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

 ex-ISSR, USN
Docket No. ND02-00502

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 020312, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable.  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 021206.  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: GENERAL (UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS)/MISCONDUCT, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 1910-146, formerly Article 3630620.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as submitted

1.  I would like to kindly ask of you to upgrade my previous military discharge from a General/Under Honorable conditions to a full Honorable discharge.  I am requesting this of you as of February 17, 2002 due to the fact that I would like to continue my education in pursuit of obtaining my Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Information Technology.  I agree that my previous discharge was appropriate in regards to my irresponsible behavior while under contract of serving my country.  But my past history of achievements and devotion to excellence should not be overlooked or unrewarded due to one isolated incident.  If you would please consider upgrading my discharge, it would be beneficial to me personally in allowing me to fulfill my goals.  Thanks in advance for your time and patience.

Documentation

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

Applicant's DD Form 214 (Member 1 and 4)

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Inactive: USNR (DEP)	960613 - 961104	COG
	Active:   None

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  961105		Date of Discharge:  000913

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    03  10  09
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  20			Years Contracted:  4

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  68

Highest Rate:  IS3

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  3.87 (6)	Behavior:  3.00 (7)		OTA:  3.38

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  OSR (2), JMU (2), GCM

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None

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

GENERAL (UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS)/MISCONDUCT, authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 1910-146, formerly 3630620.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

000913:	DD Form 214: Applicant discharged general (under honorable conditions) by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse (use) , authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 1910-146.

Service record did not contain discharge package.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The Applicant was discharged on 000913 general (under 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).

The first reason the Applicant requests an upgrade to his discharge is so he can receive benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA) including the GI Bill.  The VA determines eligibility for post-service benefits not the Naval Discharge Review Board.  There is no requirement or law that grants recharacterization solely on the issue of obtaining Veterans benefits and this issue does not serve to provide a foundation upon which the Board can grant relief.

The Applicant states his discharge was based on one isolated incident of drug abuse and that his prior achievements and devotion to excellence should be considered.  The Applicant received a General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge under circumstances that warranted an Other Than Honorable characterization of service.    He was fortunate to receive the General characterization of service.  His prior achievements and devotion to excellence were considered.  Drug abuse warranted processing for separation, normally under other than honorable conditions.  The Applicant was processed according to the rules and regulations existing at the time of his discharge.  The discharge was proper and equitable.  Relief is denied.

The following is provided for the benefit of the Applicant.  Normally, to permit relief, the discharge or characterization of the Applicant's service had to be improper or inequitable.  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.  Relief denied.

The Applicant is reminded that the period of eligibility for a personal appearance hearing is 15 years from the date of discharge.  The application package must be submitted to the NDRB prior to the expiration of the 15 year period.  The Applicant can provide additional documentation to support any claims of post-service accomplishments at that time.  Representation at a personal appearance hearing is recommended but not required.

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 "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