Docket No: 1175-21 
Ref: Signature Date 
              
Dear  
 
This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to Section 1552 of Title 10, United States Code.  After careful and conscientious consideration of relevant portions of your naval record and your application, the Board for Correction of Naval Records (Board) found the evidence submitted 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  10 March 2021.  The names and votes of the panel members 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 the 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, to include the 25 July 2018 guidance from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness regarding equity, injustice or clemency determinations (Wilkie Memo). 
 
The Board determined that your personal appearance, with or without counsel, would not materially add to their understanding of the issues involved.  Therefore, the Board determined that a personal appearance was not necessary and considered your case based on the evidence of record. 
 
You enlisted in the Navy and began a period of active duty on 11 September 1998.  On 2 April 2000, you were issued a formal counseling/warning by the Executive Officer of the  regarding unauthorized absence and missing movement.  On 6 July 2002, you received non-judicial punishment (NJP) for wrongful introduction and possession of steroids onboard a naval vessel.  Unfortunately, the documents pertinent to your administrative separation are not in your official military personnel file (OMPF).  However, your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), reveals that you were separated on 27 September 2002 with an other than honorable (OTH) characterization of service, your narrative reason for separation is “Misconduct,” your separation code is “HKK,” and your reenlistment code is “RE-4.”  
 
The Board carefully considered all potentially mitigating factors to determine whether the interests of justice warrant relief in your case in accordance with the Wilkie Memo.  These included, but were not limited to, your desire to upgrade your discharge and assertion that you purchased a testosterone booster from Pump Magazine and therefore, believed that it was a legal purchase.  You further contend that you were misrepresented and mislead by your legal counsel, were advised not to speak and your legal counsel assured you that this would be considered a minor infraction that would not affect your active or non-active military status.  You also contend that during your period of active duty, you had four years of good conduct and received several awards.   
 
The Board noted that you did not submit any documentation or advocacy letters to be considered in support of your petition.  Based upon this review, the Board concluded these potentially mitigating factors were insufficient to warrant relief.  Specifically, the Board determined that your misconduct, as evidenced by three NJPs, outweighed these mitigating factors.  Accordingly, given the totality of the circumstances, the Board determined that your request does not merit relief. 
 
You are entitled to have the Board reconsider its decision upon 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, 
3/24/2021
Executive Director