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

		CRS
		Docket No: 3458-05
		4 May 2006

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 12 April 2006. 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 statute~, 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 were commissioned as an officer in the Naval Reserve on 10 July 1992. The record reflects that in April 1993 you were the subject of an investigation concerning your relationship with a female fireman recruit (FR; E-l) which determined that the matter would be handled administratively. You were therefore issued a non-punitive letter of caution and ordered not to have any social contact with the FR. Nevertheless, on 18 June 1993 you traveled to Rochester, New York, to meet with her while she was on leave.

On 25 June 1993 you received nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for failure to obey a lawful order, specifically, the order not to have contact with the FR. The report of the NJP was forwarded on 3 December 1993 to the Bureau of Naval Personnel. You were offered the opportunity to tender a resignation request in lieu of separation processing. On 11 March 1994 you submitted your resignation. On 3 June 1994 the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs approved your resignation and directed that you received a general discharge by reason of misconduct due to commission of a serious offense. You were so discharged on 31 July 1994.

In its review of your application the Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as the contention that a superior officer encouraged the relationship with the FR and that your post service conduct has been excellent. However, the Board concludes that these factors were not sufficient to warrant recharacterization of your discharge or a change in the reason for discharge, given your refusal to obey the order of your command. In this regard, there is no evidence in the record nor have you presented any that a superior officer encouraged the relationship with the FR. Additionally, the Board could not help but note that you were essentially given a second chance when the decision was made not to take formal disciplinary action when your fraternization with the female FR was discovered. Unfortunately, you failed to take advantage of this opportunity to redeem yourself, and disobeyed the order to refrain from seeing her. 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,

              W.DEAN PFEIFFER	
Executive Director

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