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

 ex-PFC, USMC
Docket No. MD00-00240

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 991207, 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 000824.  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/ INVOL DIS (BOARD WAIVED (MISCONDUCT) DRUG ABUSE, authority: MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6210.5.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues (verbatim)

1.  I'm requesting a change of discharge in order for me to obtain a descent job in the field that I been preparing my self through my life.

2.  As you can see in Documents (1,2,3) I been for the last four years studying and preparing myself as a Aviation Mechanic, but is beign very difficult for me to obtain a job in the aviation field because of my discharge.

3.  That's why I'm suggesting a review of the one in order for me to obtain a descent job in the aviation field, so I can collaborate with my skills. 

Documentation

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

Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification (Powerplant)
Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification (Airframe)
Copy of Mechanic Certificate from Department of Transportation
Copies of DD Form 214 (2)

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   USMC		None
	Inactive: USMCR(J)		910962 - 920824	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  920825		Date of Discharge:  940823

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:  01  11  29
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  18			Years Contracted:  4 

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  58

Highest Rank:  LCpl

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Proficiency:  4.06 (8)		Conduct:  4.0(8)

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  Rifle Expert Badge, NDSM

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None 

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE/INVOL DIS (BOARD WAIVED) (MISCONDUCT) DRUG ABUSE, authority:  MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6210.5.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

910926:	Applicant briefed upon and certified understanding of Marine Corps policy concerning illegal use of drugs.

940519:	NAVDRUGLAB [SAN DIEGO, CA], reported applicant’s urine sample, received 940513, tested positive for [THC].

940531:	Counseled concerning your illegal use of a controlled substance, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as evidenced by NAVDRUGLAB message 192112Z May 94, sources of assistance provided, disciplinary and discharge warning issued.

940609:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 112a: Wrongfully used a controlled substance, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Awarded forfeiture of $200.00 per month for 2 months, restriction and 
extra duties for 45 days, (restriction for 45 days suspended for 6 months), reduction to PFC.  Not appealed.

940615:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse as evidenced by illegal use of drugs.

940616:	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.

940630:	Director, Consolidated Substance Abuse Control Center evaluation indicates applicant was found to be a drug abuser by substance abuse counselor, recommended Level I/Prevent education.

940712:	Medical evaluation for drug abuse found the applicant to be a drug abuser, not drug dependent.

940713:	Commanding officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.  The factual basis for this recommendation was your one non-judicial punishment which evidenced your illegal use of drugs. 

940812:	SJA review determined the case sufficient in law and fact.

940817:	GCMCA [Commanding General] directed the applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT 
REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 940823 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to drug abuse (A and B).  The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (C).  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 (D and E).

In response to applicant’s issues 1-3, the Board has no obligation to change the applicant's discharge in order to allow him to obtain better employment. 
The following is provided for the applicant’s edification.  The NDRB is authorized to consider post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge (E).  The applicant must be aware that 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, may be considered by the NDRB.  The applicant is reminded that he is eligible for a personal appearance hearing provided the application is received within 15 years from the date of discharge.  Representation at personal appearance hearing is highly recommended.

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Paragraph 6210, Misconduct, of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16D), effective 27 Jun 89 until 17 Aug 95. 

B.  The Manual for Courts-Martial authorizes the award of a punitive discharge if adjudged as part of the sentence upon conviction by a special or general court-martial for violation of the UCMJ, Article 112a, for drug abuse.

C.  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