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

  ex-HN, USN
Docket No. ND05-00119 

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review was received on 50041029.  The Applicant requests the characterization of service received at the time of discharge be changed to honorable or 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 20050322.  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 – Drug abuse (Use), authority: NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630620.

PART I - APPLICANT’S ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Issues, as stated

Applicant’s issues, as stated on the application:

1.  “My discharge was unfair and unjust because it was based on an isolated one time incident in 10 years of honorable decorated service.”

Documentation

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

Applicant’s DD Form 214
Enlisted performance record (2 pages)

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Active:   USN			830808 - 870516	HON
					870517 - 910428	HON
	Inactive: USNR (DEP)	830127 - 830807	COG

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  910429		Date of Discharge:  930406

Length of Service (years, months, days):

	Active:    01  11  08
	Inactive:  None

Age at Entry:  32			Years Contracted:  6 (12 & 17 month extensions)

Education Level:  13.5			AFQT:  87

Highest Rate:  HM1

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Performance:  3.95 (4)		Behavior:  3.80 (4)		OTA:  3.90

Military Decorations:  None

Unit/Campaign/Service Awards:  NER, SSDR (2), NDSM, NAM (2), MUC, AFEM, FMFR, HSR, CAR

Days of Unauthorized Absence:  None

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/Misconduct – Drug abuse (Use), authority:  NAVMILPERSMAN, Article 3630620.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

910429:	Reenlisted for 6 years with a 12-month extension.

920727:	Extended enlistment for 17 months.  

930225:	NAVDRUGLAB, SAN DIEGO, reported Applicant’s urine sample, received 930219, tested positive for [Amphetamine/Methamphetamine].

930302:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse as evidenced by positive urinalysis with the least favorable characterization of service as under other than honorable conditions.

930302:	Applicant advised of rights and having consulted with counsel certified under UCMJ Article 27B, elected to waive all rights.

930303:	Medical evaluation found the Applicant not drug or alcohol dependent, no treatment recommended.

930304:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 112a:  On or about 930219, wrongfully used amphetamine/methamphetamine while being enrolled as a student in the physicians assistance class.
	Award:  Forfeiture of $715.00 per month for 2 month(s), restriction for 45 days, reduction to HM2, all punishment but reduction susp 6 mos.

930312:	Commanding Officer recommended discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse (use).

930326:	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 19930406 under other than honorable conditions for misconduct due to drug abuse (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 states his discharge was based on one isolated incident in “10 years.” Despite a servicemember’s prior record of service, certain serious offenses, even though isolated, warrant separation from the naval service in order to maintain proper order and discipline.  The Applicant’s service record is marred by award of nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for illegal drug use, thus substantiating the misconduct for which he was separated.  Separation under these conditions generally results in characterization of service under other than honorable conditions.  Regulations limit the Board’s review to a determination on the propriety and equity of the discharge.  In the Applicant’s case, the Board could discern no impropriety or inequity and therefore consider his discharge proper and equitable.  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.  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 5/93, effective 05 Mar 93 until 21 Jul 94, Article 3630620, SEPARATION OF ENLISTED MEMBERS BY REASON OF MISCONDUCT DUE TO DRUG ABUSE.

B.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174D of 22 December 2004, Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) Procedures and Standards, Part II, AUTHORITY/POLICY FOR DEPARTMENTAL DISCHARGE REVIEW.

C.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174D of 22 December 2004, Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) Procedures and Standards, Part V, Para 502, Propriety.

D.  Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5420.174D of 22 December 2004, Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB) Procedures and Standards, Part V, Para 503, Equity.

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 “http://Boards.law.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:

		Secretary of the Navy Council of Review Boards
		Attn:  Naval Discharge Review Board
		720 Kennon Street SE Rm 309
		Washington Navy Yard DC  20374-5023