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

 ex-SN, USN
Docket No. ND01-00717

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 010430, requested that the reason for the discharge be changed to Hardship/Failure to adapt.  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 011127.  After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, NDRB discerned no impropriety or inequity in the assignment of the reason for discharge.  The Board’s vote was unanimous that the reason for the discharge shall not change.  The discharge shall remain:  HONORABLE/ HOMOSEXUAL ADMISSION, authority:  MILPERSMAN, Article 1910-148 (previously 3630400).

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues

1.  Requesting my reenlistment code be changed as well as "Homosexual Conduct Admission" be removed from my discharge papers be removed.

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:    None
	Inactive:  USNR (DEP)	981022 - 981130	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  981201		Date of Discharge:  000719

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    01  07  19
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  20			Years Contracted:  4

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  33

Highest Rate:  SN

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  4.50 (2)	Behavior:  4.00 (2)		OTA:  4.17

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  AFEM, SSDR

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None

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

HONORABLE/HOMOSEXUAL ADMISSION, authority:  MILPERSMAN, Article 1910-148 (previously 3630400).

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

000522:	Applicant’s Voluntary Statement made to MACM(SW) R_ L. F_., concerning his homosexuality.

000522:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for by reason of homosexuality as evidenced by applicant's statement that he admitted to being a homosexual.  Applicant advised, that if separation is approved, the characterization of his service may be under other than honorable conditions.

000522:	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 submit statements.

000612:	Commanding officer recommended discharge honorable by reason of homosexuality as evidenced by his statement that he had engaged in homosexual acts.  Commanding officer’s comments (verbatim):  I have conducted an inquiry and found credible information in addition to SA (applicant's) statement, that entirely corroborates the basis for his discharge from the naval service.  Recommend SA (applicant) be separated with an honorable discharge as warranted by his service record and performance onboard USS JOHN HANCOCK.

000623:	CNMPC directed the applicant's discharge with discharge honorable by reason of homosexual conduct.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 000719 with an honorable by reason of homosexual admission (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 requested a change in re enlistment code.  The NDRB has no authority to change reenlistment codes or make recommendations to permit reentry into the naval service or any other of the Armed Forces.  The NDRB has no jurisdiction over reenlistment, reentry, or reinstatement into the Navy.  Reenlistment policy of the naval service is promulgated by the Commander, Navy Personnel Command, Pers-814, 5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, TN 38055.  Neither a less than fully honorable discharge nor an unfavorable "RE" code is, in itself, a bar to reenlistment.  A request for a waiver is normally done only during the processing of a formal application for enlistment through a recruiter.  Relief, is therefore, denied.

The NDRB, under its responsibility to examine the propriety and equity of an applicant's discharge, will change the reason for discharge if such a change is warranted.  The summary of service clearly documents that Homosexual Conduct Admission was the reason the applicant was discharged.  No other Narrative Reason for Separation could more clearly describe why the applicant was discharged.  To change the Narrative Reason Separation would be inappropriate.

The applicant remains 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.  The Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), Change 24, effective 20 May 99 until 23 Aug 00, Article 1910-148 (previously 3630400), Separation by Reason of Homosexual Conduct.

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 “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