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

Docket No: 6028-17 
FEB 25 2019 

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. After careful and conscientious 
consideration of the entire record, the Board found the evidence submitted was insufficient to 
establish the existence of probable material error or injustice. Consequently, your application 
has been denied. 

Although your application was not filed in a timely manner, the Board found it in the interest of 
justice to waive the statute of limitations and consider your application on its merits. A three-member 
panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, 
considered your application on 15 October 2018. 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. 

You enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active duty on 19 April 1982. On 27 September 
1982, you received non-judicial punishment (NJP) for seven specifications of failure to go to 
your appointed place of duty and failure to obey a lawful order. You were counseled regarding 
your deficiencies in behavior and notified any further misconduct may be grounds for 
administrative separation. During the period from 10 January to 18 February 1983, you 
participated in alcohol rehabilitation treatment. On 24 March 1983, you received NJP for the 
indulgence of intoxicating liquor while on duty. On 7 April 1983, you were notified of the 
initiation of administrative separation proceedings by reason of alcohol rehabilitation failure. 
On 20 April 1983, you submitted a statement admitted to relapsing after completing alcohol 
rehabilitation, failing to obey the order to attend alcoholics anonymous (AA, continue the 
Antabuse regime, and objected to the discharge. On 13 May 1983, your commanding officer 
recommended a general (under honorable conditions) characterization of service. On 15 June 
1983, the discharge authority directed a general (under honorable) discharge. Prior to your 
discharge, you received NJP for failure to go to your place of duty and on 5 July 1983, you were 
discharged. 
 
The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your desire to upgrade 
your discharge and contentions that you were never AWOL, always did your assigned duties, 
have been employed over the years, and are not currently using alcohol. The Board concluded 
that these factors were not sufficient to warrant an upgrading to your discharge. The Board 
commends your current employment status and ongoing sobriety, however, the record reflects 
you were discharged based on your alcohol rehabilitation failure and not for unauthorized 
absence. The Board in its review discerned no impropriety or inequity in your discharge. 

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 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 ofprobable material error or injustice. 

Sincerely, 



Executive Director