RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  01-03390
		INDEX CODE:  110.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His uncharacterized entry-level separation be changed to reflect that he received an honorable discharge.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His uncharacterized discharge is inequitable because he performed his duties and training assignments in an exemplary manner.  He committed himself to join the Air Force while he was only 16 years old.  On day eight of his training, he received news of a medical emergency in his family as well as the pregnancy of his girlfriend.  Limited counseling was offered from his student training advisor and commander and the option of converting his enlistment to a Reserve or Guard unit was never presented to him.  Since his separation he has excelled as a volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for 4 years and has accomplished several community achievements.  In its current status, his discharge greatly impedes his ability to influence his sons to consider the military as a career option.

In support of his request, the applicant provided a copy of his CAP Pararescue Orientation Course certificate, an award he received from the County Sheriff, and a character reference statement.  His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 9 Jul 87 in the grade of airman first class.  On 3 Sep 87, applicant was notified by his commander that he was recommending that he be discharged from the Air Force under the provisions of AFR 39-10, paragraph 5-22b for entry-level performance and conduct.  The specific reasons for his action were his failure to qualify on the range and he was diagnosed as having an Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Emotional Features.  He was advised of his rights in this matter.  On 3 Sep 87, he acknowledged receipt of the notification, waived his right to consult counsel, and elected not to submit statements on his own behalf.  In a legal review of his case the deputy staff judge advocate found the case legally sufficient and on 10 Sep 87, the wing commander directed that he be discharged.  He was separated on 14 Sep 87.  He served 2 months and 6 days on active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPRS, reviewed applicant's request and recommends denial.  DPPRS states that the Department of Defense (DoD) determined that if a member served less than 180 days of continuous active service, it would be unfair to the member and the service to characterize their limited service.   His uncharacterized service is correct and in accordance with DoD and Air Force instructions.  The DPPRS evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 8 Feb 02 for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 probable error or injustice.  We are not persuaded by the evidence presented that the uncharacterized entry-level separation received by the former member should be changed to an honorable discharge.  We are compelled to note that uncharacterized separation is not an unfavorable reflection upon the applicant's military service nor should it be confused with other types of separation.  Rather, as was noted by the Air Force office of primary responsibility, an entry-level separation with uncharacterized service is used in those cases where the member has not yet completed six months of service at the time separation proceedings were, for whatever reason, initiated.  Hence, an uncharacterized separation merely connotes the brevity of an individual's membership in the service and may not, in and of itself, be viewed as a defamation of character.  In instances where a former member has not completed six months of service, characterization of his or her service as honorable is normally appropriate when extenuating factors exist.  However, after a thorough review of the applicant's submission and the evidence of record, we see no evidence of any extenuating circumstances in this case.  Therefore, in the absence of persuasive evidence indicating that the applicant was deprived of rights to which entitled or that inappropriate standards were applied in his case, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 01-03390 in Executive Session on 27 Mar 02, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 25 Dec 01, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 30 Jan 02.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 8 Feb 02.