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

						CRS 
						Docket No: 8827-05
										1 March 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 1 March 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. In addition, the Board considered a letter furnished by Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) dated 21 March 1983, a copy of which is attached.

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 Marine Corps on 18 July 1980. The record reflects that on 12 August 1980 you received nonjudicial punishment for absence from your appointed place of duty and willful disobedience of a lawful order. On 27 October 1980 you received an honorable discharge by reason of “Marine Corps recruit failure program.” At that time, you were assigned a reenlistment code of RE-3F.

You submitted a letter from a doctor, dated 20 February 2004, that stated he was treating you for bipolar disorder.

In its review of your application the Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your youth and contention that you had a bipolar disorder prior to enlistment. However, the Board concluded that these factors were not sufficient to warrant a change in the reason for discharge. Additionally, the Board concurred with the comments contained in the HQMC letter. Further, there is no indication that your bipolar disorder caused an inability to know right from wrong or adhere to the right, or that it otherwise rendered the reason for separation and reenlistment code improper or unjust. 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