UNITED STATES COAST GUARD DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD Docket #: 2021-023 Discharge Issued Character: Uncharacterized Narrative Reason: Request Reentry code SPD/RE Code: JGA / RE3 Authority of Discharge: COMDTINST M1000.4 ART 1.B.19 Date of Separation: 7/3/2020 DRB Decision Character: No Change Narrative Reason: No Change SPD/RE Code: No Change / RE3L New Authority: No Change Discharge Review Board Discussion and Decision: DISCUSSION: The applicant was discharged for Entry Level Performance, Conduct / Adaptability Deficiencies. The applicant was a reservist who did not have any active duty time and is not eligible to be issued a DD214 per COMDTINST 1900.4E which references DoDI 1336.01 Section 3, Article 2.d.(1). A Separation Authorization generated by Personnel Service Center, from which the DD 214 is derived, was provided. The reason the former SN’s command initiated discharge action is it was uncovered that the applicant posted a picture on social media of themself and their assumed friends boating with multiple cans of beer in the frame, with text overlay that was deemed to bring discredit to the service. This post corresponded in time to ongoing nationwide protests. This post “went viral”. The former SN was identified as a member of the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard received emails reporting this social media post and identifying them as a member of the Coast Guard. The former SN’s conduct caused reputational damage, brought great discredit to the Coast Guard, and a loss of trust by the community we serve. The applicant’s action is counter to the Coast Guard Core Values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty. The applicant’s Separation Program Designator (SPD) is in alignment with COMDTINST M1000.4 CH-3 Art. 1.B.2.g and DoDI 1336.01, Encl. 2 which authorizes JGA (Entry Level Performance and Conduct for inability, lack of effort, failure to adapt to the military, or minor disciplinary infractions during the first 180 days) to be used with uncharacterized discharges. On the propriety standard, the Board referred to the Separation Program Designator Handbook with regard to the Reenlistment Code for his separation. This discharge was inconsistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of policy within the discretion of the Separation authority. The former member was properly discharged for misconduct, however, the RE code issued is not in alignment with policy. The discharge authority assigned an SPD of JGA which only authorizes RE-3L. Therefore, the Board recommends the RE-3 be amended to RE-3L. An RE-3L reentry code represents entry-level separation – must have waiver to reenlist. Due to the circumstances of the discharge and disqualification, a request for a waiver may be submitted as part of the request for reenlistment through a recruiter of the gaining service. 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 reason for separation are 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.