Applicant Name: ????? Application Receipt Date: 2008/02/29 Prior Review: Prior Review Date: NA I. Applicant Request: Upgrade Reason Change RE Code Change Issues: The applicant states: "The discharge was based on the fact that my then wife was continually harrassing my chain of command. She made up stories about my supposed conduct. As a result I was chaptered out under AR 635-200, Para 14-12C, but under honorable conditions. I believe that I have an exceptional record that covers twelve years, This was my first supposed offense and I did try to fight the charges. I have not had any trouble during the last four years that I have been out of service. I would like to pursue an education to better myself, my family, and possibly joining the Army Reserve". II. Were Proper Discharge and Separation Authority procedures followed? Tender Offer: NA See Attachments: Legal Medical Minority Opinion Exhibits III. Discharge Under Review Unit CDR Recommended Discharge: Date: 031212 Discharge Received: Date: 040202 Chapter: 14-12c AR: 635-200 Reason: Misconduct RE: SPD: JKQ Unit/Location: HHB, 1-37th FA, Fort Lewis, WA Time Lost: None Article 15s (Charges/Dates/Punishment): 031106, between (030707-030715) did steal government property, of a value in excess of $1,000, from 1-37th FA Bn, Fort Lewis, WA; reduction to Specialist E-4, restriction for 45 days, both suspended, to be automatically remitted unless vacated before 040504, extra duty for 45 days (FG). Courts-Martial (Charges/Dates/Punishment): None Counseling Records Available: Yes No IV. Soldier’s Overall Record Age at current enlistment: 31 Current ENL Date: 020124 Current ENL Term: 3 Years ????? Current ENL Service: 2 Yrs, 00Mos, 09Days ????? Total Service: 12 Yrs, 11Mos, 03Days (includes 10 mos. 22 days IADT) Previous Discharges: RA 910129-959510/HD RA 950511-990210/HD RA 000103-020123/HD Highest Grade: SGT E-5 Performance Ratings Available: Yes No MOS: 21B20/Combat Engineer GT: 98 EDU: HS GRAD Overseas: Germany (910605-920807, 951205-981204) Bosnia (970317-971026) Combat: None Decorations/Awards: ARCOM (2), AAM (7), NDSM (2), AFEM, AFSM, NCOPDR, AGCM (3), NM, OSR (2), ACMRB, GERMAN ARMY MEDAL (BRONZE) V. Post-Discharge Activity City, State: Kingston, WA Post Service Accomplishments: None Listed VI. Facts, Circumstances, and Legal Basis for Separation a. Facts and Circumstances: The facts and circumstances pertaining to the applicant’s discharge from the Army are not contained in the available records. However, the record contains a properly constituted DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), which was authenticated by the applicant. The DD Form 214 indicates that the applicant was discharged under the provisions of Chapter 14, AR 635-200, paragraph 12c by reason of misconduct, with a characterization of service of general, under honorable conditions. Furthermore, the DD Form 214 shows a Separation Code of JKQ (i.e., misconduct- serious offense). ????? b. Legal Basis for Separation: Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. It states that an honorable discharge is a separation with honor, and is appropriate when the quality of the Soldier’s service is so meritorious that any other characterization would be inappropriate. Chapter 14 of this regulation establishes policy and prescribes procedures for separating members for misconduct. Specific categories include minor disciplinary infractions, a pattern of misconduct, and commission of a serious offense, to include abuse of illegal drugs, convictions by civil authorities and desertion or absence without leave. Action will be taken to separate a member for misconduct when it is clearly established that rehabilitation is impractical or unlikely to succeed. Army policy states that an under other than honorable conditions discharge is normally considered appropriate, however, a general under honorable conditions or an honorable discharge may be granted. c. Response to Issues, Recommendation and Rationale: After a careful review of all the applicant’s military records, and issues submitted with the application, the analyst determined that the applicant’s available record of service during the period of enlistment under review is void of the specific facts and circumstances concerning the events that led to the discharge from the Army. However, the applicant’s record does contain a properly constituted DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), which was authenticated by the applicant's signature. This document identifies the reason and characterization of the discharge and the analyst presumed Government regularity in the discharge process. The DD Form 214 indicates that the applicant was discharged under the provisions of Chapter 14, AR 635-200, paragraph 12c by reason of misconduct-commission of a serious offense, with a characterization of service of general, under honorable conditions. Barring evidence to the contrary, the analyst was satisfied that all requirements of law and regulation were met and the rights of the applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process. Furthermore, the analyst determined that the applicant’s Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) does not contain all the specific documents that would indicate the reason for the separation action from the United States Army. If the applicant desires to appear before a personal appearance Board, the burden of proof remains with the former Soldier to provide the appropriate documents or other evidence sufficient to explain the facts, circumstances, and reasons underlying the separation action, for the Board’s consideration. Therefore, the analyst determined the reason for discharge and the characterization of service were both proper and equitable and recommends to the Board to deny relief. VII. Summary of Army Discharge Review Board Hearing Type of Hearing: Date: 12 December 2008 Location: Washington, D.C. Did the Applicant Testify? Yes No Counsel: NA Witnesses/Observers: NA Exhibits Submitted: NA VIII. Board Discussion, Determination, and Recommendation The applicant’s record is void of facts and circumstances concerning events that led to a discharge from the Army. The Board noted that the applicant’s record contains a properly constituted DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) which was authenticated by the applicant. This document identifies the reason and characterization of the discharge and the Board presumed government regularity in the discharge process. The Board, being convinced that the reason for discharge and the characterization of service were proper and equitable, voted to deny relief.????? IX. Board Decision XI. Certification Signature Board Vote: Approval Authority: Character - Change 2 No change 3 Reason - Change 0 No change 5 (Board member names available upon request) EDGAR J. YANGER Colonel, U.S. Army X. Board Action Directed President, Army Discharge Review Board Issue a new DD Form 214 Change Characterization to: Change Reason to: No Change Other: NA RE Code: Grade Restoration: No Yes Grade: NA ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD - CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE Case Number AR20080003437 ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 3 pages