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

  ex-FR, USN
Docket No. ND04-00176

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review was received on 20031107.  The Applicant requests the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to honorable.  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 20040720.  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: UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/MISCONDUCT, authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as stated

Applicant’s issues, as stated on the application:

1.  “I FAILED TO CONFORM WITH MILITARY LIFE.  I WAS NOT INVOLVED WITH ANY PHYSICAL CONFRONTATION.  MY AGE AND PERSONALITY AT THE TIME OF DUTY WAS INFANTILE AND NON-CONFORMING TO MILITARY STANDARDS.  AS AN OLDER MATURE ADULT IT IS INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO PERSUE SUCH CAREERS THAT REVIEW YOUR MILITARY EXPERINECE.  I’M TRYING TO OBTAIN A POSITION WITH MY LOCAL POST OFFICE BUT ALREADY HAVE A STRIKE AGAINST ME DUE TO THE NATURE OF MY DISCHARGE.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.”

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)	910228 - 910701	ELS
		   USNR (DEP)	930518 - 930523	COG
	Active:   None

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  930524		Date of Discharge:  940217

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    00  08  23	[Does not exclude lost time.]
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  20			Years Contracted:  4

Education Level:  12			AFQT:  53

Highest Rate:  FR

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  NMF*		Behavior:  NMF		OTA:  NMF

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  NDSM

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  6

*No marks found in service record.

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/MISCONDUCT, authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630600.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

930924:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 92: Fail to obey a lawful order on 930911, to wit: wrongfully hiding in the room of a female in BEQ when not authorized to do so.
	Award: Forfeiture of $190 per month for 1 month, restriction and extra duty for 10 days.  No indication of appeal in the record.

931022:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 86: Absent from unit on 0500-1155, 931005.
	Award: Restriction and extra duty for 7 days.  No indication of appeal in the record.

931126:	Summary Court-Martial.
	Charge I: violation of the UCMJ, Article 86:
	Specification:  Unauthorized absence on 1803, 931020 to 1230, 931027 (6 days/surrendered).
	Charge II: violation of the UCMJ, Article 92:
	Specification: Fail to obey a lawful order, to wit: wrongfully riding in a motor vehicle while in a restricted status without proper authorization.
	Charge III: violation of the UCMJ, Article 134:
	Specification: Broke restriction on 931020.
	Finding: to Charge I, II and III and the specifications thereunder, guilty.
	Sentence: Forfeiture of $300.00, restriction for 45 days.
	CA action 931129: Sentence approved and ordered executed.

940112:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to the commission of a serious offense.

940112:	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.

940113:	Commanding Officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to the commission of a serious offense.

940207:	BUPERS directed the Applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to the commission of a serious offense.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The Applicant was discharged on 19940217 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to commission of a serious offense (A & 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.  When the service of a member of U.S. Navy has been honest and faithful, it is appropriate to characterize that service as honorable.  An Under Other Than Honorable Conditions discharge is warranted when significant negative aspects of a member's conduct or performance of duty outweigh the positive aspects of the member's military record.  The Applicant’s service was marred by two nonjudicial punishment proceedings for two violations of the UCMJ to include violations of Article 86, for unauthorized absence and Article 92, failure to obey an order in addition to Summary Court-Martial convictions for violations of Article 86, unauthorized absence, Article 92, failure to obey a lawful order and Article 134 for braking restriction.  The Applicant’s conduct, which forms the primary basis for determining the character of his service, reflects his willful failure to meet the requirements of his contract with the U.S. Navy and falls far short of that required for an upgrade of his characterization of service.  Additionally, the Board has no authority to upgrade a discharge for the sole purpose of enhancing employment or educational opportunities.  Regulations limit the Board’s review to a determination on the propriety and equity of the discharge.  Relief is not warranted.

The Applicant contends that his problems in the Navy can be attributed to his "age and personality".  While he may feel that his immaturity was the underlying cause of his misconduct, the record clearly reflects his willful misconduct and demonstrated he was unfit for further service.  The evidence of record did not show that the Applicant was either not responsible for his conduct or that he should not be held accountable for his actions. Additionally, the Board has no authority to upgrade a discharge for the sole purpose of enhancing employment or educational opportunities.  Regulations limit the Board’s review to a determination on the propriety and equity of the discharge.  Relief denied.

The Applicant remains eligible for a personal appearance hearing, provided an application is received, at the NDRB, within 15 years from the date of discharge.  The Applicant can provide documentation to support any claims of post-service accomplishments or any other evidence related to his discharge at that time.  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), Change 5, effective 
05 Mar 93 until 21 Jul 94, Article 3630600, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED PERSONNEL BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT – COMMISSION OF A SERIOUS OFFENSE.

B.  Under the Manual for Courts-Martial, a punitive discharge is authorized for violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 92, failure to obey an order or regulation, if adjudged at a Special or General Court-Martial.

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