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

 ex-FR, USN
Docket No. ND99-00653

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 990414, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable.  The applicant requested a documentary record discharge review.  The applicant did not list any representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 000121.  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 OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/Misconduct – commission of a serious offense, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues

1.	Charged with possession of illegal alcohol aboard a naval vessel.

2.	At the time I brought this alcohol aboard ship my judgement was not good as I was intoxicated.  

3.	The possession of the alcohol beverage was identified due to a random security check.

4.	Please see copy of statement mailed to the VA.  This says what happened and I tried to explain how I have changed and that I am much more responsible now.
I am urging you to upgrade my type of discharge because I believe that I have proven that by my lifestyle that I am deserving of this.

Documentation

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

Copy of DD Form 214.
Certified copy of criminal record check.
Statement by R___ W____, former employer – Turbo Conveyor
Statement by A___ C_____, Production Supervisor- Freightliner
Copy of statement by applicant submitted to VA Housing Authority

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   USN			None
	Inactive: USNR (DEP)	850829 - 851105	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  851105		Date of Discharge:  880115

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    02  02  11
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  18			Years Contracted:  3

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  27

Highest Rate:  FN

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  3.2 (1)	Behavior:  3.0(1)		OTA:  3.1 (4.0 scale)

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  None 

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  17 

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/Misconduct – commission of a serious offense, authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

861212:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 86:  Unauthorized absence, violation of UCMJ Article 87: Missing ship’s movement.
	Award:  restriction and extra duty for 30 days, reduction to E-2.  No indication of appeal in the record.

870409:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 128:  Assault consummated by battery.
	Award:  Forfeiture of $150 per month for 2 months, restriction and extra duty for 14 days, reduction to E-1(suspended for six months).  No indication of appeal in the record.

870703:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 92:  failure to obey a lawful general order.
	Award:  Forfeiture of $329 per month for 2 months, restriction and extra duty for 45 days, reduction to E-1.  No indication of appeal in the record.

870715:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to the commission of a serious offense.

870721:  	Applicant advised of his rights and having elected not to consult counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to waive all rights.

870803:	Commanding officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to the commission of a serious offense. 

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 880115 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to commission of a serious offense (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).

The Board found the applicant’s first three issues not germane to the propriety and equity of the applicant’s discharge.  The Board found nothing in the records, nor did the applicant provide anything to indicate or to show that there exists an error of fact, law or procedure, or discretion associated with his discharge at the time of its issuance, and that his rights were prejudiced thereby.  Relief denied.

The applicant submitted the following as issue 4: (EQUITY ISSUE) This former member further requests that the Board include provisions of SECNAVINST 5420.174C., enclosure (1), Chapter 9, as it pertains to post-service conduct, in assessing the merits of his application.  The NDRB is authorized to consider post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge (B, Part IV).  However, there is no law or regulation which provides that an unfavorable discharge may be upgraded based solely on the passage of time, or good conduct in the civilian life subsequent to leaving the service.  Normally, to permit relief, an error or injustice must have been found to have existed during the period of enlistment in question.  Outstanding post-service conduct, to the extent that such matters provide a basis for a more thorough understanding of the applicant’s performance and conduct during the period of service under review, is considered.  The applicant provided two letters of recommendation from his employers as documentation of his post-service.  The applicant's efforts need to be more encompassing than those provided.  The applicant should have produced evidence of continuing educational pursuits, a verifiable employment record, and documentation of community service in order for consideration for clemency based on post-service conduct.  At this time the applicant has not provided sufficient documentation of good character and conduct.  Therefore no relief will be granted.  He is encouraged to continue with his pursuits and is reminded that he is eligible for a personal appearance hearing provided the application is received within 15 years from the date of discharge.  Relief denied.

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560A), effective 15 Jun 87 until 
10 Jan 89, Article 3630600, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED MEMBERS BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT – COMMISSION OF A SERIOUS OFFENSE.

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.  

C.  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.

D.  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 obtain a copy of DoD Directive 1332.28 by writing to:

		DA Military Review Boards Agency
		Management Information and Support Directorate
		Armed Forces Reading Room
		Washington, D.C.  20310-1809

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
		Washington Navy Yard
		720 Kennon Street SE Rm 309
		Washington, D.C.  20374-5023