DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON DC 20370-S100

SJN
Docket No: 02511-07
1 November 2007

This is in reference to your application for correction of your naval record pursuant to the provisions of Title 10 of the United States Code, section 1552.

A three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Naval Records, sitting in executive session, considered your application on 24 October 2007. 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, your naval record, and applicable statutes, regulations, and policies.

After careful and conscientious consideration of the entire record, the Board found the evidence submitted was insufficient to establish the existence of probable material error or injustice.

You enlisted in the Navy on 14 October 1986 at age 20. You served without incident until 6 March 1988, when you received nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for a 28-day period of unauthorized absence (UA). On 12 January 1989 you were convicted by general court-martial (GCN) for a 67-day period of UA and writing bad checks. You were sentenced to confinement, a forfeiture of all pay and allowances, a fine, and a bad conduct discharge (BCD) On 9 May 1990 you received the BCD after appellate review was completed.

The Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potentially mitigating factors, such as your youth, overall period of service, and character letters accompanying your application. Nevertheless, the Board found that these factors were not sufficient to warrant recharacterization of your discharge given your record of NJP and conviction by GCM for very serious offenses. Accordingly, your application has been denied. The names and votes of the members of the panel will be furnished upon request.

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 submission of new and material evidence or other matter not previously 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,

							W. DEAN PFEIFFER
			 Executive Director