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

SMW
Docket No: 6986-07
27 March 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.

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 26 March 2008. 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.

On 25 February 1986, you enlisted in the Navy at age 18. On 12 August 1986 and 29 April 1987, you had nonjudicial punishment for dereliction in the performance of your duties and failure to obey a lawful order. On 29 April 1987, you were counseled regarding deficiencies in your performance and conduct and warned that further infractions could result in administrative separation. During the period
24 to 25 September 1987, you were in an unauthorized absence (UA) status and missed the movement of your ship.
On 30 September 1987, you were UA for about ten hours. On 26 October 1987, you requested an evaluation at a mental health unit to assist you with a discharge or transfer. During your initial evaluation you stated that you were angry because your command did not help you get discharged or transferred and that you had episodic suicidal thoughts. You further stated that you considered making a rope to hang yourself the night before, but stopped due to your fear of the pain.

On 29 October 1987, a psychiatric evaluation found that you abused alcohol and diagnosed you as having a personality disorder not otherwise specified with passive and aggressive traits. On 30 October 1987, you acknowledged by a service record entry that you were not recommended for reenlistment.

On 31 October 1987, your commanding officer initiated an administrative separation by reason of convenience of the government due to a personality disorder. In connection with this processing, you acknowledged the separation action and did not object. On 3 November 1987, the separation authority approved the separation recommendation and directed discharge by reason of convenience of the government due to a personality disorder and that your characterization of service be determined by your service record. On 6 November 1987, you were honorably discharged by reason of convenience of the government due to a personality disorder and assigned an RE—4 reenlistment code.

Regulations authorize the assignment of an RE-4 reenlistment code to members who are honorably discharged by reason of convenience of the government due to a personality disorder and are not recommended for retention or are considered a threat to harm themselves or others if retained. Given your suicidal ideation and since you have been treated no differently than others in your situation, 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