RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: 01-03406

	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) Code be changed from 2C to 3.

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THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His RE Code is hindering his ability to reenlist into the armed forces.

The applicant states that he was classified as having a personality disorder when in fact there was no medical evidence of such an existing condition.  He has not gone to a therapist in over a year and the reason he went to one in the past was because of his inability to control his stress and anger due to the pressure he had because his father was an alcoholic and drug addict.  His father is no longer with them and since then the pressures have been eased.  He does not currently use alcohol or illegal drugs and is a law-enforcement officer in his community.  Furthermore, he is willing to undergo any sort of interview or psychiatric evaluation necessary.

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 11 February 2000 for a period of six years.

On 31 January 2001, the applicant underwent a mental health evaluation and was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with depressed moods, alcohol abuse (provisional).

On 14 February 2001, the commander notified the applicant that he was recommending his discharge with an entry-level separation for a condition that interferes with military service, specifically, for a mental disorder.

The applicant was separated on 21 February 2001, under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Personality Disorder) and issued an RE Code of 2C.  He completed one month and six days of active service and his service was uncharacterized.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

AFPC/DPPRS recommends the application be denied and states, in part, that the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  In addition, the discharge was within the sound discretion of the discharge authority.

AFPC/DPPRS notes that airmen are given an entry-level separation/uncharacterized service characterization when separation is initiated in the first 180 days of continuous active service.  The Department of Defense determined that if a member served less than 180 days continuous active service, it would be unfair to the member and the service to characterize their limited service.

The AFPC/DPPRS evaluation is at Exhibit C.

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends the application be denied and states, in part, that the applicant’s records document an unsuiting adjustment disorder and a history of mood disorder, possibly bipolar disorder existing prior to service, both disqualifying for military service.  The reasons for his discharge and discharge proceedings are well documented in the records.  Furthermore, the action and disposition in the case are proper and reflect compliance with Air Force directives.

The BCMR Medical Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit D.

AFPC/DPPAE states, in part, that the RE Code of 2C (Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service) is correct.

The AFPC/DPPAE evaluation is at Exhibit E.

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APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

Complete copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 16 August 2002 for review and response within 30 days.  However, 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 timely filed.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find these assertions, in and by themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the Air Force.  The offices of primary responsibility have adequately addressed applicant’s contentions and we agree with their opinions and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden that he has suffered either an error or an injustice.  Hence, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of 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 01-03406 in Executive Session on 24 October 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 9 Nov 01, w/atch.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, undated.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 13 May 02.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 5 Aug 02.
	Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 Aug 02.