DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 

Docket No: 9174-18
Ref: Signature date 

Dear   :

This letter is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552.  After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  Consequently, your application has been denied. 

Although your application was not filed in a timely manner, the Board found it in the interest of justice to waive the statute of limitations and consider your application on its merits.  A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 25 February 2019.  The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.  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, relevant portions of your naval record, as well as applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 

Regarding your request for a personal appearance, the Board determined that a personal appearance with or without counsel will not materially add to its understanding of the issues involved.  Therefore, the Board determined that a personal appearance was not necessary and considered your case based on the evidence of record.
 
You enlisted in the Naval Reserve and served a period of active duty from 17 August 1988 through 4 February 1989, when you were discharged honorably upon completion of your required training period and returned to your reserve unit/activity.  On 14 September 1991, you were notified of administrative separation proceedings against you on the basis of unsatisfactory participation.  On 13 November 1991, commanding officer (CO), Naval Air Station,                recommended that you be administratively separated due to unsatisfactory participation.  The CO noted that a board was not held and that he recommended you receive an other than honorable characterization.  You were discharged from the Naval Reserve on 3 December 1991, on the basis of unsatisfactory participation, and received an other than honorable characterization of service and a reentry (RE) code of RE-4. 

You request an upgrade to your characterization of service from other than honorable to general.  You contend that your current characterization is based your “AWOL infraction” and its assignment to your service does not adhere to the severity of the other than honorable designation.  You contend that you were not discharged due to criminal or security violations.  You state that you did not meet your duty expectations due to some personal issues.  During your time in the Navy Reserve you were a full time university student, worked seven days a week, and your vehicle broke down. You state you were spread too thin in all commitments and were not able due locate a carpool or afford a hotel.  Additionally, you provide information about your post-service accomplishments including your role as a foster mother and mother to an adopted son. 

The Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, including your personal circumstances during your military service and your post-service accomplishments.  Nonetheless, the Board noted that you were unable to meet your reserve requirements, did not elect to appear before an administrative separation board to contest the other than honorable characterization of service, and were afforded the proper administrative separation procedures prior to your discharge.  Although you stated that you did not receive notice from your mother until after the discharge, the two month period between mailing to your address and separation complied with proper procedures.  The Board concluded that even in consideration of your personal circumstances and your achievements and contributions since your discharge, that the other than honorable characterization was supported by the information reflected in your record.  The Board found that your administrative separation was executed without error or injustice and does not merit corrective action. 

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 matters.  New matters are those not previously presented to or 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, 


6/5/2019