Applicant Name: ????? Application Receipt Date: 2008/06/13 Prior Review: Prior Review Date: NA I. Applicant Request: Upgrade Reason Change RE Code Change Issues: The applicant submitted no issues of equity or propriety to be considered by the Board. II. Were Proper Discharge and Separation Authority procedures followed? Tender Offer: NA See Attachments: Legal Medical Minority Opinion Exhibits III. Discharge Under Review Unit CDR Recommended Discharge: Date: 071025 Discharge Received: Date: 071207 Chapter: 14-12c AR: 635-200 Reason: Misconduct (Serious Offense) RE: SPD: JKQ Unit/Location: Rear Det, 307th BSB, Fort Bragg, NC Time Lost: None Article 15s (Charges/Dates/Punishment): 071016, wrongful use of percocet, valium, and oxycotin (070918), reduction to E-1, forfeiture of $650 x 2, 45 days extra duty and restriction (FG) Courts-Martial (Charges/Dates/Punishment): None Counseling Records Available: Yes No IV. Soldier’s Overall Record Age at current enlistment: 20 Current ENL Date: 060809 Current ENL Term: 4 Years ????? Current ENL Service: 01 Yrs, 03Mos, 29Days ????? Total Service: 01 Yrs, 03Mos, 29Days ????? Previous Discharges: None Highest Grade: E-3 Performance Ratings Available: Yes No MOS: 25U1P/Signal Spt Sys Spc GT: 101 EDU: HS Grad Overseas: None Combat: None Decorations/Awards: GWOTSM, ASR, PB V. Post-Discharge Activity City, State: Portland, OR Post Service Accomplishments: None listed VI. Facts, Circumstances, and Legal Basis for Separation a. Facts and Circumstances: The evidence of record shows that on 25 October 2007, the unit commander notified the applicant of initiation of separation action under the provisions of Chapter 14, paragraph 14-12c, AR 635-200, by reason of misconduct—commission of a serious offense for wrongful use of percocet, valium, and oxycotin (070918), with an under other than honorable conditions discharge. He was advised of his rights. On 16 November 2007, the applicant waived his right to consult with legal counsel, was advised of the impact of the discharge action, unconditionally waived his right to an administrative separation board, and did not submit a statement in his own behalf. The unit commander subsequently recommended separation from the service and waiver of further rehabilitative efforts. The intermediate commander reviewed the proposed discharge action and recommended approval of the separation action with an under other than honorable conditions discharge. On 21 November 2007, the separation authority waived further rehabilitative efforts and directed that the applicant be discharged with a characterization of service of under other than honorable conditions. b. Legal Basis for Separation: Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. Chapter 14 of this regulation establishes policy and prescribes procedures for separating members for misconduct. Specific categories include minor disciplinary infractions, a pattern of misconduct, and commission of a serious offense, to include abuse of illegal drugs, convictions by civil authorities and desertion or absence without leave. Action will be taken to separate a member for misconduct when it is clearly established that rehabilitation is impractical or unlikely to succeed. Army policy states that an under other than honorable conditions discharge is normally considered appropriate, however, a general under honorable conditions or an honorable discharge may be granted. c. Response to Issues, Recommendation and Rationale: After a careful review of the entire applicant’s military records, the analyst found several mitigating factors that would merit a partial upgrade of the applicant's characterization of service to general, under honorable conditions. The analyst does not condone the applicant’s misconduct; however, the evidence in this case supports a conclusion that the characterization of service was too harsh, and as a result it is inequitable. The analyst found that on 21 September 2007, the applicant was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with depressed mood, he wanted out of the Army, and had attempted suicide . The mental evaluation discloses that he met the criteria for separation for other designated physical or mental condition under paragraph 5-17, AR 635-200, however he was separated for misconduct for the wrongful use of prescription drugs. The applicant self admitted to the use of prescription drugs while at a party where the “pills” were passed. Notwithstanding the propriety of discharge , the analyst recommends that the applicant’s characterization of service be partially upgraded to general, under honorable conditions. However, the analyst determined that the reason for discharge was fully supported by the record and therefore, remains both proper and equitable. VII. Summary of Army Discharge Review Board Hearing Type of Hearing: Date: 1 April 2009 Location: Washington, D.C. Did the Applicant Testify? Yes No Counsel: NA Witnesses/Observers: NA Exhibits Submitted: NA VIII. Board Discussion, Determination, and Recommendation After carefully examining the applicant’s record of service during the period of enlistment under review and considering the analyst’s recommendation and rationale, the Board determined that the characterization of service was too harsh based on the applicant’s length of his service and his documented medical diagnosis and as a result it is inequitable. Accordingly, the Board voted to grant relief in the form of an upgrade of the characterization of service to fully honorable. The Board determined that the reason for discharge was proper and equitable and voted not to change it. This action does not entail restoration of grade. IX. Board Decision XI. Certification Signature Board Vote: Approval Authority: Character - Change 4 No change 1 Reason - Change 0 No change 5 (Board member names available upon request) EDGAR J. YANGER Colonel, U.S. Army X. Board Action Directed President, Army Discharge Review Board Issue a new DD Form 214 Change Characterization to: Change Reason to: NA Other: NA RE Code: Grade Restoration: No Yes Grade: NA ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD - CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE Case Number AR20080009676 ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 3 pages