Docket No: 2533-19 

Ref: Signature date 


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 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 you did not file your application 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 
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 Marine Corps and began a period of active duty on .  On    you received a counseling entry in your service record regarding your understanding that you were not recommended for reenlistment and were being assigned a re-enlistment (RE) code of RE-3F by reason of fraudulent entry into the Marine Corps for prior Drug Possession. On you were discharged from the Marine Corps, and received an Uncharacterized discharge based on fraudulent entry (drug abuse) and an RE-3F. 

You request a change to your RE-3F and ask that the reference to “Drug Abuse” be dropped 
from your record. You stated that you received an RE-3F, which is “Drug Abuse” and contend 
that you did not abuse drugs during your time in basic training. You are trying to join the Army 
and are being precluded from doing so. 

The Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potentially 
mitigating factors, including your desire to return to military service. The Board noted that an 
RE-3F is not necessarily reflective of drug abuse. Pursuant to the Marine Corps Separations 
Manual, an RE-3F is assigned upon the failure of a Marine to complete recruit training. The 
Board reviewed your record and noted the service record book entry, which indicates you were being assigned an RE-3F for fraudulent entry into the Marine Corps, was due to your failure to disclose prior drug possession. Although you did not have in-service drug abuse, your failure to disclose pre-service drug possession is the stated reason for your receipt of the RE-3F. The Board determined that the RE-3F’s assignment was properly documented in your service record and that a failure to disclose pre-service misconduct is a sufficient basis for the issuance of the RE-3F. Accordingly, the Board determined that your record does not reflect an error or an injustice and corrective action is not warranted. 

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.