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

 ex-ENFA, USN
Docket No. ND00-00653

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 000427, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable.  The applicant requested a documentary record discharge review.  The applicant listed the American Legion as his representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 001102.  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 - Pattern – frequent involvement of a discreditable nature with civil or military authorities, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues (verbatim)

1.  (Equity Issue) His violations of the UCMJ notwithstanding, this former member opines that his otherwise creditable service record is sufficient to warrant release under honorable conditions.

2.  (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.

Documentation

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

Copy of DD Form 214
Statement from applicant dated May 9, 2000

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   None
	Inactive: USNR (DEP)	821021 - 830907	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  830908		Date of Discharge:  860808

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    02  11  01
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  17 Parental Consent	Years Contracted:  4

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  34

Highest Rate:  ENFN

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  3.20 (2)	Behavior:  3.20 (2)		OTA:  3.40

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  None 

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  12 

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/Misconduct – Pattern – frequent involvement of a discreditable nature with civil or military authorities, authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

850205:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 81: Conspiracy, violation of UCMJ Article 89: Disrespect to a superior commissioned officer, violation of UCMJ Article 109: Destroying non-military property.
	Award: Forfeiture of $374 per month for 2 months, restriction and extra duty for 45 days, reduction to ENFA.  No indication of appeal in the record.

850711:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 80: Attempted larceny.
	Award: Forfeiture of $100 per month for 1 month, restriction and extra duty for 30 days.  No indication of appeal in the record.

850725:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 86: Unauthorized absence from 0715, 11Jul85 to 1350, 24Jul85 (13 days/surrendered).
	Award: Forfeiture of $347 per month for 1 month, correctional custody for 15 days.  No indication of appeal in the record.

851113:	Retention Warning: Advised of deficiency (Performance onboard is barely adequate.  Continued performance at your present level will be considered deficient in the future.  Your conduct, as shown through 3 NJP's, is not satisfactory over long-term periods of time (excess of 6 months).  Conduct ashore is not satisfactory for a member of the naval service.), notified of corrective actions and assistance available.

860708:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 121: Wrongful appropriation; violation of UCMJ Article 134: Unlawful entry.
	Award: Forfeiture of $358 per month for 1 month, restriction and extra duty for 45 days, reduction to ENFA.  No indication of appeal in the record.

860708:	USS GLOVER (FF-1098) notified applicant of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to a pattern of frequent involvement of a discreditable nature with civil or military authorities.

860708:	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.

860710:	Commanding officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to a pattern of frequent involvement of a discreditable nature with civil or military authorities. 

860730:	CNMPC directed the applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to a pattern of frequent involvement of a discreditable nature with civil or military authorities.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 860808 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct pattern frequent involvement of a discreditable nature with civil or military authorities (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 applicant states in issue 1 that his “otherwise creditable service record is sufficient to warrant release under honorable conditions.”  The applicant had 4 NJPs within 2 years and 11 months of service.  He also received a retention warning to notify him of his deficiencies and offer him a chance to change his behavior.  He also went to the correctional custody unit for 15 days.  None of these actions taken on behalf of the Navy helped to improve or change the applicant’s behavior.  The Board found that the applicant’s service is accurately characterized and will not grant relief based on this issue.

In response to the applicant’s issue 2, 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.  Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560, Change 10/85, effective 
16 Dec 85 until 05 Oct 86), Article 3630600, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED MEMBERS BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT ‑ A PATTERN OF MISCONDUCT. 

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 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