UNITED STATES COAST GUARD DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD 
Docket #: 2023-003 

Discharge Issued 
Character: Honorable 
Narrative Reason: HOMOSEXUAL ADMISSION 
SPD/RE Code: HRB / RE4 

Authority of Discharge: COMDTINST M1000.6 Article12.E.6 

Date of Separation: 3/3/2009 

DRB Decision 
Character: No Change 
Narrative Reason: Secretarial Authority 
SPD/RE Code: JFF / RE1 

New Authority: COMDTINST M1000.6 Art 12.B.12 

Discharge Review Board Discussion and Decision: 

DISCUSSION: The applicant was discharged following a homosexual admission after serving a period of 
four months and 26 days in the Coast Guard. The former member submitted a written letter to their 
Commanding Officer (CO) informing them of their homosexuality and their intention to continue the 
behavior. The CO identified the former member as an above average performer and noted that the 
reported behavior had no adverse effect on the good order and discipline of the unit. The CO did note 
suspicion around the timing of the admission and the applicant’s prior comments that the only reason 
they joined the service was for the GI Bill. The admission of homosexuality on their 112th day of service 
seemed “convenient” and was “highly suspicious” according to the CO. After reviewing all exhibits and 
the applicant’s Personnel Data Record (PDR), the Board discussed the fact that applicant was an above 
average performer with no negative marks. The former member’s conduct had no negative impact on 
the unit or mission readiness. Despite the CO’s suspicions about the timing of admission, the Board finds 
the former member’s discharge was solely the result of DADT, which is no longer consistent with Coast 
Guard policy. Therefore, it is determined that the applicant is a victim of an injustice. While the Board 
finds no error in the original discharge, the repeal of 10 U.S.C. § 654 and its implementing regulations 
has made the applicant's separation, reentry codes, and narrative reason for separation inconsistent 
with current policies and procedures. The policies and procedures under which the applicant was 
discharged differ in material respect to the policies and procedures currently applicable on a service-
wide basis. A discharge due to homosexuality is no longer an appropriate discharge under current policy. 
The current policies represent a substantial enhancement of the rights afforded to the applicant. The 
Board has substantial doubt that the applicant would have received the same discharge if relevant 
current policies and procedures had been available to the applicant at the time of discharge. 
The Board finds the former member should be issued a new DD-214 with the following corrections: the 
separation authority should be COMDTINST M1000.6A Article 12.B.12· the narrative reason for 
separation should be "Secretarial Authority"; the separation code should be "JFF"; and the reentry code 
should be RE1 (eligible for reenlistment). Previously, an RE4 reentry code was authorized to be assigned 
for this type of separation. An RE4 reentry code signifies that the applicant is not recommended or is 
ineligible for reenlistment. Due to the repeal of DADT, an RE4 is no longer justified and should be 
upgraded to RE1. 


RECOMMENDATION: The Board members thoroughly reviewed the applicant’s record of service and all 
available documentation. The Board deemed that the applicant’s separation authority, separation code, 
re-entry code, and reason for separation should be changed. The applicant has sustained an inequity 
and their records should be corrected accordingly. 

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.