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

 ex-LCpl, USMC
Docket No. MD99-00796

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 990520, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to General/under Honorable conditions.  The applicant requested a documentary record discharge review.  The applicant did not designate a representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 000525.  After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, NDRB discerned no impropriety or inequity in the characterization of the applicant’s service.  The Board’s vote was unanimous that the character of the discharge shall not change.  The discharge shall remain: UNDER CONDITIONS OTHER THAN HONORABLE/MISCONDUCT, authority: MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6210.7.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues

1.  I believe my discharge was improper as it pertained to only one incident, which involved civilian penalties.  To my knowledge, my military record has always been in good standing.  I am requesting a General Discharge.

Documentation

In addition to the service record, the following additional documentation, submitted by the applicant, was considered:

Copy of DD Form 214

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

Prior Service (component, dates of service, type of discharge):

	Active:    None
	Inactive:  USMCR(J)		951209 - 960122	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  960123		Date of Discharge:  970725

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    01  06  03
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  19			Years Contracted:  4 

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  86

Highest Rank:  LCpl

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Proficiency:  4.3 (3)			Conduct:  3.97 (3)

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards: Marksman Rifle Badge

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None 

Character, Narrative Reason, and Authority of Discharge (at time of issuance):

UNDER CONDITIONS OTHER THAN HONORABLE /MISCONDUCT, authority:  MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6210.7

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

The applicant’s separation package was destroyed by Headquarters Battalion, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Henderson Hall and the applicant’s service record is incomplete.  A chronology of events leading to his discharge cannot be reconstructed.  The NDRB attempted to obtain his discharge record on several occasions but was unsuccessful.
970220:	Applicant's recommendation for promotion to LCPL for 970301 promotion period because of UA charges and pending civil trial.

970725:	The applicant was discharged with an Other Than Honorable for misconduct.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 970725 under conditions other than honorable for misconduct due to a civilian conviction (A).  The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (B).  After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, the Board found that the discharge was proper and equitable (C and D).

In the applicant’s issue 1, the Board determined this issue is without merit.  The applicant claims he only had one incident that involved civilian penalties and his record was in good standing.  The Board was unable to evaluate the applicant’s record for propriety or equity due to the entire discharge package was missing.  The Board must assume regularity in regards to the government’s role in executing the applicant’s discharge and assume that all procedures were followed in accordance with Marine Corps regulations.  If the applicant can provide documentation to show the there was an error of propriety or equity he may forward that information to the NDRB for further consideration.  The applicant remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided an application is received at the NDRB prior to fifteen years after his discharge date.  Legal counsel is recommended but not required.  Documentation to support any claims of post-service conduct are a must to receive post-service clemency.  The discharge was proper and equitable.  Relief denied.

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Paragraph 6210, Misconduct of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16D), effective 18 Aug 95 until Present. 

B.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 2, AUTHORITY/POLICY FOR DEPARTMENTAL DISCHARGE REVIEW.  

D.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 9, paragraph 9.2, PROPRIETY OF THE DISCHARGE.

E   Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174C of 22 August 1984 (Manual for Discharge Review, 1984), enclosure (1), Chapter 9, paragraph 9.3, EQUITY OF THE DISCHARGE.

PART IV - INFORMATION FOR THE APPLICANT

If you believe that 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 Directive 1332.28, you may submit a complaint in accordance with Enclosure (5) of that Directive.  You should read Enclosure (5) of the Directive 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 Directive 1332.28 and other Decisional Documents by going online at “afls14.jag.af.mil”.  

The names, and votes of the members of the Board are recorded on the original of this document and may be obtained from the service records by writing to:

		Naval Council of Personnel Boards
		Attn:  Naval Discharge Review Board
		720 Kennon Street SE Rm 309
		Washington Navy Yard DC  20374-5023