DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 

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

Docket No: 02906-16 

APR 20 2017 

Dear

This is in reference to your application for correction ofyour naval record pursuant to the 
provisions oftitle 10 ofthe United States Code, section 1552. 

Although your application was not filed in a timely manner, the Board found it in the interest of 
justice to waive the statute oflimitations and consider your application on its merits. A threemember 
panel ofthe Board for Correction ofNaval Records, sitting in executive session, 

considered your application on 9 January 2017. The names and votes ofthe members ofthe 
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 ofthis 
Board. Documentary material considered by the Board consisted ofyour application, together 
with all material submitted in support thereof, your naval record, and applicable statutes, 
regulations, and policies. 

You began a period of active duty in the Navy on 14 June 1974. You served for approximately 
nine months without disciplinary incident. On 1 March 197 5, you were counseled for low 
performance marks in professional performance (2.8) and adaptability (2.6). During your 
counseling, your mast for possession ofmarijuana while standing watch was noted. Following 
your counseling, you had two separate periods ofunauthorized absence (12 to 21May1975, and 
22May1975 to 1 July 1975) totaling 19 days. On 1 July 1975, you returned by surrender and on 
21 July 1975, you requested an other than honorable discharge for the good ofthe service. Your 
request was approved and you were discharged on 24 July 1975, with an other than honorable 
characterization ofservice. 

After careful and conscientious consideration ofthe entire record, the Board found the evidence 
submitted was insufficient to establish the existence ofprobable material error or injustice. The 
Board considered your request for an upgrade to your characterization in consideration of your 
youth at the time of your military service. You also state that you were misguided when you 
were discharged, and ask that your post-service conduct, including being married for 38 years, 
with three children, and your professional accomplishment of working for General be taken into 
consideration. The Board, in its review ofyour entire record and application, carefully weighed 
all potentially mitigating factors, such as your enlistment in the Navy on your 17th birthday. The 
Board found that your youth at the time ofyour service did not outweigh your misconduct as 
documented in your counseling. Accordingly, your application has been denied. 

Itis regretted that the circumstances ofyour case are such that favorable action cannot be taken 
at this time. You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon the submission of 
new and material evidence. New evidence is evidence not previously considered by the Board. 
In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that a presumption ofregularity 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 ofprobable material error or injustice. 

Sincerely, 

Executive Director