Docket No. 4321-20
Ref: Signature Date 

 
Dear  ,  
 
This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to Section 1552 of Title 10, United States Code.  After careful and conscientious consideration of relevant portions of your naval record and your application, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found the evidence submitted insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  Consequently, your application has been denied. 
 
A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 14 January 2021.  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 and applicable statutes, regulations and policies.  In addition, the Board considered the advisory opinion contained in Office of the Chief of Naval Operations memorandum 7220 Ser N130/20U1147 of 27 July 2020; a copy of which was previously provided to you for comment.   
 
You requested to establish entitlement to Sea Duty Incentive Pay (SDIP).  The Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, to include your assertions.  However, the Board concluded you did not meet the eligibility criteria for SDIP in accordance with Policy Decision Memorandum 001-17:  Sea Duty Incentive Pay Program.  Specifically, the policy indicates Sailors must be approved for SDIP via Navy Message, prior to being selected for and posted for follow-on permanent change station orders. Once selected and posted to a billet, the Sailor is no longer eligible for SDIP.  Additionally, SDIP-Back to Back requests must be received by the detailer 11 to 13 months prior to prescribed sea tour completion date or projected rotation date, whichever occurs later.  A review of your record does not reflect evidence of your detailer receiving an official SDIP application from you.   Moreover, your rate change occurred after your prescribed window and would have resulted in your SDIP application being denied.  In this connection, the Board substantially concurred with the comments contained in the advisory opinion. 
 
The Board determined that your personal appearance, with or without counsel, would not materially add to their 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 are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon submission of new matters, which will require you to complete and submit a new DD Form 149.  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,