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. 
 
A three-member panel of the Board, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 25 March 2021.  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 requested promotion to Sergeant (Sgt)/E-5.  The Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, to include your assertions.  However, the Board concluded that you did not meet the eligibility criteria for promotion to Sgt/E-5 in accordance with the Marine Corps Promotions Manual.  Specifically, the policy indicates promotion to Sgt/E-5 would be authorized upon vacancies existing throughout the Marine Corps and would be effected by commanders on the basis of composite scores to be computed for each eligible Marine at such time as the Commandant of the Marine Corps directed.  Additionally, for promotion to Sgt/E-5, you would have been required to complete the minimum service in grade requirement, and pass an appropriate General Military Subjects Test.   
 
A review of your record reflects, you entered active duty on 29 August 1968.  On 1 August 1969, you were promoted to Corporal/E-4.  On 8 April 1970, you received NAVMC 118(11), Administrative Remarks recommending you for meritorious promotion to the rank of Sergeant. On 13 April 1970, your commanding officer published a meritorious mast bulletin recognizing your outstanding performance but there was no mention of you being meritoriously promoted to Sgt/E-5.  On 14 May 1970, you signed NAVMC 118(11), Administrative Remarks consenting to your release from active duty in lieu of your normal date of release on 28 August 1970.  You were released from active duty on 14 May 1970 and transferred to the Marine Corp Reserve.  Subsequently, you were discharged on 24 June 1974.  The Board could not find nor did you provide evidence of completing the aforementioned prerequisites, thereby rendering you ineligible for promotion to Sgt/E-5.    
 
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,
 
 4/17/2021
Deputy Director