DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON DC 2O37O~5 100

TRG
	Docket No: 8709—06
	25 February 2008

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.

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 13 January 2000 at age 20. You then served without incident until 15 July 2002. On that date YOU received nonjudicial punishment for making a false official statement. On 5 October 2002 you began a period of unauthorized absence which lasted until you surrendered on 2 July 2004, a period of about 628 days.

Based on the 628 day period of unauthorized absence, you were processed for an administrative discharge by reason of misconduct. In connection with this processing, you elected to waive the right to have your case heard by an administrative discharge board. After review, the discharge authority directed discharge under other than honorable conditions and you were so discharged on 22 July 2004. At that time, you were not recommended for reenlistment and assigned an RE-4 reenlistment code.

In its review of your application the Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your youth and desire to again serve in the military. The Board found that these factors were not sufficient to warrant recharacterization of your discharge given your lengthy period of unauthorized absence. The Board concluded that the discharge was proper as issued and no change is warranted.

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 discharged for that reason, 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