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

DocketNo:  8369-17
MAR 27 2019

Dear

This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to the 
provisions of Title 10, 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 
was 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 14 December 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, applicable 
statutes, regulations, and policies.

You enlisted in the Marine Corps and began a period of active duty on 4 February 1972. On 
30 December 1972, you began a period or unauthorized absence (UA) that terminated by your 
apprehension on 26 April 1973. During the period from 14 May 1973 to 1 October 1973, you
received nonjudicial punishment (NJP) on four Occasions for UA, two instances of disobeying a 
lawful order, and using disrespectful language. On 2 April 1974, you were not recommended for 
reenlistment due to your poor record and lack of discipline. On 1 August 1974, you were 
discharged from active service with a general (under honorable conditions) character of service 
and transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve.

The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your desire to upgrade 
your discharge, your assertion that mistakes were made, and contention that correction to your 
record is in the interest of justice. The Board concluded these factors were not sufficient to 
warrant a change to your discharge given your misconduct which resulted in four NJPs.
Additionally, character of service is based upon conduct averages which are assigned during 
periodic evaluations. Your conduct average was 3.8. An average of 4.0 in conduct was required
at the time of your separation for a fully honorable character of service. The Board in its review 
discerned no impropriety or inequity in the discharge.

It is regretted that the circumstances of your case are such that favorable action cannot be taken. 
You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon 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 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,

Executive Director