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

ex-FR, USN
Docket No. ND02-00905

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review, received 020610, requested that the characterization of service on the discharge be changed to honorable or 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, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630620.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as submitted

1.  My deviant behavior during my service with the Navy was an isolated and unfortunate incident.  I have never before or after behaved in such a manner.  I wish to become the most positive contributing member to society that I can be and am concerned that the stigma of an other than honorable discharge will keep me from reaching my full potential.
I made a mistake once.  I have done my time, please don't let it mark me for life.
Thank-you for your time and consideration.

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):

	Inactive: USNR (DEP)	940819 - 960402	COG
	Active:   None

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  950403		Date of Discharge:  961120

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    01  07  18
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  19			Years Contracted:  4

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  97

Highest Rate:  SN

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  3.80 (1)	Behavior:  4.00 (1)		OTA:  4.00

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  None

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 3630620.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

951201:	Special Court-Martial.
	Charge I: violation of the UCMJ, Article 112a, (5 specifications):
	Specification 1: Wrongful use of lysergic acid diethylamide on 950915.
	Specification 2: Wrongful possession of five hits of lysergic acid diethylamide with intent to distribute on 950915.
	Specification 3: Wrongfully distribute one hit of lysergic acid diethylamide to a civilian on 950915.
	Specification 4: Wrongfully distribute one hit of lysergic acid diethylamide to SA on 950915.
	Specification 5: Wrongfully distribute one hit of lysergic acid diethylamide to SA on 950915. 
	Findings: to Charge I and specifications thereunder, guilty.
	Sentence: CHL for 4 months, forfeiture of $560 per month for 6 months, bad conduct discharge.
	CA 960305: Sentence approved and ordered executed, except for confinement in excess of 25 days and the bad conduct discharge is suspended for 6 months, at which time, unless the suspension is sooner vacated, the suspended part of the sentence will be remitted without further action.

960810:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse as evidenced by a special court-martial conviction of 8 December 1995.

960810:	Applicant advised of her rights and having elected not to consult with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to waive all rights.

960828:	Commanding Officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse (use).  Commanding Officer’s comments (verbatim): FR (Applicant) was convicted at a special court-martial for drug abuse and was further sentenced to be discharged with a bad conduct discharge.  The convening authority has granted clemency in this case, in that the bad conduct discharge was suspended for six months, at which time, unless the suspension is sooner vacated, the suspended part of the sentence will be remitted without further action.  FR (Applicant) has no potential for further military service.  Through her own actions she has shown a total disregard for rules and regulations and the spirit and intent of good order and discipline.  In addition, her offenses bring discredit upon the armed forces.  It is recommended that she be separated with an other than honorable discharge.

960927:	BUPERS directed 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 961120 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.   There is credible evidence in the record that the Applicant used illegal drugs.  Drug abuse warranted processing for separation, normally under other than honorable conditions.  The Applicant’s discharge characterization accurately reflects her service to her country.  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 denied.

The Applicant is reminded that she remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided an application is received, at the NDRB, within 15 years from the date of her discharge.  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.  Navy Military Personnel Manual, (NAVPERS 15560C), Change 14, effective 
03 Oct 96 until 11 Dec 97, Article 3630620  SEPARATION OF ENLISTED PERSONNEL 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