MEMORANDUM OF CONSIDERATION

	IN THE CASE OF:   

	BOARD DATE:           1 December 1999                            
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR1999027596

	I certify that hereinafter is recorded the record of consideration of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in the case of the above-named individual.

	Mr. Loren G. Harrell		Director	
	Mrs. Judy Blanchard-Miller		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Ms. Margaret K. Patterson		Chairperson	
	Mr. Arthur A. Omartian		Member	
	Mr. Elzey J. Arledge, Jr.		Member	

	The Board, established pursuant to authority contained in 10 U.S.C. 1552, convened at the call of the Chairperson on the above date.  In accordance with Army Regulation 15-185, the application and the available military records pertinent to the corrective action requested were reviewed to determine whether to authorize a formal hearing, recommend that the records be corrected without a formal hearing, or to deny the application without a formal hearing if it is determined that insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice.

	The applicant requests correction of military records as stated in the application to the Board and as restated herein.

	The Board considered the following evidence:

	Exhibit A - Application for correction of military 
                records
	Exhibit B - Military Personnel Records (including
	            advisory opinion, if any)

APPLICANT REQUESTS:  That his general discharge under honorable conditions be upgraded to an honorable discharge. 

APPLICANT STATES:  In effect, that he requests consideration based on the life he now lives as a productive adult.  

EVIDENCE OF RECORD:  The applicant's military records show:

The applicant was born on 29 September 1945.  He completed 13 years of formal education.  The applicant dropped out of college in his second year because of poor grades.  On 17 May 1966, he was inducted into the Army of the United States for 2 years.  

On 23 May 1966, while in basic training, the applicant was admitted to a military hospital after cutting both wrists with a razor blade.  The wounds were superficial lacerations that did not involve tendons, nerves or arteries.  The applicant was interviewed prior to being discharged from the hospital and he stated in effect, that the only reason that he cut his wrist was because he was homesick; that he could not stand any more of this hell, and that he wanted out of the Army.  He complained of difficulty eating and sleeping but denied depression or other personal problems.  On 25 May 1966, the applicant was psychiatrically cleared by a psychiatrist and was returned to duty.  His unit advised him that if he continued his manipulation, appropriate disciplinary action would be taken.

Information contained in the applicant’s medical record indicate that on
23 August 1966, the applicant again, attempted to commit suicide by cutting both wrists with a razor blade.  

On 24 August 1966, a psychiatric evaluation diagnosed the applicant has having a passive-aggressive personality, chronic, severe; manifested by his inability to adjust to military environment.  He had no disqualifying mental defect sufficient to warrant disposition through medical channels.  He was considered mentally competent to participate in board proceedings.

On 8 October 1966, the commander notified the applicant that he was being recommended for discharge under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-212, for unsuitability.  The commander’s recommendation was based on the applicant’s inability to satisfactorily adjust to military environment. The applicant was advised by legal counsel of the basis for the contemplated separation action and the rights available to him, he waived consideration, personal appearance, and representation before a board of officers     

On 13 October 1966, the appropriate authority approved the recommendation, waived further rehabilitation requirements and directed the issuance of a general discharge. 

On 24 October 1966, the applicant was discharged in pay grade E-1, under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-212, for unsuitability , with a general discharge.  He had completed 5 months and 8 days of creditable active service.  

Army Regulation 635-212, in effect at the time set forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel.  That regulation provided, in pertinent part, that commanders would separate a member when, in the commander’s judgement, it was clearly established that the member would not develop sufficiently to become a satisfactory soldier.  When separation for unsuitability a general or an honorable discharge was normally considered appropriate.

DISCUSSION:  Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law and regulations, and advisory opinion(s), it is concluded:

1.  In order to justify correction of a military record the applicant must show to the satisfaction of the Board, or it must otherwise satisfactorily appear, that the record is in error or unjust.  The applicant has failed to submit evidence that would satisfy the aforementioned requirement.

2.  The discharge proceedings were conducted in accordance with law and regulations applicable at the time. The character of the discharge is commensurate with the applicant's overall record of military service.

3.  While the Board has taken cognizance of the applicant's good post-service conduct; this factor does not warrant the relief requested.

4.  Therefore the type of discharge directed and the reasons were appropriate considering all the facts of the case.

5.  In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant’s request.

DETERMINATION:  The applicant has failed to submit sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.

BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

__mkp___  __aao___  __eja___  DENY APPLICATION

						Loren G. Harrell
						Director

INDEX

CASE ID	AR1999027596	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	19991201	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(GD,)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19661024	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-212.  .  .  .  .  	
DISCHARGE REASON	A40.00	
BOARD DECISION	(DENY	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	144.4000	
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.