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

 ex-LCpl, USMCR
Docket No. MD01-00768

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 010514, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to general/under honorable conditions.  The applicant requested a documentary record discharge review.  The applicant did not list any representative on the DD Form 293.  Subsequent to the application, the applicant obtained representation by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 020215.  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/Conduct triable by courts-martial (request for discharge for the good of the service), authority: MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6419.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues

1.  What I did ten years ago was inexcusable.  I knew that then, and I know that now.  I was unfortunate to get caught up in a situation that would scar my military career and personal status for the rest of my life. All I can do is ask for your forgiveness and leniency in this matter.  Thank you.

2.  We ask that you consider that Mr (applicant) was an exemplary Marine who unfortunately made a mistake.  We believe that clemency should be granted in this case.  Mr (applicant) has more than paid his debt and the stigma of a bad discharge should be removed.

Documentation

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

Copy of DD Form 214
Letter from applicant dated April 20, 2001
Character reference from applicant's mother dated January 1, 1993
Character reference from spouse
Character reference dated January 4, 1993
Letter from Commanding Officer, H & S Company dated December 30, 1992
Letter from Company Commander, H & S Company dated January 13, 1993
Letter from father
Letter from Inspector-Instructor Communications Chief dated December 30, 1992
Letter from Battalion Executive Officer
Forty-five pages from applicant's service records

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   None
	Inactive: None

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  880212		Date of Discharge:  930416

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    01  02  14
	Inactive:  03  11  20

Age at Entry:  21			Years Contracted:  8

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  Cannot verify

Highest Rank:  LCpl

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Proficiency:  4.5 (6)			Conduct:  4.0 (6)

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  SSDR, NDSM, SASM, MM

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/Conduct triable by courts-martial (request for discharge for the good of the service), authority:  MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6419.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

880310:	Applicant reported for initial active duty for training.

880806:	Applicant released from IADT having served 4 months, 27 days and received characterization of service as Honorable.

901130:	Applicant involuntarily recalled to active duty due to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

910429:	Applicant released from active duty having served 5 months active duty.

921118:	Applicant reported to active duty for court-martial proceedings.

921207:	Charges preferred to special court-martial for violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 81: Conspire with a LCpl and Cpl to purchasing captured property between January 1991 and April 1991, Article 103: Buy certain captured or abandoned property between January 1991 and April 1991, to wit: an AKM 7.62 mm fully automatic assault rifle bearing serial number 56-126025143, of a value of about $1000.00, thereby receiving a benefit to himself, Article 134: Wrongfully possess a machine gun in or near St. Louis, Missouri between April 1991 and February 1992, to wit: an AKM 7.62 mm fully automatic assault rifle bearing serial number 56-126025143.

930209:	Medical/psychological examination: Applicant found mentally competent at time of offense and understands the implications of an Other Than Honorable Discharge.

930302:	Applicant, having consulted with counsel certified under UCMJ Art 27b, requested discharge for the good of the service to escape trial by court- martial.  In the request the applicant noted that his counsel had fully explained the elements of the offenses for which he was charged and that he understood the elements of the offenses.  He further certified a complete understanding of the negative consequences of his actions and that characterization of service would be under other honorable conditions.  The applicant admitted guilt to the following violations of the UCMJ, Article 103 and Article 134.

930405:	SJA review determined the case sufficient in law and fact.

930405:	GCMCA [Commanding General, Marine Forces Reserve] determined that applicant had no potential for further service, that separation in lieu of trial by court-martial was in the best interest of the service, and directed discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of conduct triable by courts-martial.

930416:	Applicant discharged SLT having served 4 months and 29 days awaiting trial.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 930416 under other than honorable conditions in lieu of trial by court-martial (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).

Issue 1. The Board’s charter limits its review to a determination on the propriety and equity of the discharge.  In the applicant’s case the Board could discern no impropriety or inequity and therefore considered the applicant’s discharge was proper and equitable.  Relief denied.

Issue 2.  Normally, to permit relief, an error or injustice must have existed during the period of enlistment in question.  No such error or injustice occurred during the applicant’s enlistment.  Additionally, 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 civilian life, subsequent to leaving the service.  However, the NDRB is authorized to consider outstanding post-service factors in the recharacterization of a discharge, 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.  Verifiable proof of any post-service accomplishments must be provided in order for the applicant to claim post-service conduct and behavior as a reason to upgrade a less than Honorable discharge.  Evidence of continuing educational pursuits, an employment record, documentation of community service, certification of non-involvement with civil authorities and proof of his not using drugs, are examples of verifiable documents that should have been provided to receive consideration for relief, based on post-service conduct.  The applicant did not provide sufficient documentation to warrant an upgrade to his discharge.  He is reminded that he remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided an application is received, at the NDRB, within 15 years from the date of his discharge.  The applicant can provide additional documentation to support any claims of post-service accomplishments at that time.  Legal representation at a personal appearance hearing is highly recommended but not required.  Relief denied.

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Paragraph 6419, SEPARATION IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL, 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 103, purchase captured property; and Article 81, conspiracy.

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 “afls10.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