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

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

ex-Pvt, USMC
Docket No. MD06-00852

Applicant’s Request

The application for discharge review was received on 20060609.  The Applicant requests the Discharge 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 designate a representative on the DD Form 293.

Decision

A documentary discharge review was conducted in Washington, D.C. on 20070329.  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 by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.

PART I - ISSUES AND DOCUMENTATION

Decisional Issues

The Applicant presented no decisional issues

Documentation

In addition to the service and medical records, the following additional documentation, submitted by the Applicant, was considered:

Applicant’s DD Form 214 (Service 2) (2)

PART II - SUMMARY OF SERVICE

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

	Inactive:  USMCR (DEP)	19960913 - 19970106	COG
	Active:    None

Period of Service Under Review:

Date of Enlistment:  19970107		Date of Discharge:  19971230

Length of Service (years, months, days):

Active:    00  11  24
	Inactive:  None

Time Lost During This Period (days):

	Unauthorized absence:  None
	Confinement:		  None

Age at Entry:  20

Years Contracted:  4

Education Level:  12				AFQT:  53

Highest Rank:  PFC				MOS:  7041

Final Enlisted Performance Evaluation Averages (number of marks):

Proficiency:  4.2 (3)				Conduct:  3.9 (3)

Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, (as stated on the DD Form 214):  None

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

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS/MISCONDUCT, authority:  MARCORSEPMAN 6210.5.

Chronological Listing of Significant Service Events:

960911:	Applicant briefed on and certified understanding of Marine Corps policy concerning illegal use of drugs.

970130:	NAVDRUGLAB, Great Lakes, IL, reported Applicant’s urine sample, testing 970113, confirmed drug usage.

970221:	CG Level wavier approved.

970930:	NJP for violation of UCMJ, Article 112a: Wrongful use or possession of controlled substance.
	Award:  Forfeiture of $450.00 per month for 2 months, restriction and extra duty for 45 days, reduction to E-1.  Not appealed.

971001:	Applicant notified of intended recommendation for discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.  The factual basis for this recommendation was positive screening urinalysis report, NAVDRUBLAB Jacksonville FL message 271702Z Aug97 (THC).  Applicant informed the least favorable character of service possible was as under other than honorable conditions.

971001:	Applicant advised of rights and having elected not to consult with counsel, elected to waive all rights except the right to obtain copies of the documents used to support the basis for the separation.

971018:	Commanding Officer recommended Applicant’s discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.

971210:	SJA review determined the case sufficient in law and fact.

971210:	GCMCA, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, directed the Applicant's discharge under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.

PART III – RATIONALE FOR DECISION AND PERTINENT REGULATION/LAW

Discussion

The Applicant was discharged on 19971230 by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse (A) with a service characterization of under other than honorable conditions.  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 (B and C).  

The Applicant requested a discharge 	characterization upgrade to general (under honorable conditions).  When a Marine’s service has been honest and faithful, it is appropriate to characterize that service under honorable conditions.  Characterization of service as under other than honorable conditions 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 the award of nonjudicial punishment (NJP) on one occasion for violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).  The Applicant’s misconduct included Wrongful use, possession, etc. of controlled substances.  The Applicant’s conduct, which form the primary basis for determining the character of his service, reflect his misconduct, and fall below that required for a general characterization of service.  An upgrade to general would be inappropriate.  Relief is therefore denied.

The Applicant is request a discharge characterization upgrade to enhance employment opportunities.  For the edification of the Applicant, 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 of the propriety and equity of the discharge.  

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 additional evidence related to this discharge.  Representation at a personal appearance hearing is recommended but not required.

Pertinent Regulation/Law (at time of discharge)

A.  Paragraph 6210, MISCONDUCT, of the Marine Corps Separation and Retirement Manual, (MCO P1900.16E), effective 31 Jan 97 until 31 August 2001.

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

C.  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 Instruction 1332.28, you may submit a complaint in accordance with Enclosure (5) of that Instruction.  You should read Enclosure (5) of the Instruction 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 Instruction 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