DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
	                                 BoARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
	WASHINGTON DC	

	SMW
Docket No: 2389-07
1 November 2007

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 31 October 2007. 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 the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.

On 8 July 2004, you enlisted in the Navy at age 19. On 19 August 2005, you began an unauthorized absence (TJA) that ended on 13 October 2005, a period of about 55 days. Based on the information currently contained in your record, it appears that you requested an other than honorable (0TH) discharge for the good of the service to avoid trial by court-martial for the 55-day period of UA. Apparently, the separation authority approved your request for an 0TH discharge for the good of the service to avoid trial by court-martial. On 18 November 2005, you were so discharged and assigned an RE—4 reenlistment code.

Regulations direct the assignment of an RE-4 reenlistment code to members who are separated with an 0TH discharge for the good of the service to avoid trial by court-martial. Given the 55-day period of UA and since you have been treated no differently than others in your situation, the Board could not find an error or injustice in the assignment of the RE-4 reenlistment code. Accordingly, your application has been denied. The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.
The Board did not consider whether the characterization of service or reason for separation should be changed, since you have not exhausted your administrative remedy of applying to the Naval Discharge Review Board (NDRB). You may apply to the NDRB by submitting the enclosed DD Form 293 to the address set forth on the form.

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

Enclosure