DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON DC 20370-5100

							FC
										   Docket No: 02274-03
										   16 June 2003

This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to the provisions of Title 10 of the United States Code section 1552.

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 20 August 2003. Your allegations of error and injustice were reviewed in accordance with administrative regulations and procedures applicable to the proceedings of this Board. Documentary material considered by the Board consisted of your application, together with all material submitted in support thereof, your naval record and applicable statutes, regulations and policies.

After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board found that the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.

The Board found that you enlisted in the Navy on 12 July 1960 at age 17. You served without disciplinary incident, but on 16 May 1963, an entry was made in your service record to the effect that you were careless, slovenly, undependable, and unreliable.

On 30 July 1963, you were released from active duty under honorable conditions. Subsequently, at the end of your military obligation, you received a general discharge.

Characterization of service is determined, in part, by conduct and overall trait averages computed from marks assigned on a periodic basis. Your conduct average was 2.63. An average of 3.0 was required at the time of your separation for a fully honorable characterization of service.

 In its review of your case, the Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors such as your youth and immaturity, and the length of time that has passed since you were discharged from the Navy. However, the Board found that these factors were not sufficient to warrant recharacterization of your discharge given your failure to obtain the conduct average required for a fully honorable characterization of service. Accordingly, your application has been denied. The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.

It is regretted that the circumstances of your case are such that favorable action cannot be taken. You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon submission of new and material evidence or other matter not previously considered by the Board. In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that a presumption of regularity attaches to all official records. Consequently, when applying for a correction of an official naval record, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice.

Sincerely,