DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS
2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON DC 20370-5100

SMW
	Docket No:3567-07
5 March 2008

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 5 March 2008. 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.

On 20 January 1975, you enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 20. On 21 September 1975, you had nonjudicial punishment (NJP) for disrespect. On 12 November 1975, you were informed that you were being recommended for the expeditious discharge program. On 27 January 1976, your commanding officer initiated administrative separation processing under the Marine Corps’ expeditious discharge program, and recommended a general discharge. Your commanding officer further stated that he was making such a recommendation because of your lack of motivation, childish refusal to take orders from noncommissioned officers younger than you, shirking your duties, and repeated attempts to get discharged. In connection with this processing, you acknowledged the discharge recommendation and did not object. On
3 February 1976, you had NJP for misbehavior of a sentinel. 

On 5 March 1976, the separation authority approved the separation 
recommendation and directed a general discharge by reason of 
convenience of the government under the expeditious discharge program. 
On 18 March 1976, you were so discharged.

The Board found that you were fortunate that your commanding officer 
chose to recommend you for separation under the
expeditious discharge program, since your intentional violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice could have resulted in additional disciplinary actions and an other than honorable discharge. Therefore, the Board found that you were fortunate to have received a general discharge. Additionally, characterization of service is based, in part, on conduct and proficiency averages computed from marks assigned on a periodic basis. Your conduct and proficiency averages were 4.0 and 3.6, respectively. An average mark of 4.0 in conduct was required at the time of your separation for a fully honorable characterization of service.

The Board, in its review of your entire record and application, carefully weighed all potential mitigation, such as your youth and contention that you never got into any trouble. Nevertheless, the Board found that these factors and contention were not sufficient to warrant recharacteriZation of your service due to the seriousness of your misconduct and failure to attain the conduct average required for a fully honorable characterization of service. Therefore, the Board concluded that the discharge was proper as issued and no change is warranted. 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