1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 8 July 2016 b. Date Received: 11 July 2016 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests an upgrade of the characterization of service from general (under honorable conditions) to honorable. The applicant seeks relief contending, in effect, his discharge was improper and / or inequitable because it was based on an isolated incident during 72 months of service. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 11 October 2017, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. (Board member names available upon request) 3. DISCHARGE DETAILS: a. Reason / Authority / Codes / Characterization: Misconduct-Abuse of Illegal Drugs / AR 135-178, Paragraph 12-1d and Chapter 13 / NA / NA / General (Under Honorable Conditions) b. Date of Discharge: 23 April 2003 c. Separation Facts: Yes (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 24 October 2002 (2) Basis for Separation: The applicant was informed of the following reason for his discharge; he tested positive for marijuana during a command directive urinalysis (3 March 2001). (3) Recommended Characterization: General (Under Honorable Conditions) (4) Legal Consultation Date: The unit commander in hand written note on the notification memorandum that the applicant failed to report a change of address, therefore the separation packet was returned unclaimed. (5) Administrative Separation Board: NIF (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: NIF 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 11 March 1997 / 8 years b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 17 years / HS graduate / 114 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-4 / 31L10, Wire Systems Installer / 6 years, 1 month, 13 days d. Prior Service / Characterizations: IADT, 29 July 1997 to 26 November 1997 / UNC (Concurrent Service) e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: None f. Awards and Decorations: ARCAM, ASR g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: The applicant received several negative counseling statements for various acts of misconduct; and an initial counseling. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: NIF 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 293 (two pages); appeal for discharge review (four pages); two letters of recommendation; letter, salary increase; two University of Cincinnati, BS Degree certificates, with affidavit; four copies of family photos; discharge orders 03-113- 00026; and a copy of OMPF documents (53 pages). 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The applicant states in a document with his application that he earned his bachelor s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and works as an Electrical Engineer. 7. REGULATORY CITATION(S): Army Regulation 135-178 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel from the United States Army Reserve. Chapter 12 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, and convictions by civil authorities. 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. 8. DISCUSSION OF FACT(S): The applicant requests an upgrade of the characterization of service from general (under honorable conditions) to honorable. The applicant's available record of service, the issue and documents submitted with his application were carefully reviewed. The applicant's record is void of the complete facts and circumstances concerning the events which led to the former Soldier's discharge from the US Army Reserve. Barring evidence to the contrary, the presumption of government regularity shall prevail, as all the requirements of law and regulation were met and the rights of the applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process. The applicant seeks relief contending, his discharge was improper and / or inequitable because it was based on an isolated incident during 72 months of service. Although an isolated incident, the discrediting entry constituted a departure from the standards of conduct expected of Soldiers in the Army. The applicable Army regulation states there are circumstances in which the conduct or performance of duty reflected by an isolated incident provides the basis for a characterization of service. The applicant's incident of misconduct adversely affected the quality of his service, brought discredit on the Army, and was prejudicial to good order and discipline. The applicant's post-service accomplishments have been noted as outlined in the documents with the application. If the applicant desires a personal appearance hearing, it is his responsibility to meet the burden of proof and provide the appropriate documents (i.e., the discharge packet) or other evidence sufficient to explain the facts, circumstances, and reasons underlying the separation action, for the Board's consideration because they are not available in the official record. The discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the regulation, was within the discretion of the separation authority, and the applicant was provided full administrative due process. 9. BOARD DETERMINATION: In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 11 October 2017, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. 10. BOARD ACTION DIRECTED: a. Issue new Separation Order: No b. Change Characterization to: No Change c. Change Reason to: No Change d. Change Authority to: No Change e. SPD/RE Code Change to: No Change f. Restoration to Grade: No Change Authenticating Official: Legend: AWOL - Absent Without Leave GD - General Discharge NCO - Noncommissioned Officer SCM - Summary Court Martial BCD - Bad Conduct Discharge HS - High School NIF - Not in File SPCM - Special Court Martial BH - Behavioral Health HD - Honorable Discharge NOS - Not Otherwise Specified SPD - Separation Program Designator CG - Company Grade Article 15 IADT - Initial Active Duty Training OAD - Ordered to Active Duty TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury CID - Criminal Investigation Division MP - Military Police OMPF - Official Military Personnel File UNC - Uncharacterized Discharge ELS - Entry Level Status MST - Military Sexual Trauma PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder UOTHC - Under Other Than Honorable Conditions FG - Field Grade Article 15 NA - Not applicable RE - Reentry VA - Veterans Affairs ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE AR20160012635 1