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

 ex-AMSAR, USN
Docket No. ND02-00902

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 020610, 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 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/Misconduct - Pattern of Misconduct, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as submitted

1.  Dear Sirs, 
		At the time of my enlistment in the Navy I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown due to a sucession of deaths in my family and the deterioration of my marriage.  I was drinking a lot and consequently late for watch on several occasions.  Many years later I received the help I needed for my alcoholism.  I received an exceptional mission contribution aboard the Kitty Hawk and received the national defense ribbon during Desert Storm.  I was an AMS with VF-32 out of Oceana NAS.  I'm the single father of two kids and am an EMT & CAN in my town of Hot Springs, South Dakota.  I'm currently going to S.D. SU to get my degree in nursing.  
				Thank you for your consideration.
							AMS signed by Applicant  
.

Documentation

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

Request for Information and Documentation

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Inactive: USNR (DEP)	900706 - 901114	COG
	Active:   USN			None

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  901115		Date of Discharge:  920423

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    01  05  08
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  24			Years Contracted:  4 

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  66

Highest Rate:  AMSAA

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  2.80 (1)	Behavior:  2.80 (1)		OTA:  2.80

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  NDSM

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  8

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:

911003:	Retention Warning from [Commanding Officer, Fighter Squadron 32]:  Advised of deficiency (VUCMJ, Article 86, Unauthorized absence and VUCMJ, Article 134, Incapacitation for duties through prior wrongful indulgence in intoxicating liquor), notified of corrective actions and assistance available, advised of consequences of further deficiencies, and issued discharge warning. 

911003:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 86: Unauthorized absence, violation of UCMJ, Article 134: Incapacitation for duties through prior wrongful indulgence in intoxicating liquor.
	Award:  Forfeiture of $100.00 pay per month for 1 month, restriction and extra duty for 45 days, reduction to E-1 (suspended for 6 months).  No indication of appeal in the record.

911022:	Retention Warning from [Commanding Officer, Fighter Squadron 32]:  Advised of deficiency (Disobedience of a lawful order, failure to go to appointed place of duty, UA), notified of corrective actions and assistance available, advised of consequences of further deficiencies, and issued discharge warning. 

911022:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 134: (2 Specifications), Restriction/Breaking.
	Award:  Correctional Custody for 30 days, reduction to E-1.  Vacate RIR awarded at 911003 NJP.  No indication of appeal in the record.

911204:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 86: Unauthorized absence from 911125 to 911203 (8 days/R).
	Award:  Forfeiture of $100.00 pay per month for 2 months, restriction and extra duty for 45 days, base restricted barracks.  Admin Separation.  No indication of appeal in the record.

911212:	Commanding Officer, Fighter Squadron 32 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 the punishments under the UCMJ in the current enlistment.

911218:	Applicant advised of rights and having consulted with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to appear before an Administrative Discharge Board.

920121:	An Administrative Discharge Board, based upon a preponderance of the evidence and by unanimous vote, found that the Applicant had committed misconduct due to a pattern of misconduct, that the misconduct warranted separation, and recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions.

920210:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 86: Unauthorized absence; violation of UCMJ, Article 134: Drunkenness-incapacitation for performance of duties through prior wrongful indulgence in intoxicating liquor.
	Award:  Forfeiture of $200.00 pay per month for 2 months, restriction and extra duty for 45 days, base restricted barracks.  DAPA screen for alcohol.  No indication of appeal in the record.

920218:	Commanding Officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to a pattern of misconduct. 

920413:	BUPERS 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 920423 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to a pattern of misconduct (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.  A characterization of service of under other than honorable conditions is warranted when the member's conduct constitutes a significant departure from that expected of a sailor.  The Applicant’s service was marred by award of nonjudicial punishment (NJP) on four occasions and adverse counseling entries on other occasions.  While he may feel that losses in his family and drinking were factors that contributed to his actions, the record clearly reflects his disregard for the requirements of military discipline and demonstrated that he was unfit for further service.  The record is devoid of evidence that the Applicant was not responsible for his conduct or that he should not be held accountable for his actions.  Relief denied.

The Applicant’s discharge characterization accurately reflects his service to his country.  The discharge was proper and equitable.  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, or good conduct in civilian life, 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.  Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C, effective 15 Aug 91 until 
04 Mar 93), Article 3630600, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED PERSONNEL BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT – A PATTERN OF MISCONDUCT. 

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	

RECORD OF VOTE

BOARD MEMBER			CHARACTER		BASIS/REASON 

T. WOODSON, COL, USMC	Relief not warranted		Relief not warranted
President

S. TORREY, CAPT, MC, USN	Relief not warranted		Relief not warranted
Member

N. PALUMBO, CDR, USNR		Relief not warranted		Relief not warranted
Member

C. DORANTES, LT, USN		Relief not warranted		Relief not warranted
Member

B. DUNCAN, MAJ, USMC		Relief not warranted		Relief not warranted
Recorder

A.  The Naval Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C, effective 15 Aug 91 until 04 Mar 93), Article 3630600, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED PERSONNEL BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT, states:

1.  Basis.  A member may be separated for misconduct when it is determined, under MILPERSMAN 3610200, that the member is unqualified for further military service by reason of one or more of the following circumstances:

a.  Minor Disciplinary Infractions.  A series of at least three but not more than eight minor violations (e.g. specifications) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) (none that could warrant a punitive discharge and not drug related) documented in the service record, within the current enlistment, which have been disciplined by not more than two (2) punishments under the UCMJ.  The member must have violated counseling (3630600.2) prior to initiating processing.  If the presented case exceeds these limits, including three or more periods of unauthorized absence of more than 3 days duration each, then process for pattern of misconduct or commission of a serious offense.  Process drug abuse cases according to MILPERSMAN 3630620.  If separation of a member in entry level status is warranted solely by reason of minor violations of the UCMJ, and the member's misconduct does not meet the eligibility requirements for processing due to a pattern of misconduct or commission of a serious offense, the processing should be under Entry Level Performance and Conduct (MILPERSMAN 3630200).

b.  Pattern of Misconduct

(1) A pattern of misconduct is defined in part as discreditable involvement with civil and naval authorities as evidenced by one or more of the following:

(a) Two or more minor civilian convictions within the current enlistment, the latest civilian conviction and counseling to have occurred while assigned to the parent command.  (Separation activities defined in MILPERSMAN 3640476, and other commands to which temporary duty (TEMDU) is authorized by Chief of Naval Personnel, are exempt from this requirement).  Members should be dual processed for misconduct due to commission of a serious offense and misconduct due to civilian conviction where appropriate.

(b) Three or more punishments under the UCMJ within the current enlistment, the latest offense and counseling to have occurred while assigned to the parent command.  (Separation activities defined in MILPERSMAN 3640476, and other commands to which TEMDU is authorized by Chief of Naval Personnel, are exempt from this requirement).  Members should be dual processed for misconduct due to commission of a serious offense and misconduct due to civilian conviction where appropriate.

(c) Any combination of three minor civilian convictions (misdemeanor(s) and or punishment(s)) under the UCMJ within the current enlistment, the latest offense and counseling to have occurred while assigned to the parent command.  (Separation activities defined in MILPERSMAN 3640476, and other commands to which TEMDU is authorized by Chief of Naval Personnel, are exempt from this requirement).  Members should be dual processed for misconduct due to commission of a serious offense and misconduct due to civilian conviction where appropriate.

(d) Three or more periods of unauthorized absence of more than 3 days duration each within the current enlistment, the latest offense and counseling to have occurred while assigned to the parent command.  (Separation activities defined in MILPERSMAN 3640476, and other commands to which TEMDU is authorized by Chief of Naval Personnel, are exempt from this requirement).  Members should be dual processed for misconduct due to commission of a serious offense and misconduct due to civilian conviction where appropriate.

(e) Nine or more violations (e.g., specifications) of the UCMJ within the current enlistment which have been disciplined by punishment under the UCMJ.  The latest offense and counseling to have occurred while assigned to the parent command.  (Separation activities defined in MILPERSMAN 3640476, and other commands to which TEMDU is authorized by Chief of Naval Personnel, are exempt from this requirement).  Members should be dual processed for misconduct due to commission of a serious offense and misconduct due to civilian conviction where appropriate.

(2) A member may also be separated for misconduct due to a pattern of misconduct as evidenced by:

(a) A set pattern of failure to pay just debts.  (Include financial statement prepared as specified in MILPERSMAN 6210140.14 when case is forwarded.)

(b) A set pattern of failure to contribute adequate support to dependents or failure to follow orders, decrees or judgments of a civil court concerning the support of dependents.  Include copies of court order(s), judgments, etc.

c.  Commission of a serious military or civilian offense, if:

(1) the specific circumstances of the offense warrant separation; and,

(2) a punitive discharge would be authorized by the Manual for Courts-Martial for the same or a closely related offense.  Note that:

(a) If basis for offense is evidenced by a court-martial conviction--the findings of which have been approved by the convening authority--the findings of the court-martial as they relate to the administrative discharge process (basis and reason) are binding on the administrative discharge board.  See Article 3610200.5a.

(b) If basis for offense is evidenced solely by a court-martial conviction and the court-martial convening authority has remitted or suspended a punitive discharge, forward case to the same convening authority for endorsement according to MILPERSMAN 3610200.5b.

d.  Civilian Conviction

(1) Conviction by civilian authorities, or action taken which is equivalent to a finding of guilty, including similar adjudications in juvenile proceedings, when the specific circumstances of the offense warrant separation and, (1) a punitive discharge would be authorized for the same or closely related offense under the Manual for Courts-Martial, or (2) the sentence includes confinement for 6 months or more without regard to suspension or probation.  In all cases, advise whether the member has appealed the conviction or not and, if not, the time limit within which member has to file an appeal.  In addition, if the member has appealed, advise of its outcome or anticipated decision date.

(2) Separation processing may be initiated whether or not a member has filed an appeal of a civilian conviction or has stated an intention to do so.  However, execution of an approved separation shall be withheld pending outcome of the appeal or until the time for appeal has passed, unless the Chief of Naval Operations, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or the member has requested separation and such requests have been approved by the Secretary of the Navy, who may direct that the member be separated before final action in the appeal.

(3) Misconduct due to civilian conviction.  If member is convicted of a felony which includes a sentence to confinement for more than 1 year (whether suspended or not) or an offense involving sexual perversion, processing is mandatory.

2.  Counseling and Rehabilitation

a.  Separation processing for a series of minor disciplinary infractions or a pattern of misconduct may not be initiated until the member has been counseled by their parent command concerning deficiencies and has been afforded an opportunity to overcome those deficiencies as reflected in appropriate counseling or personnel records.  Only one counseling entry during the current enlistment by the parent command is required.  Such efforts shall include the following and be documented in the member's service record by Page 13 entry (see NAVMILPERSCOMINST 1910.1).

(1) Written notification concerning deficiencies or impairments.

(2) Specific recommendations for corrective action indicating any assistance available.

(3) Comprehensive explanation of the consequences of failure to undertake successfully the recommended corrective action.

(4) Reasonable opportunity for the member to undertake the recommended corrective action.

b.  Counseling and rehabilitation are not required if the reason for misconduct separation is commission of a serious offense, civilian felony, conviction or a similar juvenile adjudication.

3.  Characterization or Description.  Normally under Other Than Honorable Conditions, but characterization as General may be assigned when warranted.  For respondents who have completed entry level status, characterization of service as Honorable is not authorized unless the respondent's record is otherwise so meritorious that any other characterization would be clearly inappropriate, and the separation is approved by Chief of Naval Personnel or higher authority.  When characterization of service under Other Than Honorable Conditions is not warranted for a member in entry level status, the separation shall be described as Entry Level Separation.

4.  Reduction in Rate.  When a servicemember serving in pay grade E-4 or above is administratively separated with an Other Than Honorable characterization of service, the member shall be administratively reduced to pay grade E-3, such reduction to become effective upon separation.

5.  Procedures

a.  The Administrative Board Procedure (MILPERSMAN 3640300) shall be used; however, use of the Notification Procedure (MILPERSMAN 3640200) is authorized for use when processing members for misconduct due to minor disciplinary infractions.

b.  When a member is processed for separation for a commission of a serious offense or civilian conviction, the Administrative Board Procedure (MILPERSMAN 3640300) shall be used.

c.  Request that the member execute a signed Statement of Awareness and Request for or Waiver of Rights after his or her receipt of the Notice of Administrative Board Procedure Proposed Action.  Use the Notification Procedure (MILPERSMAN 3640200) for members processed for misconduct due to minor disciplinary infractions.

d.  Forward the processed case by letter of transmittal to Chief of Naval Personnel (Pers-83).  Ensure the member's full name, rate and SSN have been indicated on each page of the case.  Refer to NAVMILPERSCOMINST 1910.1 for the message submission option.

Note that if basis for misconduct is evidenced solely by a court-martial conviction and the court-martial convening authority has remitted or suspended a punitive discharge, forward case to the same convening authority for endorsement in accordance with MILPERSMAN 3610200.5.

e.  Misconduct involving homosexuality shall be processed under MILPERSMAN 3630400.  Misconduct involving a fraudulent entry shall be processed under MILPERSMAN 3630100.  Misconduct involving drug abuse shall be processed under MILPERSMAN 3630620.

f.  A member who is absent without authority may be processed under this article without returning to military control in the following circumstances:

(1) Absent without authority after receiving notice of initiation of separation processing.

(2) When prosecution of the member appears to be barred by the Statute of Limitations, Article 43 UCMJ, and the statute has not been tolled by any of the conditions set out in Article 43(d).

(3) When the member is an alien and appears to have gone to a foreign country where the United States has no authority to apprehend the member under treaty or other agreement.

g.  A member of a reserve component who is on active duty and is within 2 years of becoming eligible for retired pay or retainer pay under a purely military retirement system, may not be involuntarily released from that duty before they become eligible for that pay, unless their release is approved by the Secretary of the Navy.

h.  In such cases as described in subparagraphs f(2) and f(3) of paragraph 5, the Notice required in either MILPERSMAN 3640200 or 3640300 shall:

(1) Specify date (not less than 30 days from the date of delivery of the notice) in order to give the member the opportunity to return to military control and, if the member does not return to military control by such a date, that the separation process shall continue.

(2) Be sent to the member by registered mail or certified mail, return receipt requested (or by an equivalent form of notice if such service by U.S. Mail is not available for delivery at an address outside of the United States) to the member's last known address or the next of kin.