Docket No 7265-20 
 
  
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 7 September 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 Commanding Officer, Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center (NPPSC) letter 5400 N00 of 5 August 2021; a copy of which was previously provided to you for comment.   
 
On 29 August 1997, you enlisted for 8 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve.  On 1 October 1997, you entered active duty for 4 years.  You had a period of unauthorized absence from 12 November 1998 to 16 November 1998 for 4 days.  
 
You requested that you active duty service date reflect 1 October 1997 vice 5 October 1997.  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 that your record is correct.  In accordance with DoD 7000.14-R Financial Management Regulation Volume 7A, Chapter 1, when the absence is unauthorized absence of more than 1 day (24 consecutive hours) and is not administratively excused as unavoidable, then the period of absence is not creditable.  Active service time does not include periods of absence without leave.  Furthermore, when an enlisted person returns to duty after a period of lost time, add the number of days lost time to the member’s basic pay date to reflect the lost time.  On 8 December 1998, a record of unauthorized absence (NAVPERS 1070/606) was issued listing your unauthorized absence from , from 12 November 1998 to 16 November 1998 (4 days).  In this connection, the Board substantially concurred with the comments contained in the advisory opinion. 
  
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, 
10/14/2021
Deputy Director