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

Docket No. 2369-19


Dear : 
 
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. 
 
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, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 25 June 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, available 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 16 June 1986.  On 30 March 1990, upon completion of your required active service, you were released from active duty with an honorable characterization of service. 
 
The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors in your case, including your desire to have your participation in the “Team Spirit” exercise in in 1987 annotated in your record, specifically, on your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214). 
 
The Board considered your contention that you went to  for “Team Spirit 87” and your records do not reflect this deployment.  After careful consideration, the Board concluded there was insufficient evidence to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice. 
 
In this regard, the Board noted you were informed by the Headquarters Marine Corps, Manpower Management Records and Performance Branch (MMRP-13) letter of 28 August 2018, that, for Reservists, only participation in a contingency operation area or periods of active duty for training of 90 days are authorized to be annotated on the DD Form 214.  As such, your record is correct and the request for an official change cannot be authorized. 
 
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.