Search Decisions

Decision Text

NAVY | DRB | 2007_Navy | ND0700600
Original file (ND0700600.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied
ex-YNSN, USN
ND07-00600
Current Discharge and Applicant’s Request
Application Received: 20070403   Characterization Received:
Narrative Reason: MISCONDUCT Authority: MILPERSMAN 1910-146

Applicant’s Request:     Characterization change to:
                           Narrative Reason change to:
Applicant’s Issues:      1. One isolated incident within 61 months of service
                           2. Post service performance

Decision

 By a vote of the Characterization shall read .
By a vote of the Narrative Reason shall : MISCONDUCT .
Date: 20071129 Location: Washington D.C         R epresentation :

Discussion

Issue 1 (Equity): The Applicant contends that his discharge was inequitable as he had only one infraction on an otherwise clean service record in 61 months of service. The NDRB advises the Applicant that, despite a service member’s prior record of service, certain serious offenses, even though isolated, warrant separation from the Navy in order to maintain proper order and discipline. The Applicant's misconduct is documented in his service record, which is marred by the finding at a nonjudicial punishment (NJP) proceeding on 20020406 by a violation of UCMJ Article 112a, Wrongful use of a controlled substance. Although discharge for one violation of the UCMJ may seem harsh, that violation was for abuse of a controlled substance. Individuals are indoctrinated from the day of recruitment and have had the policy reinforced through annual Navy-wide training sessions, throughout their enlistment on the U.S Navy’s zero tolerance policy for substance abuse and that a violation of this policy will result in mandatory processing for administrative separation which usually results in an unfavorable characterization of discharge. This policy is well known throughout both the Department of Defense and the civilian sector as well. Accordingly, t his misconduct substantiates the reason for his separation as well as his characterization of service under other than honorable conditions. No other narrative reason for separation or characterization could more clearly describe why the Applicant was discharged .

Issue 2 ( ):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, or good conduct 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 letters/evaluations from his employer and transcripts of grades as documentation of post-service accomplishments. The Applicant's efforts need to be more encompassing than those provided. For example, the Applicant could have produced evidence of drug free existence, 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 misconduct 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, the Board found that




Summary of Service

Prior Service:
 Inactive: USNR (DEP)     20000421 - 20000426              Active:
Period of Service Under Review:
 Date of Enlistment: 20000427      Years Contracted : ; Extension:   Date of Discharge: 20050505
Length of Service: 05 Yrs 00 Mths 09 D ys         Lost Time: Days UA: Days Confined:
Education Level:         Age at Enlistment:       AFQT: 32          Highest Rank/Rate: YN3
Evaluation marks (# of occasions):       Performance: 3.8 ( 4 )      Behavior: 2.5 ( 4 )         OTA: 3.33
Awards and Decorations (per DD 214): OSR (2), SSDR (3), NDSM, GCM, GWOTSM, NER

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

 20040504:        Retention Warning.. No further information found in record. [Extracted from Commanding Officer’s letter dated 20050418.]

20050406:        NJP -- Viol UCMJ Art. 112a - Wrongful use of marijuana .
         Awarded - FOP ($820.00) for (2 months); RIR (E-3).
Discharge Process

 Date Notified:                                       20050406
Reason for Discharge:    -
Least Favorable Characterization:       

Date Applicant Responded to Notification:                 20050406
Rights Elected at Notification:
         Consult with Counsel                      
         Obtain Copies of Documents               
         Submit Statement(s) (date)                        
         Administrative Board                      
         GCMCA review                               

Commanding Officer Recommendation (date):        ( 20050418 )
Separation Authority (date):     COMMANDER, NAVY REGION SOUTHEAST ( 20050420 )
Reason for discharge directed:  -
Characterization directed:     
Date Applicant Discharged:       20050505

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) Service Essentials Shining Star Award certificate
Woodbridge Shining Star award for the Month of August
24 Hour Fitness Evaluation

Pertinent Regulation/Law

 A. The Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), Change 11, effective 29 April 2005 until Present,
Article 1910-146, Separation by Reason of Misconduct - Drug Abuse.

 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

Similar Decisions

  • NAVY | DRB | 2008_Navy | ND0800345

    Original file (ND0800345.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    After assuring compliance with MILPERSMAN 1910-140 the separation authority directed the Applicant’s discharge by reason of misconduct due to a pattern of misconduct with a service characterization of under other than honorable conditions. ” 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. Whenever a member is being processed...

  • USMC | DRB | 2007_Marine | MD0701019

    Original file (MD0701019.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    Medical/Service Record Entries Related to Characterization of Service or Basis for Discharge 20050107: Applicant to UA 20050128: Applicant from UA20050130: Applicant to UA The Applicant can provide documentation to support any claims of post-service accomplishments or any additional evidence related to this discharge. Additionally, the NDRB does not have the authority to change a narrative reason for separation to one indicating a medical disability or “PTSD.

  • NAVY | DRB | 2008_Navy | ND0800303

    Original file (ND0800303.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    Types of Documents SubmittedRelated to Military Service: DD 214: Service and/or Medical Record: Other Records: Related to Post-Service Period: Employment: Finances: Education/Training: Health/Medical Records: Substance Abuse: Criminal Records: Family/Personal Status: Community Service: References: Additional Statements From Applicant: From Representation: From Member of Congress: Other Documentation (Describe) DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVYNAVAL DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD (NDRB) DISCHARGE REVIEW...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2007_Navy | ND0700550

    Original file (ND0700550.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    The Board determined that the documentation provided by the Applicant did not mitigate the misconduct which resulted in the Applicant’s discharge and the characterization of his service. ” 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. With respect to a discharge adjudged by a court-martial, the action of the NDRB is restricted...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2007_Navy | ND0700153

    Original file (ND0700153.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    Recommendation on Separation: BY 3-0 VOTE, Recommendation on Characterization: BY 3-0 VOTE,Commanding Officer Recommendation (date): (20041130) Separation Authority (date): COMMANDER, 3D FORCE SERVICE SUPPORT GROUP (20050316)Reason for discharge directed: - Characterization directed: Date Applicant Discharged: 20050418 Types of Documents Submitted by Applicant and Considered By BoardRelated to Military Service: Service and/or Medical Record:Other Records: Related to Post-Service Period:...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2007_Navy | ND0700215

    Original file (ND0700215.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    The Applicant’s conduct during the current period of service, which forms the primary basis for determining the character of his service was marred by a Special Courts-Martial for violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), Article 92, (Violate a lawful general regulation by wrongfully consuming an alcoholic beverage while under the age of 21), Article 111 (Operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol), Article128 (Commit an assault upon a police sergeant by...

  • USMC | DRB | 2009_Marine | MD0901095

    Original file (MD0901095.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    ” Additional Reviews : After a document review has been conducted, former members are eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided the application is received at the NDRB within 15 years of the Applicant’s date of discharge. 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. Additionally, the NDRB has no authority to upgrade a...

  • USMC | DRB | 2007_Marine | MD0700605

    Original file (MD0700605.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    The Applicant provided evidence of post-service employment and lack of criminal record since his discharge; however, after a complete review of the entire record, including the evidence submitted by the Applicant, the Board determined that the discharge was appropriate and that the evidence of post-service conduct was found not to mitigate the conduct which precipitated the discharge.In reviewing discharges, the Board presumes regularity in the conduct of Government affairs unless there is...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2015_Navy | ND1500042

    Original file (ND1500042.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVYNAVAL DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD (NDRB) DISCHARGE REVIEW DECISIONAL DOCUMENTApplicant’s Issues 1. Summary: After a thorough review of the available evidence, to include the Applicant’s summary of service, record entries, and discharge process, the Board found Therefore, the awarded characterization of service shall remain UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS and the narrative reason for separation shall remain MISCONDUCT - PATTERN OF MISCONDUCT. ” Additional Reviews :...

  • NAVY | DRB | 2009_Navy | ND0900338

    Original file (ND0900338.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

    Should the Applicant obtain additional evidence or post service documentation he may wish to apply for a personal appearance. ” 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. Additionally, the NDRB does not have the authority to change a narrative reason for separation to one indicating a medical disability or other medical...