DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 
701 S. COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 1001 
ARLINGTON, VA 22204-2490 
Docket No: 2205-17 

Dear 

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

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 23 June 2017. The names and votes ofthe 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, your naval record, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 

You began a period of active duty in the Navy on 30 June 1997. You served over two years 
recommendation for an other than honorable discharge characterization. On 28 March 2000, you acknowledged your rights and waived your right to appear before an administrative separation board. You were discharged from the Navy on 14 April 2000, with an other than honorable characterization of service. 

The Board considered your request for an upgrade to your service characterization from other than honorable to general. When making its determination, the Board noted that you ask for an upgrade on the basis of the time that has elapse since your separation from the military. You also state that you were young, have since learned from your mistake, and that you have had no drug abuse or drug charges since your discharge. 

After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board found the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material or injustice. The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such the 17 years since the time of your discharge as well as your statement that you have not incurred any drug incidents in that time. The Board found, that your post-service conduct is not sufficient to overcome the seriousness of 
the misconduct of drug abuse while on active duty. The Board found that the other than honorable characterization ofservice is warranted and that the administrative separation proceedings were executed in accordance with regulatory guidance. The Board determined the other than honorable discharge characterization was appropriately assigned given the misconduct of drug abuse. Accordingly, your application has been denied. 

It is regretted that the circumstances of your 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