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

  ex-Sgt, USMC
Docket No. MD03-01212

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review was received on 20040709.  The Applicant requests the reason for the discharge be changed to uncharacterized.  The Applicant requests a documentary record 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 20040430.  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 reason for the discharge shall not change.  The discharge shall remain: HONORABLE/PERSONALITY DISORDER, authority: MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6203.3

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as stated

Applicant’s issues, as stated on the application:

1.  “ I am requesting that the “Narrative Reason for Separation” be changed to Uncharacterized.”

2.  “I am also requesting that the Reentry code be changed from RE-3P to RE-1A.”

Documentation

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

Applicant’s DD Form 214
Southwest Counseling Center assessment dated June 24, 2003
Seventeen pages from Applicant’s medical record
Three fitness reports

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   USMC		930628 – 930721	ELS
					940613 – 000329	HON
	Inactive: USMCR(J)		930611 - 930627	COG
					940609 – 940612	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  000330		Date of Discharge:  020703

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    02  03  05
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  26			Years Contracted:  4 

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  63

Highest Rank:  Sgt

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):
All Fitness Reports were available for review

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  NMCM, NAM, NDSM (2), SSDR, GCM, MUC, CC

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None

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

HONORABLE/PERSONALITY DISORDER, authority:  MARCORSEPMAN Par. 6203.3.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

020426:	Medical evaluation by a military psychologist concluded that the Applicant’s personality disorder was so severe that her ability to function effectively in the military environment was significantly impaired.  Presents a continuing risk of harm to herself.  Recommended expeditious administrative separation.

	AXIS I:  Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
	
	AXIS II:  Personality disorder NOS with borderline features (Primary diagnosis)

	AXIS III:  Headaches

020529:	Non-medical assessment from CO, RS Los Angeles.

020529:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for honorable discharge for the convenience of the government due to a personality disorder, based upon a diagnosed personality disorder as evidenced by psychological evaluation and unsuitability for continued military service.

020530:	Applicant advised of rights and having consulted 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 and to make a statement.

020530:	Commanding Officer recommended honorable discharge for the convenience of the government due to a personality disorder, based upon a diagnosed personality disorder as evidenced by psychological evaluation and her inflexible approach to intense interpersonal relationships, affective instability and difficulty in controlling anger, and suicidal thoughts.

020606:	SJA review determined the case sufficient in law and fact. 

020619:	GCMCA [CG, MCRD/WRR San Diego] directed the Applicant's honorable discharge for convenience of the government due to a personality disorder.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The Applicant was honorably discharged on 20020703 for convenience of the government due to a personality disorder (A and B).  The Board presumed regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs (C).  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 (D and E).

Issue 1.  The Applicant was diagnosed by a competent medical authority to manifest a personality disorder on 20020426.  The Applicant’s claim that she was harassed and not supported by her chain of command while on recruiting duty and caring for her child as a single mother does not invalidate the diagnosis.  No other narrative reason more clearly describes the circumstances surrounding the Applicant’s processing for administrative separation.  Relief denied.

Issue 2.  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.  

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.  Representation at a personal appearance hearing is recommended but not required.  

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Paragraph 6203, CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT, of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16E), effective 18 Aug 95 until Present.

B.  Table 6-1, Guide for Characterization of Service, of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16E), effective 18 Aug 95 until Present.

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.  

D.  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.

E.  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