DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
2 NAVY ANNEX
                                                                                                                      WASHINGTON DC 20370-51 00	

		CRS
		Docket No: 7097-05
		8 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 26 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 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 18 November 2002. The record reflects that you received two nonjudicial punishments. The offenses included larceny and wrongful appropriation, underage drinking and absence from your appointed place of duty on three occasions.

on 26 August 2004 you were tried by general court-martial (0CM) on unspecified charges and specifications. Although the record does not reflect the findings or sentence of the GCM, it appears that you were convicted of at least some of the charged offenses. However, it also appears that the sentence of the court did not extend to a punitive discharge.

Although your record does not contain the separation documents, it appears that your commanding officer recommended that you be separated with an other than honorable discharge by reason of misconduct due to a pattern of misconduct and, after review by the discharge authority, the recommendation for separation was approved. The record clearly shows that on 29 April 2005 you received an other than honorable discharge.
In its review of your application the Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as the contention that the witnesses lied at your court-martial. However, the Board concluded that these factors were not sufficient to warrant reinstatement, given your frequent involvement with military authorities. Specifically, you were the subject of three disciplinary actions within a period of less than three years. Further, the Board has no authority to disturb the findings or sentence of a court-martial based on claims of legal error. 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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