DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
				         2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON DC 2O370- 5I00

				 TRG
	Docket No: 4816-06
	 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 6 November 2003 at age 19. On 25 November 2004 and 31 January 2005, you received nonjudicial punishments. Your offenses were underage drinking, dereliction of duty, false official statement, theft of a wood baton, three instances of disobedience, use and possession of marijuana, 13 absences from restriction musters and assault.

Based on the foregoing record, you were processed for an administrative discharge by reason of misconduct. An administrative discharge board (ADB) met on 12 July 2005 and found that you had committed misconduct, but recommended a suspended general discharge.

On 6 January 2006, your commanding officer forwarded a letter from the senior member of the ADB to the Navy Personnel Command (NPC). He pointed out that he was surprised when the ADB recommended a suspended general discharge since your misconduct warranted a discharge under other than honorable conditions. However, he stated that he had observed your excellent conduct and performance since the ADB and had concluded that you now warranted retention in the Navy. After review, NPC disagreed with this recommendation and directed a general discharge by reason of misconduct. You were so discharged on 8 February 2006. At that time, you were not recommended for reenlistment and were assigned an RE-4 reenlistment code.
You contend in your application, in effect, that you should have been retained in the Navy since the ADB and your commanding officer recommended retention to complete your probationary period. However, it is clear that NPC had the authority to direct discharge. Given your record of misconduct you were fortunate to have been issued a general discharge.

Regulations require the assignment of an RE-4 reenlistment code when an individual is discharged by reason of misconduct. 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.

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