DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 

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

Docket No: 0543-16 
JAN 11 2017 

Dear : 

This is in reference to your application for correction ofyour naval record pursuant to the 
provisions oftitle 10 of the 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 5 October 2016. The names and votes ofthe members ofthe 
panel will be furnished upon request. Your allegations oferror 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 ofyour application, together 
with all material submitted in support thereof, your naval record, and applicable statutes, 
regulations, and policies. 

After careful and conscientious consideration ofthe entire record, the Board found the evidence 
submitted was insufficient to establish the existence ofprobable material error or iajustice. 

You enlisted in the Marine Corps and began a period ofactive duty on 10 April 1981. On 
24 February 1982 and 27 September 1984, you received nonjudicial punislunent (NJP) for 
offenses including breach of peace, drunk and disorderly, and the wrongful use ofa controlled 
substance (marijuana). Subsequently, you were notified ofadministrative separation, and on 23 
January 1985 you elected your right to present your case to an administrative discharge board 
(ADB). The ADB was held on 5 March 1985, and the ADB recommended an administrative 
discharge with an other than honorable (OTH) discharge. The Commanding Officer concurred 
with the ADB's recommendation. The discharge authority approved this recommendation and 
directed discharge by reason ofmisconduct due to drug abuse with an OTH discharge. On 26 
March 1985, you were discharged with an OTH characterization ofservice. 

The Board, in its review ofyour record and application, carefully weighed all potentially 
mitigating factors, such as your contention that you were a good Marine that got hooked on a 
drug and instead oftreating the disease you were conrt martial ed. Nevertheless, the Board 
concluded these factors were not sufficient to warrant relief in your case because ofthe 
seriousness ofyour drug-related and other misconduct. Accordingly, your application has been 
denied. 

It is regretted that the circumstances ofyour case are such that favorable action cannot be taken. 
You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon submission ofnew and material 
evidence within one year from the date ofthe Board's decision. New evidence is evidence not 
previously considered by the Board prior to making its decision in your case. 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