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

BJG
Docket No: 11165-06
23 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.

It is noted that the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) has directed modifying the contested fitness report for 1 January to 5 February 2002 by changing section K.6 to show you did not attach a statement to the reviewing officer’s comments and removing the following third sighting officer’s statement: “He has acknowledged his need for assistance with alcohol and his progress will be monitored by this command.”

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 19 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. In addition, the Board considered the report of the Headquarters Marine Corps Performance Evaluation Review Board (PERB), dated 19 December 2006, a copy of which is attached.

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 warranting relief. In this connection, the Board substantially concurred with the comments contained in the report of the PERB. Accordingly, your application for relief beyond that effected by CMC 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

Enclosure

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
3280 RUSSELL ROAD
QUANTICO. VIRGINIA 22134-5103

							IN REPLY REFER TO:
-	1610
	MMER/ PERE
	DEC 19 2006

MEMORANDUM FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS

Subj:	MARINE CORPS PERFORMANCE EVALUATION REVIEW BOARD (PERE)

(a) DD Form 149 of 29 Jun 06
(b)	MCO P1610.7E w/Ch 1-2

1.	Per MCO 610.11c, the Performance Evaluation Review Board, with three members present, met on 13 December 2006 to consider
contained in reference (a). 
Removal of the fitness report for the period 20020101 to 20020205 (DC) was requested. Reference (b) is the performance evaluation directive governing submission of the report.

2.	The petitioner contends the report is administratively incorrect because the section “A”, item 6c is checked and he did not receive Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) for the DUI. The petitioner also states that section “K”, item 6, indicates that he attached a statement when he did not. Finally, the petitioner believes that the third officer sighter added negative material that was incorrect.

3.	In its proceedings, the PERB concluded that the report is administratively incorrect, however, it is procedurally complete as written and filed. The following is offered as relevant:

a.	The Board directed that section “K”, item 6 mark be changed to show “I have no statement to make” vice “I have attached a statement.” The Board also directed that the following verbiage be removed from the third officer sighter’s addendum page — “He has acknowledged his need for assistance with alcohol and his progress will be monitored by this command.” These corrections will make the report administratively correct.

b.	Per paragraph 4003.6c of reference (b), disciplinary action is defined as “any conviction of an intoxication driving
offense”. In this case, the Board found that the petitioner does not dispute the reporting senior’s section “I” comments and that he pleaded guilty and the case was adjudicated in civilian court.

c.	Per paragraph 5005.3c of reference (b), if the third officer sighter remarks add new adverse material, the report must then be forwarded to the MRO for acknowledgement and the opportunity to make a statement. The Board found that the comment “acknowledged his need for assistance with alcohol and his progress will be monitored by this command” is newly added adverse material and directed that it be expunged from the report.

4.	The Board’s opinion, based on deliberation and secret ballot
vote, is that the contested fitness report covering the period
20020101 to 20010205 (DC) should remain a part military record, with the exception of the corrections mentioned in paragraph 3 (a) of this letter.

5. The case is forwarded for final action.

Chairperson, Pers Evaluation Review Board
Personnel Management)Division
Manpower and Reserve Affairs
Department
By direction of the Commandant
of the Marine Corps