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

ex-Pvt, USMC  
Docket No. MD03-00408

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review was received on 20030109.  The Applicant requests the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to general/under honorable conditions.  The Applicant requests a personal appearance hearing in the Washington National Capital Region.  The Applicant was informed that the Board first conducts a documentary review prior to personal appearance hearings.  The Applicant listed the American Legion as his representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 20031121.  After a thorough review of the records, supporting documents, facts, and circumstances unique to this case, no impropriety or inequity in the characterization of the Applicant’s service was discovered by the NDRB.  The Board’s vote was unanimous that the character of the discharge shall not change.  The discharge shall remain: UNCHARACTERIZED/ENTRY LEVEL PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT, authority: MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6205.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as stated

Applicant’s issues, as stated on the application:

1.  “I have a Document from the Behavioral Health Services Saying I am OK, plus my work habits after the Corps is good, four years working at Blake Drilling Co.  Also check in Document 6061-01”

Additional issues submitted by Applicant’s counsel/representative (AMERICAN LEGION):

“On behalf of the above referenced applicant, and in accordance with 32 C.F.R., section 724.166; SECNAVINST 5420.174C, enclosure (1), paragraph 1.16, The American Legion submits to the Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB or Board) the following informal comments; and/or issue(s). 

Please inform this applicant that reenlistment codes are not within the Board’s purview.  We further note that his reenlistment code was reviewed by Headquarters USMC on 010628 and found correct.

This former member was discharged with a Uncharacterized (Entry Level Separation) due to entry level performance and conduct as authorized by MARCORSEPMAN, Par. 6205.

Essentially, as noted on DD Form 293 and attachment, this applicant is requesting that his discharge be upgraded because he is now fit for duty and would like to reenlist.  He has submitted an evaluation, dated 001127, from the Behavioral Health Services, Inc. indicating that he is in good mental health for consideration.  

The SRB reflects that SNFM 990304 was evaluated and diagnosed with conversion disorder on 990303/04, and recommended for separation based on failure to adapt and suicide ideation.  He was discharged on that basis 990316.  

Following review of the official Marine Corps records, we opine that the issues raised on DD Form 293 amply advance this former member’s contentions and substantially reflect the probative facts needed for equitable review.  Accordingly, we rest further comment on the evidence of record.

The American Legion’s express purpose in providing this statement, and any other submittals or opinions of record, is to aid the applicant in resolving any improprieties or inequities in the character and basis for discharge.  Moreover, we rest assured that the Naval Discharge Review Board’s final decision will reflect sound equitable principles consistent in law, regulation, policy and discretion as promulgated by title 10 U.S.C., section 1553, and set forth in 32 C.F.R., part 724; SECNAVINST 5420.174C, enclosure (1). 

This case is now respectfully submitted to the Board for deliberation and disposition.”

Documentation

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

Copy of DD Form 214
Letter from Applicant
B_ D_ Co. Application for Employment
Letter from BHSI with MMPI dated November 27, 2000 (3 pp.)
Receipt acknowledgement for application to BCNR dated August 2, 2001

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   None
	Inactive: USMCR(J)		980425-981206	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  981207		Date of Discharge:  990316

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:  00  03  10
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  20			Years Contracted:  4 

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  39

Highest Rank:  Pvt

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Proficiency:  None		Conduct:  None

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  None 

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None 

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

UNCHARACTERIZED /ENTRY LEVEL PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT, authority:  MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6205.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

990304:	Medical evaluation by Clinical Psychologist, MHU, BMC, MCRD San Diego, CA.  Patient referred for suicide ideation.  Strongly desires ELS.  Not fit for duty.

	AXIS I:  Conversion Disorder (r/o malingering).
	
	AXIS II:  Histrionic and Dependent Personality Features.

	Referred for administrative separation.

990305:	Commanding Officer recommended entry level separation by reason of entry level performance and conduct.  The factual basis for this recommendation was the Applicant’s failure to adapt determined by MHU diagnosis of conversion disorder after Applicant was referred for evaluation due to suicide ideation.  

990308:	Counseled for deficiencies in performance and conduct.  [Inability to adapt to military environment.]  Necessary corrective actions explained, sources of assistance provided, disciplinary and discharge warning issued.  

990311:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for entry level discharge (uncharacterized) by reason of entry level performance and conduct as evidenced by his failure to adapt due to suicide ideation.

990311:  	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.

990315:	GCMCA [CG, MCRD, San Diego, GA] directed the Applicant's uncharacterized (entry level) discharge by reason of entry level performance and conduct.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The Applicant was discharged on 19990316 with an entry level separation (uncharacterized) due to entry level performance and conduct (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 was discharged due to his failure to adapt to the military environment present at MCRD, San Diego, CA and his desire to get out of the USMC at the time.  The documentation provided by the Applicant does not invalidate the Applicant’s documented failure to adapt to USMC standards.  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.  By regulation, members discharged within the first 180 days of enlistment are given characterization of service as “uncharacterized” unless there were unusual circumstances regarding performance or conduct which would merit an “honorable” characterization.  The Applicant’s service record did not contain any unusual circumstances during his less than 4 months in the military to warrant a change of discharge.  With respect to non-service related administrative matters, an uncharacterized separation is considered the equivalent of an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) characterization.   Relief denied.

Concerning a change in reenlistment code, the NDRB has no authority to change reenlistment codes or make recommendations to permit reenlistment, reentry, or reinstatement into the Naval Service or any other branch of the Armed Forces.  Neither a less than fully honorable discharge nor an unfavorable “RE” code is, in itself, a bar to reenlistment.  A request for waiver is normally done only during the processing of a formal application for enlistment through a recruiter.  

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.  The Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16E, effective 950818), paragraph 6205, ENTRY LEVEL PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT.

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