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

 ex-STGSN, USN
Docket No. ND99-00904

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 990622, 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 000323.  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 – Drug abuse (Use), authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630620.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues (verbatim)

1.  My discharge was inequitable because it was based on one mistake in 32 1/2 months of service. I was sailor of the month for Aug 87.  I had good evaluations.  I regret the stupid and imature mistake that I made.  I have since cleaned up my act.  I have a good job and a family now.  I would like my discharge changed so I can put the stupidity of my youth behind me.  Thanks you for your time and consideration.

Documentation

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

Letter from applicant
Copy of Driving Record 
Copy of Local Arrest Record Response
Resume (2pgs)
Copy of DD Form 214
Copy of Sailor of the Month Letter
Copy of Enlisted Performance Evaluation Report (5)
Copy of Enlisted Performance Record
Copies from Service Record (5pgs)

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   USN			None
	Inactive: USNR (DEP)	850201 - 850324	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  850525		Date of Discharge:  871210

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    02  08  16
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  18			Years Contracted:  4 

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  76

Highest Rate:  STG3

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  3.60 (3)	Behavior:  2.86 (3)		OTA:  2.86

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  SSDR 

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None 

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/Misconduct – Drug abuse (Use), authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630620.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

871112:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article112a: Wrongfully used a controlled substance, to wit: Marijuana, as per random sample urinalysis held on 871014.
	Award:  Forfeiture of $350.00 per month for 2 months, restriction and extra duty for 45 days, reduction to E-3.  No indication of appeal in the record.

871120:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse [Extracted from CO's message].

871123:  	Applicant advised of his rights and having elected not to consult with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to waive all rights except the right to obtain copies of the documents used to support the basis for the separation [Extracted from CO's message].

871124:	Psychiatric/Medical evaluation indicates periodic substance abuse, marijuana, with no physical or psychological dependency.  Medical Officer recommends further Level I Counseling, but sees no need for inpatient or chronic outpatient counseling at this time, applicant is not drug dependent, not recommended for further service [Extracted from CO's message].

871125:	Substance Abuse Report indicates applicant is not drug dependent. 

871125:	Commanding officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse (use) as evidenced by applicant testing positive for THC on unit random urinalysis on 871014, and has since admitted to drug abuse  .  Commanding officer’s comments(verbatim):  STGSN____(applicant) has abused drugs and has admitted that he does not consider marijuana useage a crime, sees no harm in future useage, and has indicated that he intends to use marijuana in the future.  This attitude is entirely contrary to naval policies and discipline, and can become a severe handicap to this ship’s activities.  Aside from this overt problem, drug usage is a major safety problem for this ship and crew, as this individual is often working in and around electrical equipment.  Drug abuse cannot be tolerated in the Navy.  Strongly recommend STGSN___(applicant) be separated from the Naval service under other than honorable conditions.

871202:	CNMPC directed the applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse (use).

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT 
REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 871210 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to drug abuse (use) (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 response to applicant’s issue 1, the applicant implies that a permissive doctrine exists whereby one in the military is allowed a single “mistake".  The Board believes that the applicant is confusing this with the civilian world wherein some offenses are treated with leniency because they are a first time incident on an otherwise clear record.  No such leniency exists in the military.  The applicant is responsible for his actions and must accept the consequences of his misdeeds.  The Board will not grant relief on the basis of this issue.there is no law or regulation that provides for the upgrade of an unfavorable discharge based solely on the passage of time or good conduct in the civilian life subsequent to leaving the Service.  However, the Board is authorized to consider post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge (D).  Those factors include, but are not limited to, the following:  evidence of continuing educational pursuits (transcripts, diplomas, degrees, vocational-technical certificates), a verifiable employment record (Letter of Recommendation from boss), documentation of community service (letter from the activity/community group), certification of non-involvement with civil authorities (police records check) and proof of his not using drugs (detoxification certificate, AA meeting attendance or letter documenting participation in the program) in order for consideration for clemency based on post-service conduct.  At this time, the applicant has not provided any documentation of good character and conduct.  Therefore no relief will be granted.  The applicant 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. 

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Navy Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560A), effective  15 Jun 87 until 
10 Jan 89, Article 3630620, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED MEMBERS BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT DUE TO DRUG ABUSE

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