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

		CRS
		Docket No: 8551-06
		2 March 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 January 2007. Your allegations of error and ln]ustlce 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.

The Board found that you enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on 15 December 1995. Under the terms of your enlistment contract, you were required to participate in 48 drills and perform 14 days of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) each year. You reported for initial ACDUTRA on 23 January 1996. On 26 July 1996 you were released from active duty and assigned to a Marine Corps Reserve unit.

On 28 January 1998 your commanding officer recommended that you be separated with an other than honorable discharge by reason of unsatisfactory participation due to unexcused absences. When informed of the recommendation, you elected to waive the right to present your case to an administrative discharge board. After review by the discharge authority, the recommendation for separation was approved and on 23 September 1998 you received an other than honorable discharge.

In its review of your application the Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your family problems. Nevertheless, the Board concluded that these factors were not sufficient to warrant recharacterization of your discharge. In this regard, the Board considered your failure to attend drills was sufficient to warrant an other than honorable discharge. 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

Copy to:	Mr.