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

ex-SA, USN
Docket No. ND01-00071 

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 001017, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable.  The applicant requested a documentary record discharge review.  The applicant listed Missouri Veterans Commission as the representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 010329.  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 of misconduct, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues (verbatim)

Prior to the documentary discharge review, the applicant introduced no issues as block 8 on the DD Form 293 is blank. 

Documentation

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

Statement from applicant
Copy of DD Form 214
Employment record for past five years
Dissolution of marriage dated August 30, 1991

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   None
	Inactive: USNR (DEP)	861201 - 861217	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  861218		Date of Discharge:  900831

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    03  08  14
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  24			Years Contracted:  4

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  70

Highest Rate:  FCSN

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  3.10 (4)	Behavior:  3.08 (5)		OTA:  3.25

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  SSDR 

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  44 

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/Misconduct - Pattern of misconduct, authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

870611:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 86: Unauthorized absence from 1130, 1May87 to 1100, 5May87 (3 days/surrendered).
	Award: Forfeiture of $150 per month for 1 month, restriction and extra duty for 8 days.  No indication of appeal in the record.

871008:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 86: Failed to go to appointed place of duty on 25Aug87, violation of UCMJ, Article 107: False official statement on 25Aug87, violation of UCMJ, Article 91:Failed to obey lawful orders on 9Sep87.
	Award: Restriction and extra duty for 14 days.  No indication of appeal in the record.

871008:	Retention Warning from Service School Command, Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, IL: Advised of deficiency (Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the U.S. Navy and Uniform Code of Military Justice, as evidenced by your NJP on 8Oct87.), notified of corrective actions and assistance available, advised of consequences of further deficiencies, and issued discharge warning. 

871124:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 134: Dishonorable failure to pay just debt. [Extracted from CO's message dated 24 August 1990.]

890427:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 86: Unauthorized absence from 0800, 30Dec88 to 1030, 3Jan89 (4 days/apprehended), violation of UCMJ, Article 87: Miss movement through design on 30Dec88.
	Award: Restriction and extra duty for 45 days.  No indication of appeal in the record.

891013:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 86: Unauthorized absence from 0645, 8Oct89 to 1145, 9Oct89 (1 day/surrendered).
	Award:  Extra duty for 30 days.  No indication of appeal in the record.

900727:	Applicant declared a deserter.

900822:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 85: Unauthorized absence with intent to remain away permanently on 0630, 26Jun90 to 1610, 1Aug90  (36 days/apprehended).
	Award: Forfeiture of $405 per month for 2 months, restriction and extra duty for 45 days, reduction to SA.  No indication of appeal in the record.

900824:	USS GUADALCANAL (LPH 7) notified applicant of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to a pattern of misconduct as evidenced by all punishments under the UCMJ.  [Extracted from CO's message dated 24 August 1990.]

900824:  	Applicant advised of his rights and having elected not to consult with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to waive all rights.  [Extracted from CO's message dated 24 August 1990.]

900824:	Commanding officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to commission of a serious offense and misconduct due to a pattern of misconduct. 

900828:	CNMPC directed the applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to a pattern of misconduct.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT 
REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 900831 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to a pattern of misconduct (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 introduced no decisional issues for consideration by the Board.

The following is provided for the applicant’s edification.  However, 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, is considered.  The applicant provided one letter from his employer and a court document as documentation of his post-service.  The applicant's efforts need to be more encompassing than those provided.  The applicant should have produced evidence of continuing educational pursuits, more employment records, documentation of community service and certification of non-involvement with civil in order for consideration for clemency based on post-service conduct.  At this time the applicant has not provided sufficient documentation of good character and conduct.  Therefore no relief will be granted.  He 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.  Relief denied.

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560A, Change 8 effective 21 Aug 89 until 14 Aug 91), Article 3630600, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED PERSONNEL BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT ‑ A PATTERN OF MISCONDUCT. 

B.  Under the Manual for Courts-Martial, a punitive discharge is authorized for violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 86, for unauthorized absence for a period in excess of 30 days, if adjudged at a Special or General Court-Martial.

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