DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON DC 2O37O-5100

		SJN
									Docket No: 03551-06 
									19 September 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 September 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 the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.

You enlisted in the Navy on 13 July 1988 at age 17. You served without incident for over two years, until 26 September and 4 October 1990, when you received nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for a 20-day period of unauthorized absence (UA) and wrongful use of marijuana.

On 10 October 1990, administrative discharge action was initiated to separate you by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse. You then waived your rights to consult counsel, submit a statement or have your case heard by an administrative discharge board (ADB).

On 12 October 1990, your commanding officer forwarded his recommendation that you be discharged under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse. On 24 October 1990 the discharge authority directed an other than honorable discharge by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse. On 30 October 1990 you were so discharged.

The Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your youth and time in service. Nevertheless, the Board concluded these factors were not sufficient to warrant recharacterization of your discharge because of the serious nature of your drug use. The Board also noted that you waived the right to an ADB, your best opportunity for retention or a better 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,

W.	DEAN PFEIFFER
Executive Director