Son left with OTH discharge

[fam0501]

What is the name of your state? NY
Hello:
My son served 3 years and 3 months in the NAVY and was discharged with an OTH for misconduct. On several occassions my son called stating he hated the service wanted out . There was a lot of conflict between him and his fellow commanders. I wrote to them on several occassions requesting a change in his division or ship. Nothing was done, I explained to them being a health care provider I felt he was depressed, stressed, etc....Again, it just made matters worse because my son was labeled as a mama's boy and didn't know I had spoke several times on his behalf. Anyway, my son is out of the service with an OTH. He is a much happier 21y.o. working full time, staying out of trouble and looking to get into college part time. I would like to know if anyone knows how I can help him upgrade the discharge to a general or should I let it go. I just feel as a parent....he served all that time working hard for his country and received nothing but headaches.

[cyberspook]

Originally Posted by fam0501

What is the name of your state? NY
Hello:
My son served 3 years and 3 months in the NAVY and was discharged with an OTH for misconduct. On several occassions my son called stating he hated the service wanted out . There was a lot of conflict between him and his fellow commanders. I wrote to them on several occassions requesting a change in his division or ship. Nothing was done, I explained to them being a health care provider I felt he was depressed, stressed, etc....Again, it just made matters worse because my son was labeled as a mama's boy and didn't know I had spoke several times on his behalf. Anyway, my son is out of the service with an OTH. He is a much happier 21y.o. working full time, staying out of trouble and looking to get into college part time. I would like to know if anyone knows how I can help him upgrade the discharge to a general or should I let it go. I just feel as a parent....he served all that time working hard for his country and received nothing but headaches.

Oh boy... Discharge upgrades are possible but not probable. It really depends on his service record. How bad is it? Was the majority of his service of an honorable nature?

The discharge he has as long as it just a OTH (no court martial conviction) is really not the worst thing in the world unless he wants a government job.

It is a hassle to say the least, trying to upgrade it. You cannot simply fill out a form and expect it to happen. You really have to make your case.

It really is a question of how much he cares what the military thinks of him or what he thinks of the military.

[fam0501]

Thanks for the info My son could care less about what the Military thinks of him I think he just to the point where he just wanted out. Even though he had 7 months left After reading what you wrote I am going to just let it be......Hopefully, he will enter into college & get some degree. Thanks for the information

[jeffschwann007]

I was in the Navy and understand some of the hardships and lack of assistance that is the hallmark of the military at times. I have a few headaches of my own from beating my skull against the bureaucracy. I fought them and was lucky to receive an honorable discharge.

Your Son can request a change in reason and character (honorable, general under honorable conditions, etc.). As it sounds, he was administratively discharged and not by special-courts martial, is this correct?? Courts Martials are punitive...tough to change.
Administrative discharges can be reviewed and possibly 'upgraded' by the Navy Discharge Review Board (NDRB). You can request his Navy records be reviewed, write your account of trying to assist your son, the actions or (inaction) of the commanders etc., and any mitigating circumstances (e.g. possible depression etc.). In addition, his actions after his discharge from Naval Service "may be" considered by the Board as well. So any positive recommendations, honors, etc., should be mentioned or copies sent with the application.
The application can be downloaded from Navy web-site and explains the process and records needed. In addition, I would recommend contacting the Veterans Admin for some assistance. Because of the OTH, it may cause unforseen problems in his future should he work for the feds or state government etc. They cannot downgrade the discharge so he has nothing to lose in trying to get it upgraded. It may be the difference between eligibility for Veterans Benefits as well!! It is worth the effort in the long run.
[url]http://www.ig.navy.mil/Complaints/Complaints%20%20(NDRB).htm[/url]
The link above will take you to the website which will describe the NDRB and how to get needed forms and assistance. Good luck!
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How do I submit an application to the Naval Discharge Review Board?

1. Submit a copy of your DD293, "Application for Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of the United States". For a copy of the form, access the NDRB website and click on Request for Discharge DD293, or you may obtain a copy from most military installations and regional Veteran Administrations. The form is also available on the Department of Defense forms management website at [url]http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/forminfo/forminfopage63.html[/url]

Naval Discharge Review Board, Washington Navy Yard, 720 Kennon Street SE, Room 309, Washington, DC 20374-5023. NDRB's Voice #: (202) 685-6600 between 0800 and 1500 EST
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Originally Posted by fam0501

What is the name of your state? NY
Hello:
My son served 3 years and 3 months in the NAVY and was discharged with an OTH for misconduct. On several occassions my son called stating he hated the service wanted out . There was a lot of conflict between him and his fellow commanders. I wrote to them on several occassions requesting a change in his division or ship. Nothing was done, I explained to them being a health care provider I felt he was depressed, stressed, etc....Again, it just made matters worse because my son was labeled as a mama's boy and didn't know I had spoke several times on his behalf. Anyway, my son is out of the service with an OTH. He is a much happier 21y.o. working full time, staying out of trouble and looking to get into college part time. I would like to know if anyone knows how I can help him upgrade the discharge to a general or should I let it go. I just feel as a parent....he served all that time working hard for his country and received nothing but headaches.