Docket No: 4448-20 
Ref:   Signature Date 

From:  Chairman, Board for Correction of Naval Records 
To:    Secretary of the Navy   
 
Subj:  REVIEW OF NAVAL RECORD OF FORMER  , USN,   
 
Ref:    (a) 10 U.S.C. §1552 
        
Encl:   (1) DD Form 149 with attachments 
        (2) Case Summary
        (3) Subject's naval record (excerpts) 
  
1.  Pursuant to the provisions of reference (a), Petitioner, a former enlisted member of the Navy, filed enclosure (1) with the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) requesting that her narrative reason for separation and separation code be changed on her Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214).      
 
2.  The Board, consisting of           reviewed Petitioner's allegations of error and injustice on 23 September 2020, and, pursuant to its regulations, determined that the corrective action indicated below should be taken on the available evidence of record.  Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of the enclosures, naval records, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 
 
3.  The Board, having reviewed all the facts of record pertaining to Petitioner's allegations of error and injustice finds as follows: 
 
     a.  Before applying to this Board, Petitioner exhausted all administrative remedies available under existing law and regulations within the Department of the Navy. 
 
     b.  Although enclosure (1) was not filed in a timely manner, it is in the interest of justice to waive the statute of limitations and review the application on its merits. 
 
     c.  Petitioner enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active duty on 5 February 1990.   
On 14 January 1991, Petitioner received non-judicial punishment (NJP) for failure to obey a lawful written order.  The record reflects that Petitioner participated in and completed Level II, Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment.  The program included a one-year aftercare program, but Petitioner refused to participate.  As a result, Petitioner was notified of an administrative action to separate her from the naval service by reason of alcohol abuse rehabilitation failure.  Petitioner was advised of, and waived her procedural right to consult with military counsel.  The discharge authority subsequently directed administrative discharge from the naval service with an honorable characterization of service by reason of alcohol abuse rehabilitation failure.  On 26 August 1992, Petitioner was so discharged.    
 
     d.  Petitioner contends that the counselor for the Navy Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program was unqualified to make a judgement.  The Petitioner further that contends the counselor had no formal training or education, and stated that his training for his current position consisted of one month.  Finally, Petitioner contends that the counselor wrongfully based his decision on her answer concerning her consumption of beer, without exploring any reasons or circumstances for her comment. 
 
CONCLUSION: 
 
Upon review and consideration of all the evidence of record, the Board concluded that Petitioner’s request warrants relief.  The Board noted that the narrative reason of “Alcohol Abuse – Rehab Failure,” unfairly stigmatizes the Petitioner long after the termination of her military service.  Accordingly, the Board determined that the record shall be changed to reflect a less stigmatizing reason for separation.  The Board concluded Petitioner’s narrative reason for separation will be changed to “Secretarial Authority” and separation code will be changed to “JFF,” and “MILPERSMAN 1910-164” as separation authority. 
 
In view of the above, the Board directs the following corrective action. 
 
RECOMMENDATION: 
 
That Petitioner be issued a new DD Form 214 to indicate that on 26 August 1992, Petitioner’s narrative reason for separation was “Secretarial Authority,” separation code was “JFF,” and “MILPERSMAN 1910-164” as separation authority. 
 
No further changes be made to Petitioner’s record. 
 
That a copy of this Record of Proceedings be filed in Petitioner’s naval record. 
 
That, upon request, the Department of Veterans Affairs be informed that Petitioner’s application was received by the Board on 22 June 2020. 
 
4.  It is certified that a quorum was present at the Board’s review and deliberations, and that the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board’s Proceedings in the above entitled matter.  
 
5.  Pursuant to the delegation of authority set out in Section 6(e) of the revised Procedures of the Board for Correction of Naval Records (32 Code of Federal Regulation, Section 723.6(e)) and  
having assured compliance with its provisions, it is hereby announced that the foregoing corrective action, taken under the authority of reference (a), has been approved by the Board on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy.