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

	CRS
Docket No: 10229-06
26 January 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 10 January 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.

The Board found that you enlisted in the Navy on 31 May 1978. The record reflects that you received five nonjudicial punishments and were convicted by a special court-martial. The offenses included unauthorized absences totaling 58 days, larceny, and possession of two identification cards. Subsequently, on 5 May 1981 it was noted that you could not stop using drugs. When offered treatment on 24 May 1981, you failed to report. A second special court-martial convened on 26 September 1981 and found you guilty of failing to go to your appointed place of duty on 22 occasions and an unauthorized absence of four days.

On 5 November 1981 your commanding officer recommended that you be separated with an other than honorable discharge by reason of misconduct due to frequent discreditable involvement. 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 18 December 1981 you received an other than honorable discharge.

In its review of your application the Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your youth and the contention that the Navy failed to help you with your drug problem. Nevertheless, the Board concluded that these factors were not sufficient to warrant recharacterization of your discharge, given your record of frequent involvement with military authorities. In this regard, you were the subject of seven disciplinary actions in a period of less than four years. Concerning your contention, the record shows that you failed to take advantage of treatment when it was offered. Further, drug use does not excuse misconduct, and disciplinary action and administrative separation are appropriate. 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,

ROBERT D. ZSALMAN
Acting Executive Director

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