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

ex-PFC, USMC
Docket No. MD02-00823

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 020517, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable or entry level separation or uncharacterized.  The Applicant requested a documentary record discharge review and a personal appearance hearing in the Washington National Capital Region.  The Applicant did not designate a representative on the DD Form 293.  In the acknowledgement letter to the Applicant, he was informed that the Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) first conducts a documentary review prior to any personal appearance hearing.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 030311.  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/VOL DIS (IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT MARTIAL), authority: MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6419.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as submitted

1.  I am requesting this change on the bases that I started my life at a young age with no guidance.  I wish to change and face some mistakes that I have made in my life now that I look back on things.  I'm now in the process of being a business owner as well as being a father of seven and I would like to have my records clear.  One thing I will say is if I could I would do it again. I have also been considering on going into the reserves or national guard.  This is affecting a lot of decisions that I have made but can not execute them.  I am also about to start Bible College.  Please consider on my request and I pray and hope that your decision will not be one that will hinder any part of my life any more.  Thanks, (Signed by the Applicant)

Documentation

Only the Applicant's service record was reviewed, as the Applicant did not provide additional documentation for the Board to consider.

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   None
	Inactive: USMCR(J)		900104 - 900923	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  900924		Date of Discharge:  940721

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    00 06 28  (Does not include lost time)
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry: 17 (Parental Consent)		Years Contracted:  4 

Education Level:  12				AFQT:  32

Highest Rank:  PFC

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Proficiency:  4.4 (2)		Conduct:  2.7 (3)

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  Rifle Sharpshooter Badge

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  1132

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/VOL DIS (IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT MARTIAL), authority:  MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6419.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

910416:	Unauthorized absence since 0630, 910416.

910516:	Applicant declared a deserter on 910516 having been an unauthorized absentee since 0630, 910416 from Marine Corps Service Support Schools, Camp Lejeune.

940608:	Applicant surrendered to military authorities on 940608 (2050) at Quantico, VA.

[Applicant's request for separation with an OTH in lieu of trial by court-martial not contained in service record book.]

940714:	SJA reviewed and recommended approval of Applicant's request for discharge in lieu of trial by court-martial.

940718:	GCMCA [CG, MCB, Quantico, VA] 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.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The Applicant was discharged on 940721 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 Applicant’s discharge characterization accurately reflects his service to his country.  The Applicant requested separation under other than honorable conditions in lieu of a trial by court-martial.  Normally, to permit relief, an error or inequity must have existed during the period of enlistment in question.  No such error or inequity is evident 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, for good conduct in civilian life, or to enhance career opportunities subsequent to leaving the service.  Relief not warranted.

The Applicant 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.  Representation at a personal appearance hearing is recommended but not required.

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 86, unauthorized absence for more than 30 days.

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