1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 13 September 2013 b. Date Received: 3 December 2015 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests an upgrade of his under other than honorable conditions discharge to honorable. The applicant seeks relief contending, in effect, his service was honorable until his commander froze his finances and that desperation led him to forge documents. He knew forgery would cause him to be separated immediately and he then could provide for his family. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 22 February 2017, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. (Board member names available upon request) 3. DISCHARGE DETAILS: a. Reason / Authority / Codes / Characterization: In Lieu of Trial by Court Martial / AR 635-200, Chapter 10 / KFS / RE-4 / Under Other Than Honorable Conditions b. Date of Discharge: 31 January 2003 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date Charges Were Preferred: NIF (2) Basis for Separation: The evidence of record does not contain a DD Form 458, Charge Sheet; however, the applicant's request for discharge indicates he was charged with forgery. (3) Recommended Characterization: Under Other Than Honorable Conditions (4) Legal Consultation Date: 13 January 2003 (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 21 January 2003 / Under Other Than Honorable Conditions / the applicant was reduced to the lowest enlisted grade. 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 13 February 2002 / 4 years b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 30 / HS Graduate / NIF c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-4 / 45K10, Tank Turret Repairer / 8 years, 5 months, 28 days d. Prior Service / Characterizations: RA, 21 February 1989 to 15 October 1991 / UOTH (Break In Service) ARNG, 31 March 1997 to 3 January 2000 / HD RA, 4 January 2000 to 12 February 2002 / HD e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: SWA / (Specific date and location not in file) f. Awards and Decorations: NDSM, SWASM-2BSS, ASR g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: NIF i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: NIF 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 293 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None submitted with the application. 7. REGULATORY CITATION(S): Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. Chapter 10 provides, in pertinent part, a member who has committed an offense or offenses for which the authorized punishment includes a punitive discharge may submit a request for a discharge for the good of the Service in lieu of trial by court-martial. The request may be submitted at any time after charges have been preferred and must include the individual's admission of guilt. Army policy states although an honorable or general, under honorable conditions discharge is authorized, a discharge under other than honorable conditions is normally considered appropriate. 8. DISCUSSION OF FACT(S): The applicant requests an upgrade of his under other than honorable conditions discharge to general (under honorable conditions). The applicant's available record of service and the issues submitted with his application were carefully reviewed. The evidence of record confirms the applicant was charged with the commission of an offense punishable under the UCMJ with a punitive discharge. All requirements of law and regulation were met and the rights of the applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process. The under other than honorable conditions discharge received by the applicant was normal and appropriate under the regulatory guidance. His record documents no acts of significant achievement or valor and did not support the issuance of an honorable or a general discharge by the separation authority at the time of his discharge. The applicant contends that his service was honorable until his commander froze his finances and that desperation led him to forge documents. The applicant knew forgery would cause him to be separated immediately and he then could provide for his family. The applicant's service accomplishments and the quality of his service prior to the incident (s) that caused the initiation of discharge proceeding were carefully considered. He had many legitimate avenues through which to obtain assistance or relief and there is no evidence in the record that he ever sought such assistance before committing the misconduct which led to the separation action under review. The discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the regulation, was within the discretion of the separation authority, and the applicant was provided full administrative due process. 9. BOARD DETERMINATION: In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 22 February 2017, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. 10. BOARD ACTION DIRECTED: a. Issue a New DD-214 / Issue a New Separation Order: No b. Change Characterization to: No Change c. Change Reason to: No Change d. Change SPD / RE Code to: No Change e. Restore (Restoration of) Grade to: No Change AUTHENTICATING OFFICIAL: Legend: AWOL - Absent Without Leave GD - General Discharge NCO - Noncommissioned Officer SCM - Summary Court Martial BCD - Bad Conduct Discharge HS - High School NIF - Not in File SPCM - Special Court Martial BH - Behavioral Health HD - Honorable Discharge NOS - Not Otherwise Specified SPD - Separation Program Designator CG - Company Grade Article 15 IADT - Initial Active Duty Training OAD - Ordered to Active Duty TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury CID - Criminal Investigation Division MP - Military Police OMPF - Official Military Personnel File UNC - Uncharacterized Discharge ELS - Entry Level Status MST - Military Sexual Trauma PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder UOTHC - Under Other Than Honorable Conditions FG - Field Grade Article 15 NA - Not applicable RE - Reentry VA - Veterans Affairs ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE AR20150019233 1