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

Docket No: 2862-19 
Ref: Signature Date 

Dear
 
This is in reference to your application of 21 February 2019 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 that 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 7 April 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, 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 January 1981.  During the period from 17 May to 20 June 1983, you received two non-judicial punishments (NJP) for violation of a lawful order (possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia), and two specifications of wrongful use of marijuana.  Subsequently, you were notified of an administrative action to separate you from the naval service for misconduct due to drug abuse.  After you waived your rights, your commanding officer (CO) recommended discharge with an other than honorable (OTH) characterization of service for misconduct due to drug abuse.  The discharge authority approved this recommendation and directed separation.  On 21 March 1984, you were so discharged. 

The Board carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors in your case, including your desire to upgrade your discharge and contention that you do not believe you deserve an OTH discharge.  Regarding your contention that you do not believe you deserve an OTH discharge.  The Board noted that the record contains documented evidence, which is contrary to your contention.  The record shows that you received two drug related NJPs while serving on active duty. The Board concluded that there was no probable material error or injustice in your 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 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. 

Sincerely,