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USMC | DRB | 2012_Marine | MD1201771
Original file (MD1201771.rtf) Auto-classification: Denied

ex-, USMC
Current Discharge and Applicant’s Request
Application Received: 20120817
Characterization of Service Received:
Narrative Reason for Discharge:
Authority for Discharge: MARCORSEPMAN

Applicant’s Request:      Characterization change to:
         Narrative Reason change to:
         Reentry Code change to:

Summary of Service

Prior Service:
 Inactive:         USMCR (DEP)       20070310 - 20070806     Active:  

Period of Service Under Review:
 Date of Current Enlistment: 20070807     Age at Enlistment:
Period of E nlistment : Years Months
Date of Discharge: 20090206      H ighest Rank:
Length of Service : Y ea r ( s ) M on th ( s ) 00 D a y ( s )
Education Level:        AFQT: 59
MOS: 0121
Proficiency/Conduct M arks (# of occasions): ( ) / ( )    Fitness Reports:

Awards and Decorations ( per DD 214):      Rifle CoC

Periods of CONF :

NJP:

- 20090114 :      Article (Absence without leave, 20080824-20081113)
         Awarded: Suspended:

SCM:     SPCM:    CC:

Retention Warning Counseling:

- 20081120 :      For violation of Article 86: U nauthorized absence in that Lance Corporal S_ , Alpha Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, MCB, Camp Pendleton, CA on active duty, did, on or about 20080824, did absent himself from his appointed place of duty IPAC Customer Service S ection, Camp Pendleton, CA from 20080824 until he returned on 20081113.

Types of Documents Submitted/reviewed

 Related to Military Service:
         DD 214:           Service/Medical Record:           Other Records:  
Related to Post-Service Period:
         Employment:               Finances:                 Education/Training:     
         Health/Medical Records:           Rehabilitation/Treatment:                 Criminal Records:       
         Personal Documentation:           Community Service:                References:     
         Department of VA letter:                  Other Documentation:    
                  Additional Statements:
          From Applicant:           From/To Representation:           From/To Congress member:        


DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
NAVAL DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD (NDRB)
DISCHARGE REVIEW DECISIONAL DOCUMENT

Applicant’s Issues

 1.       The Applicant seeks an upgrade due to the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
 2.       The Applicant contends he was treated unfairly and was inappropriately asked about his sexual orientation, which eventually led to his discharge.

Decision

Date: 20 1 3 0530            Location: Washington D.C .         R epresentation :

By a vote of the Characterization shall .
 By a vote of the Narrative Reason shall .
 By a vote of the Reenlistment Code shall .
Discussion

 The NDRB, under its responsibility to examine the propriety and equity of an Applicant’s discharge, is authorized to change the character of service and the reason for discharge if such change is warranted. In reviewing discharges, the NDRB presumes regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs unless there is substantial credible evidence to rebut the presumption, to include evidence submitted by the Applicant. T he NDRB completed a thorough review of the circumstances that led to the discharge, and the discharge process, to ensure the discharge action met the pertinent standards of equity and propriety. The Applicant’s record of service documents one nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) : Article 86 ( Absence without leave, 1 specification). The Applicant’s record was incomplete and provided no context for the basis of discharge. The NDRB did not have the Applicant’s administrative separation package to determine whether or not the Applicant waived rights to consult with a qualified counsel and submit a written statement . He was not eligible for an administrative separation board.

: (Decisional Issue) ( ) . The Applicant seeks an upgrade due to the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The Applicant received a General (Under Honorable Conditions) characterization of his service at discharge. Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual (MARCORSEPMAN) Paragraph 6207, HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT , was in effect at the time of the Applicant’s discharge . The Applicant ’s record provides no context for the basis for discharge and lacks an administrative separation package. Based on a statement made by the Applicant, he contends his c ommanding o fficer inappropriately questioned his sexual orientation , and the Applicant answered honestly. T he Applicant ’s record reflects he was processed administratively for involuntary separation and was assigned a corresponding reentry code of RE-4. At the time of discharge, processing for separation was mandatory in accordance with the MARCORSEPMAN and Department of Defense Policy under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.

Characterization of Service: Characterization of service at discharge is the recognition of a service member’s performance and conduct during a period of enlistment and is not necessarily dependent upon the narrative reason for separation. The Applicant’s service record reflected one NJP for absence without leave for 81 days , which is considered a serious offense per Appendix 12 of the Manual for Courts-Martial and could have resulted in a punitive discharge (i.e., Bad Conduct) as the result of a Special Court-Martial. An Honorable characterization of service is warranted when the quality of a member’s service generally meets the standard of acceptable conduct and performance for Naval personnel, or is otherwise so meritorious that any other characterization of service would be clearly inappropriate. A General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge is warranted when the quality of the member’s service has been honest and faithful but significant negative aspects of the member’s conduct or performance of duty outweighed the positive aspects of the member’s service record. After a complete review of the records, the NDRB determined the Applicant’s General discharge was warranted, proper, and equitable. Relief denied.
Narrative Reason for Separation: In accordance with the 20 September 2011 Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) memorandum regarding the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, service discharge review boards should normally grant requests to change the narrative reason for discharge wherein Homosexual Admission was the only basis for discharge. This memorandum further directs that the narrative reason for separation should normally change to Secretarial Authority with a corresponding Separation Code designator (SPD code). The record of service reflects that the Applicant was separated for

Homosexual Admission. Given the documented misconduct, the Applicant should have also been notified for separation due to Misconduct (Commission of a Serious Offense), however, the command chose to notify the Applicant for discharge solely based on Homosexual Admission. Accordingly, the NDRB determined that the narrative reason for separation will change to Secretarial Authority; additionally, the DD Form 214 shall be amended to reflect a corrected authority for discharge ( MARCORSEPMAN 6214 ) with a corresponding Separation Code designator of JFF. Relief granted.

Reentry Code: In accordance with the Under Secretary of Defense (P&R) Memorandum (Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell), dated 20 September 2011, service review boards should normally grant requests to change the reentry code to an immediately-eligible-to-reenter category if the discharge and corresponding reentry code was: (1) based solely on DADT or a similar policy in place prior to enactment of DADT; and (2), there were no aggravating factors in the record, such as misconduct. As authorized by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower & Reserve Affairs), the NDRB may change reentry codes as set forth in the USD (P&R) memorandum dated 20 September 2011. The USD (P&R) policy memorandum stated that, if applicable, the new RE code should be RE-1J, however, this is an Air Force specific re-entry code. In accordance with the guidance and intent of the policy memorandum, the applicable U.S. Marine Corps reentry code would be RE-1 A (eligible for reenlistment). The Applicant received an RE-4 reentry code due to a n 81-day period of absence without leave and for his Homosexual A dmission while in service. The NDRB determined that the record of service, coupled with the record of misconduct, would not warrant a recommendation for retention had the Applicant not been involuntarily separated for h is Homosexual A dmission . As such, in accordance with the 20 September 2011 Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) memorandum, the NDRB determined that the Applicant’s reentry code shall remain RE-4. Relief denied.

: (Decisional) ( ) . The Applicant contends he was treated unfairly and was inappropriately asked about his sexual orientation, which eventually led to his discharge. 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 his command coerced him into divulging his sexual orientation. The Applicant’s statements alone do not overcome the government’s presumption of regularity in this case. What the record does reveal is very fair treatment when it came to his command recommending a very lenient General characterization of service after an 81-day absence without leave. Relief denied.
Summary: After a thorough review of the available evidence, to include the Applicant’s summary of service, service record entries, and the administrative separation process, the NDRB found the discharge was proper and equitable at the time of discharge. However, pursuant to Public Law 111-321, and in accordance with the guidance set forth in the Under Secretary of Defense (P&R) Memorandum (Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell), dated 20 Sep 2011, the awarded characterization of service shall remain GENERAL (UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS), the narrative reason for separation shall change to SECRETARIAL AUTHORITY with a corresponding SPD code of JFF , the authority for discharge shall change to MARCORSEPMAN Paragraph 62 14 , and the assigned reentry code shall remain RE- 4 . The Applicant remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing for a period of fifteen years from the date of the discharge. The Applicant is directed to the Addendum for additional information.

Pertinent Regulation/Law

 A. The Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual (MCO P1900.16F), effective 1 September 2001 until Present, Paragraph 6207, HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT .

 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 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 : 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. 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. There are veterans organizations such as the American Legion and the Disable d American Veterans that are willing to provide guidance to former service members in their efforts to obtain a discharge upgrade. If a former member has been discharged for more than 15 years, has already been granted a personal appearance hearing or has otherwise exhausted their opportunities before the NDRB, the Applicant may petition the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR), 701 South Courthouse Road, Suite 1001, Arlington, VA 22204-2490 for further review.
Service Benefits: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines eligibility for post-service benefits, not the NDRB. 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 NDRB has no authority to upgrade a discharge for the sole purpose of enhancing employment or educational opportunities. Regulations limit the NDRB’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 BCNR can make changes to reenlistment codes. Additionally, the NDRB 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 is processed subsequently for an administrative involuntary separation or is referred to a court martial for misconduct, the disability evaluation is suspended pending the outcome of the non-disability proceedings. If the action includes either a punitive or administrative discharge for misconduct or for any basis wherein an Other Than Honorable discharge is authorized, 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 other medical related reasons. Only the BCNR can grant this type of narrative reason change.

 Automatic Upgrades - There is no law or regulation that provides for an unfavorable discharge to be upgraded based solely on the passage of time or good conduct subsequent to leaving naval service.
Post-Service Conduct : The NDRB is authorized to consider post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge. Outstanding post-service conduct, 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, is considered during Board reviews. Documentation to support a post-service conduct upgrade includes, but is not limited to: a verifiable continuous employment record; marriage and children’s birth certificates (if applicable); character witness statements; documentation of community or church service; certification of non-involvement with civil authorities; evidence of financial stability or letters of good standing from banks, credit card companies, or other financial institutions; attendance at or completion of higher education (official transcripts); and documentation of a drug-free lifestyle. The Applicant is advised that completion of these items alone does not guarantee the upgrade of an unfavorable discharge, as each discharge is reviewed by the Board on a case-by-case basis to determine if post-service accomplishments help demonstrate in-service misconduct was an aberration and not indicative of the member’s overall character.

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 special 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. The NDRB does not have the jurisdictional authority to review a discharge or dismissal resulting from a general court-martial.

Board Membership: The names and votes of the members of the NDRB 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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