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

 ex-ET3, USN
Docket No. ND01-00858

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 010614, 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.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 020110.  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, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 1910-146, formerly Article 3630620.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues

1.  My discharge was inequitable because it was based on one isolated incident in seven years and three months with no other adverse action  I served my country for over seven years in on of the most demanding rates in the navy.  I made a bad decision one night that cost me my career in the navy.  I was currently frocked to ET1 with orders to my first shore duty.  I will regret that bad decision for the rest of my life.  It is for this reason that I request you review my discharge and upgrade it to reflect the good decisions and the benefits I made for the navy during my service.

Documentation

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

Copy of DD Form 214

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   USN			930414 - 951112	HON
	Inactive: USNR (DEP)	921021 - 930413	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  951113		Date of Discharge:  000808

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    04  08  25
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  21			Years Contracted:  6

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  93

Highest Rate:  ET2

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  3.00 (5)	Behavior:  3.00 (5)		OTA:  3.17 (5.0 Evals)

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  NDSM, NMCEM, ACM, GCA(2ND),  NAVY"E"RIBBON (4th), SSDR, MUC, ESWI

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/MISCONDUCT, authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 1910-146, formerly 3630620.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

951113:	Reenlisted onboard USS HYMAN G RICKOVER (SSN-709) for 6 years.

960821:	Retention Warning:  Advised of deficiency (On 09 August, 1996 you reported to work in a condition brought about due to off-duty activities involving the consumption of alcohol that rendered you unable to perform divisional duties.  You have been briefed on the Navy's policy concerning alcohol.  Your performance and attitude concerning qualification programs established by the command are UNSAT.  You have received a written upgrade and continue to fail to meet your qualification goals), notified of corrective actions and assistance available, advised of consequences of further deficiencies, and issued discharge warning. 

961113:	Retention Warning:  Advised of deficiency (Your intention to detail and poor supervision of a junior technician during conduct of Reactor Control Division Maintenance had serious consequences for reactor safety.  Your poor maintenance practices are directly contrary to the basic principles which govern the conduct of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.  You required nearly continuous supervision in the conduct of your duties.  Recently, your leading petty officer discovered you sleeping during field day), notified of corrective actions and assistance available, advised of consequences of further deficiencies, and issued discharge warning. 

000715:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 112A: Wrongful use of methamphetamine a controlled substance.
	Award:  Forfeiture of $778.00 per month for 2 months, restriction and extra duty for 45 days, reduction to E-4.  No indication of appeal in the record.

000715:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.

000715:	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.

000718:	Commander Submarine Group 7 authorized the applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse (use).

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The applicant was discharged on 000808 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to drug abuse (use) (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).

Issue 1.  The applicant implies that a permissive doctrine exists whereby one in the military is allowed a “single misdeed”.  The Board believes that the applicant is confusing this with the civilian world wherein some offenses are treated with leniency because they are a first time incident on an otherwise clear record.  No such leniency exists in the military. The applicant used illegal drugs. Drug abuse warranted processing for separation, normally under other than honorable conditions.  His performance prior to the drug abuse doesn’t mitigate his use of illegal drugs.  Relief denied.

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.  The Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), Change 27, effective 27 March 2000 - 11 Feb 2001, Article 1910-146 (formerly 3630620), Separation by Reason of Misconduct - Drug Abuse.

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