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

				 TRG
	Docket No: 4237-06
 	31 October 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 23 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 that the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.

You enlisted in the Navy on 8 December 1998 at age 30. Although your record is incomplete it appears that you served without incident until 15 March 2001. On that date, you received nonjudicial punishment for an unspecified period of unauthorized absence and disobedience. There is no further record of misconduct filed in your record, On 15 April 2004, you were notified of separation processing by reason of misconduct. You were informed that the least favorable characterization of service would be a general discharge. Your commanding officer stated in his recommendation for your discharge, in part, as follows:

[His] criminal acts, which form the basis of his separation, are part of an ongoing course of conduct that is unacceptable for any service member to engage in. [He] has shown a continued defiance towards authority through repeated unauthorized absences and a failure to properly respond to direction. He has been counseled about his behavior on numerous occasions. Unfortunately, he has shown, through his reluctance to change his performance and attitude, that he is unwilling to accept positive mentorship and corrective
measures. Accordingly, i have determined that the offenses committed were serious, that here is a strong likelihood of recurrence...

On 28 May 2004, the general court-martial convening authority (GCMCA) directed a general discharge by reason of misconduct and you were so discharged on 15 June 2004.

In its review of your application, the Board carefully considered all potentially mitigating factors, such as your length of service, the incomplete record and the documentation you submitted that shows you have severe allergies. You contend, in effect, that allergic reactions led to your inability to adjust to naval service and that your offenses were relatively minor. The Board found that these factors and contentions were not sufficient to warrant recharacterization of your discharge given the comments of the commanding officer which suggest that you had committed numerous instances of relatively serious misconduct. Further, the discharge package was reviewed by the GCMCA who believed that you had committed misconduct warranting discharge. The Board concluded that the discharge was proper as issued and no change is warranted.

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