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

				SJN
										Docket No: 08370-07 
										31 July 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 29 July 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.

You enlisted in the Navy on 4 October 1982 at age 18. On
22 December 1983, you were convicted by special court-martial
(SPCM) of two periods of unauthorized absence (UA) totaling
66 days. You were sentenced to confinement at hard labor, a
reduction in paygrade, and a forfeiture of pay.

On 19 January 1984, administrative discharge action was initiated by reason of misconduct due to commission of a serious offense. You waived your rights to consult counsel, submit a statement or have your case heard by an administrative discharge board (ADB). On 31 January 1984, your commanding officer forwarded his recommendation that you be discharged under other than honorable conditions by reason of misconduct. On 17 July 1984, the discharge authority directed an other than honorable discharge by reason of misconduct. On 24 July 1984 you were so discharged.

The Board, in its review of your application, carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your youth and overall record of service, and the reason you provided that caused your misconduct. Nevertheless, the Board concluded these factors were not sufficient to warrant recharacterjzation of your discharge because of your SPCM conviction for periods of UA totaling over two months. 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