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

Docket No: 10362-19 
Ref: Signature Date 

Dar   :

This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552.  After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.  Consequently, your application has been denied. 

A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 6 January 2020.  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, as well as applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. 

You enlisted in the Marine Corps and began a period of active duty on 2 November 2015. On 20 June 2017, you received nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for underage drinking. You were awarded restriction, extra duties, reduction in rank, and forfeiture of pay (which was suspended for 6 months).  On 28 June 2017, you were referred to the substance abuse counseling office, counseled that you were not eligible for promotion for 6 months, and advised that failure to take corrective action could result in administrative separation or judicial proceedings.  On 12 July 2017, you completed early intervention alcohol rehabilitation (Level I).  On 25 September 2017, you received a second NJP for being absent from your appointed place of duty and underage drinking.  You were awarded restriction, extra duties, reduction in rank, and forfeiture of pay.  On 28 September 2017, counseled that you were not eligible for promotion for 6 months and advised that failure to take corrective action could result in administrative separation or judicial proceedings.  You were screened by a clinical counselor who recommended group and therapy. 

On 17 November 2017, administrative discharge action was initiated due to pattern of misconduct.  Your commanding officer recommended that you receive an under other than honorable (OTH) conditions discharge.  After being afforded all of your procedural rights, you elected to have your case heard by an administrative discharge board (ADB).  On 8 February 2018, you completed an alcohol rehabilitation outpatient program.  On 8 March 2018, the ADB voted to separate you with a general (under honorable conditions) discharge.  On 20 March 2018, you requested suspension of your separation, which was denied.  On 3 April 2018, you were discharged with a general characterization of service and assigned a reentry (RE) code of RE-4. 

You request the Board change your RE code.  In support of your petition, you attached statements from Marines supporting your retention that were part of your administrative separation package, your Counsel’s request for suspension of your separation, your in-service martial arts training records and letters of appreciation.  The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your record of service and contentions but concluded these factors were not sufficient to warrant a change to your RE code. 

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 the submission of new matters, which will require you to complete and submit a new DD Form 149.  New matters are those not previously presented to or 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 of probable material error or injustice. 

1/27/2020
Deputy Director