UNITED STATES COAST GUARD DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD 
Docket #: 2016-017 

Discharge Issued 
Character: Honorable 
Narrative Reason: Alcohol Rehabilitation Failure 
SPD/RE Code: JPD / RE4 

Authority of Discharge: COMDTINST M1000.4, ART 1-B-17 

Date of Separation: 5/28/2013 

DRB Decision 
Character: No Change 
Narrative Reason: No Change 
SPD/RE Code: No Change / No Change 

New Authority: No Change 

Discharge Review Board Discussion and Decision: 

DISCUSSION: The applicant was discharged for Alcohol Rehabilitation Failure. The applicant was notified 
of the intent to discharge, and the applicant was advised of the right to an attorney. The applicant 
waived making a statement on their behalf and did not object to the discharge. 
The Board notes the refusal by the applicant to attend an alcohol treatment program after a medical 
diagnosis determined alcohol dependency. However, the board by a majority vote (4-1) points out that 
without an alcohol incident to broker the JPD (Alcohol Rehabilitation Failure) mechanism, the elements 
are not fully met for said Narrative Reason (NR) for discharge. The minority vote (1-4) has no issues with 
propriety or equity; the discharge should stand as issued. 
The Majority Board vote recommends amending the NR to Failure to Complete a course of Instruction. 
The applicant refused to meet a condition of employment which is better aligned with a separation 
under Convenience of the government. The applicant had just been awarded NJP. The refusal for 
treatment was due to a separate alcohol dependent medical diagnosis (referred by the command) in the 
absence of an alcohol-related incident. The Board found the NR issued to be excessive. 

RECOMMENDATION: The Board members thoroughly reviewed the applicant’s record of service and all 
available documentation. The Board deemed that the applicant’s character of service and reenlistment 
code is appropriate and should not be changed. 

2 In reviewing discharges, the Board presumes regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs unless there is 
substantial credible evidence (to include evidence submitted by the Applicant) to rebut the presumption.