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

  ex-Pvt, USMC
Docket No. MD03-00933

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review was received on 20030502.  The Applicant requests the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to general/under honorable conditions.  The Applicant requests 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 20040312.  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:  BAD CONDUCT DISCHARGE/As a result of a courts-martial (SPCM) – Other, authority: MARCORSEPMAN Par. 1105.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as stated

Applicant’s issues, as stated on the application:

1.  “Since I have been out of the service, I have had a son and I have a fiancé.  Hopefully with this discharge upgrade I would like to make a better home and life for them both.  I have stayed out of trouble for them and myself.  Hopefully with this upgrade I can get a loan and buy a home for my family.  I have fought for my country with pride and honor and I’m still semper fi to the Corps even though I’m out of it.  I also feel that what it says on my discharge is incorrect on reason of separation; it says desertion.  I was UA = unauthorized absence.  I am older and wiser now and I feel that my family deserves a better life than living in an apartment that is too small for my son.  I have a good job that supports my family but I need that little bit of help to get over that hump to get them into a house.  I hope that you consider on upgrading my discharge not just for me but for my family.  Thank you for your time and attention.”

Documentation

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

Copy of DD Form 214
        DD Form 149

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:    None
	Inactive: USMCR(J)		890629 - 900417	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  900418		Date of Discharge:  941011

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    04  05  24  (Does not exclude lost time)
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  18			Years Contracted:  4

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  45

Highest Rank:  LCpl

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Proficiency:  4.4 (3)			Conduct:  3.9 (3)

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  SASM (w/3*), NDSM, SSDR, CAR 

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  473

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

BAD CONDUCT DISCHARGE/As a result of a courts-martial (SPCM) - other, authority:  MARCORSEPMAN Par. 1105.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

911003:	Counseled for deficiencies in performance and conduct.  [Alcohol related offense.]  Necessary corrective actions explained, sources of assistance provided, disciplinary and discharge warning issued.

911022:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 111: DUI at 20 Area Main Gate on 910928 w/BAC of .183%.
Awarded forfeiture of $300.00 per month for 2 months, restriction and 
extra duties for 30 days, reduction to PFC.  Not appealed.
	
930406:	Special Court-Martial.
	Charge I:  violation of the UCMJ, Article 86: UA from 911101 until apprehended on 930216.
	Findings:  to Charge I, guilty.    
	Sentence:  Fine of $500.00, restriction for 2 months, reduction to E-1, confinement for 48 days, and a bad conduct discharge.
	CA 930929:  Sentence approved and ordered executed except for the BCD.
	
930707:	To appellate leave.

931213:	NC&PB denied clemency and restoration.

940524:	NMCCMR:  Affirmed findings and sentence.

941011:	SSPCMO:  Article 71c, UCMJ, having been complied with, bad conduct discharge ordered executed.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The Applicant was discharged on 19941011 with a bad conduct discharge which was the sentence adjudged by a properly convened special court-martial.  That sentence was subsequently approved by both the convening and appellate review authorities (A and B).  The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (C).  

Issue 1.  With respect to a discharge adjudged by a court-martial case, the action of the NDRB is restricted to upgrades based on clemency (C, Part IV).  The Applicant’s case was considered under the pertinent standards of equity to determine if any factors in this particular case merited clemency.  The NDRB found the Applicant’s service record and documentation provided by the Applicant absent of any mitigating or extenuating factors sufficient to offset the seriousness of the offenses for which the discharge was awarded.   Relief denied.

The Veterans Administration determines eligibility for post-service benefits, not the NDRB.  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 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 1105, DISCHARGE ADJUDGED BY SENTENCE OF COURTS-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.  

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	
		Washington, D.C.  20374-5023