RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-03208
		INDEX NUMBER:  100.00
	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her uncharacterized discharge and Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) Code be upgraded to allow her to enter the Air National Guard (ANG).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The incident leading to her discharge was temporary and she has long since recovered with no further complications.

The applicant states that early in her career she was young and lacked appropriate coping skills to deal with the death of a family member.  Since she was new to the Air Force, she thought the best thing to do would be to discontinue her service.  Since her discharge, she has married, lived overseas, obtained an associate’s degree, and worked closely with the military community.

In support of the appeal, the applicant submits documentation regarding her post-service activities.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 15 October 1997 for a period of four years.

The applicant was notified on 9 April 1998, that her commander was recommending that she be discharged from the Air Force for entry level performance and conduct.  The reason for this action was that the applicant was diagnosed as having an adjustment disorder with depressed mood features which significantly impaired her ability to function effectively in the military environment.

On 20 April 1998, the applicant received an uncharacterized entry level separation under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Entry Level Performance and Conduct), and was issued an RE Code of 2K (formally notified by the unit commander of initiation of involuntary separation action).  She completed 6 months and 6 days of active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends the applicant’s RE Code be changed to 3K (Reserved for use by HQ AFPC or the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR) when no other reenlistment eligibility code applies or is appropriate) which will allow military authorities to waive the reason for her discharge if she is otherwise fully qualified for military service.  The BCMR Medical Consultant states that the circumstances that led to her separation have apparently been resolved as is often the case with adjustment disorders, and she now appears ready and capable of rendering satisfactory military service as an ANG member.  Therefore, it would seem appropriate to consider granting her request, particularly in light of current world situations and the military’s need for volunteers.  However, her uncharacterized discharge should not be changed as it reflects her separation before completing a period of service (i.e., 180-days of continuous active service) that would allow an honorable characterization.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRS concurs with the BCMR Medical Consultant’s recommendation to change the applicant’s RE Code to 3K.  In addition, AFPC/DPPRS recommends changing the applicant’s separation code and narrative reason for separation to “JFF - Secretarial Authority.”  AFPC/DPPRS states that the applicant’s discharge was in error and she should have been discharged under AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5.11.1 (Mental Disorders) for an adjustment disorder that interfered with her duty performance and that was not within the purview of a disability process.  The Department of Defense (DoD) determined if a member served less than 180 days of continuous service, it would be unfair to the member and the service to characterize their limited service.  Therefore, applicant’s uncharacterized character of service is correct and in accordance with DOD and Air Force instructions.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit D.

AFPC/DPPAE concurs with the BCMR Medical Consultant’s recommendation to change the applicant’s RE Code to 3K (Reserved for use by HQ AFPC or the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR) when no other reenlistment eligibility code applies or is appropriate) (Exhibit E).
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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 12 April 2002 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.	The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.	The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice to warrant changing the applicant’s uncharacterized discharge to honorable.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of this portion of her request; however, since she was separated prior to completing 180-days of continuous active service, her discharge should remain uncharacterized. There being insufficient evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend changing her uncharacterized discharge to an honorable discharge.

4.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of injustice to warrant changing the applicant’s RE Code and narrative reason for separation.  In this respect, we note that the BCMR Medical Consultant states that the circumstances that led to the applicant’s separation have apparently been resolved as is often the case with adjustment disorders, and she now appears ready and capable of rendering satisfactory military service as an Air National Guard (ANG) member.  However, the applicant contends that her RE Code is preventing her from serving her country as an ANG member.  AFPC/DPPRS concurs with the BCMR Medical Consultant’s recommendation to change the applicant’s RE Code to 3K and also recommends changing her separation code and narrative reason for separation to “JFF - Secretarial Authority.”  In view of this, and in order to afford the applicant the opportunity to apply for entry in the Reserve or Guard, we believe her records should be corrected as recommended by the Air Force.  Whether or not she is successful will depend on the needs of the service and our recommendation in no way guarantees that she will be allowed to return to any branch of the service.  Therefore, we recommend her records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 20 April 1998, she received an uncharacterized entry level separation under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, by reason of Secretarial Authority, with Separation Program Designator (SPD) Code “JFF,” and Reenlistment Eligibility code “3K.”

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 01-03208 in Executive Session on 16 May 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the record, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

   	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, undated, w/atchs.
  	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
  	Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 28 Dec 01.
  	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 4 Feb 02.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 1 Apr 02.
	Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 12 Apr 02.

		

AFBCMR 01-03208

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 20 April 1998, she received an uncharacterized entry level separation under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, by reason of Secretarial Authority, with Separation Program Designator (SPD) code “JFF,” and Reenlistment Eligibility Code “3K.”