Extra duties ( 45 days). FOP for 1 month, Restr and Extra duties for 45 days suspended for 6 months.

20050318:        Vacate FOP for 1 month, Restr and Extra duties for 45 days awarded at NJP dated 20050116.

20050331:        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for your misconduct as evidenced by you recent NJP for violation of Arts 86 and 92 of the UCMJ held on 20050116 by not reporting to duty as specifically and explicitly directed by your enlisted chain of command. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable and does not adhere to Marine Corps Ethics of Honor, Courage and Commitment. It is a direct reflection of your maturity, judgment and military bearing, all of which need significant improvement.

20050407:        NJP -- Viol UCMJ Art. 86 - Absent from appointed place of duty, Art. 91 - Disrespectful in language towards Corporal, Art. 92 - Wrongfully operate a motor vehicle without a license.
         Awarded - FOP ($ 617.00 ) for ( 2 months); RIR ( ); Restr for ( 45 days); Extra duties ( 45 days). FOP for 1 month, RIR suspended for 6 months.

20060213:        NJP -- Viol UCMJ Art. 86 - Failed to return from duty, Art. 92 (2 specs) - Failed to sign out on liberty as directed by Captain, (2) Failed to follow a direct order by being told to be there at the time designated.
         Awarded - FOP ($ 713.00 ) for ( 2 months); RIR ( ); Restr for ( 45 days); Extra duties ( 45 days). FOP for 1 month, Restr and Extra duties for 15 days suspended for 6 months.

20060216:        MARCORSEPMAN 6105 counseling for your misconduct as evidenced by your recent NJP for violation of Article 92 x 3 and 86 x 2 of the UCMJ.

20060221:        Vacate FOP for 1 month, Restr and Extra duties for 15 days awarded at NJP dated 20060213.

Discharge Process

 Date Notified:   20060223
Basis for Discharge:      DUE TO
Least Favorable Characterization:       
Commanding Officer’s Intended Recommendation:   

Date Applicant Responded to Notification:                  20060224
Rights Elected at Notification:
         Consult with Counsel                      
         Obtain Copies of Documents               
         Submit Statement(s) (date)                        
         Administrative Board (ADB)                
         ADB waiver                                  20060614
Commanding Officer Recommendation (date):        ( 20060614 )
SJA review (date):       ( 20060804 )
Separation Authority (date):     COMMANDING GENERAL, 3D MARINE LOGISTICS GROUP ( 20060809 )
 Basis for discharge directed:   DUE TO
Characterization directed:     
Date Applicant Discharged:       20060815

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 6210, MISCONDUCT , of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16F), effective
1 Sep tember 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 92.


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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