Docket No: 2766-21 
              
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 19 May 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 29 May 1980.  On 4 January 1984, you received non-judicial punishment (NJP) for wrongful use of marijuana.  Subsequently, you were notified that you were being recommended for administrative discharge from the naval service by reason of misconduct due to drug abuse.  You were advised of, and elected, your procedural right to consult with and be represented by military counsel, and your right to present your case to an administrative discharge board (ADB).  An ADB was convened, it found that you committed misconduct, and recommended that you be separated from the naval service with an other than honorable (OTH) characterization of service. 
 
Your commanding officer (CO) then forwarded your administrative separation package to the separation authority (SA) recommending your administrative discharge from the naval service with an OTH characterization of service.  The SA approved the recommendation and directed your separation from the naval service with an OTH characterization of service.  On 19 April 1984, you were so discharged.   
    
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 contention that you served the majority of your enlistment honorably, and you made one mistake at the tail end of your Navy career.  You believe that one incident should not tarnish an otherwise exemplary service. 
 
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 an NJP, which involved wrongful use of a controlled substance, outweighed these mitigating factors.  The Board noted you did not submit any documentation or advocacy letters to be considered by the board in support of your petition.  Additionally, the Board noted that is no precedent within this Board’s review, for minimizing the “one incident.”  As with each case before the Board, the seriousness of a single act must be judged on its own merit; it can neither be excused nor extenuated solely based on its isolation.  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, 
									 6/3/2021
									 Executive Director