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

 ex-SH3, USN
Docket No. ND00-01014

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 000906, 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 010301.  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 HONORABLE CONDITIONS (GENERAL)/Misconduct – commission of a serious offense, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues (verbatim)

1. Since my discharge from U.S. Navy in 1993, I (applicant) have not had any NSF check problems.  In addition to this I have also returned to school, recieved my Bachelors Degree from the University of Southwestern LA, I am currently an executive in Sofflings for Target Corporation, and will have my MBA from Webster University by August 2001.  I am also inquiring about having my RE code upgraded to allow me the opportunity to join the Air Force Officers Reserve.

Documentation

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

None

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   USN			870914 - 910324	HON
	Inactive: USNR (DEP)	870618 - 870913	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  910325		Date of Discharge:  930820

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    02  04  26
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  25			Years Contracted:  4

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  51/73

Highest Rate:  SH2

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  3.60 (5)	Behavior:  3.72 (5)		OTA:  3.80

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  NDSM, BER, AFEM (2), SSDR (2), GCM

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None

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

UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS (GENERAL)/Misconduct – commission of a serious offense, authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

920304:	Retention Warning:  Advised of deficiency (Failure to comply with Article 6210140 of NAVMILPERS Manual (Indebtedness and financial responsibility of members).), notified of corrective actions and assistance available, advised of consequences of further deficiencies, and issued discharge warning.

920518:	Counseling:  Advised of deficiency (substandard dress), notified of corrective actions and assistance available.

920819:	Retention Warning:  Advised of deficiency (Failure to comply with article 6210140 of NAVMILPERS Manual (Indebtedness and financial responsibility of members.)), notified of corrective actions and assistance available, advised of consequences of further deficiencies, and issued discharge warning. 

920831:	Counseling:  Advised of deficiency (responsibilities), notified of corrective actions and assistance available.

930405:	Counseling:  Advised of deficiency (performance), notified of corrective actions and assistance available.

930528:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 107: False official statement, violation of UCMJ, Article 123A (7 specs): Uttering checks without sufficient funds for a total of $310.00.
	Award: Restriction for 60 days, reduction to SH3.  No indication of appeal in the record.

930707:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to the commission of a serious offense as evidenced by violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 107, false official statement; and violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 123A, uttering checks without sufficient funds.

930709:  	Applicant advised of his rights and having consulted with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to appear before an Administrative Discharge Board.

930715:	An Administrative Discharge Board, based upon a preponderance of the evidence and by unanimous vote, found that the applicant had committed a serious offense, that the misconduct warranted separation, and recommended discharge under honorable conditions (general).

930805:	Commanding officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to the commission of a serious offense. 

930812:	BUPERS directed the applicant's discharge under honorable conditions (general) 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 930820 under honorable conditions (general) for misconduct due to commission of a serious offense (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).

The applicant’s issue 1 appears to be a request for upgrade based on post service accomplishments.  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 15560C), Change 5, effective 
05 Mar 93 until 21 Jul 94, Article 3630600, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED PERSONNEL BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT – COMMISSION OF A SERIOUS OFFENSE.

B.  Under the Manual for Courts-Martial, a punitive discharge is authorized for violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 107, false official statement if adjudged at a Special or General Court-Martial.

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