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

					 SJN
				 Docket No: 11276-06
				 29 June 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 27 June 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 the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.

You enlisted in the Navy on 11 December 1989 at age 17. During the period from 25 April 1990 to 2 June 1992, you received five nonjudicial punishments (NJP’s) for four periods of unauthorized absence (UA) totaling 112 days and four instances of disobedience. Additionally, you were counseled and warned that further misconduct could result in administrative separation action.

On 9. June 1992 you were notified of pending administrative separation action by reason of misconduct due to a pattern of misconduct. You waived your right to consult with counsel, submit a statement or have your case heard by an administrative discharge board (ADB).

On 16 June 1992, your commanding officer forwarded his recommendation that you be discharged under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct. On 7 July 1992 the discharge authority directed an other than honorable discharge by reason of misconduct due to a pattern of misconduct. On 21 March 2002 you were so discharged.

The Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your youth, overall period of service, post service accomplishments, and the character letters accompanying your application. Nevertheless, the Board found that these factors were not sufficient to warrant recharacterization of your discharge given your record of five NJP’s, one of which was for a period of UA totaling over 90 days, and the fact that you were counseled and warned of the consequences of further misconduct. Further, you waived the right to an ADB, your best chance for retention or a better characterization of service. 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