RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-00182
		INDEX CODE:  112.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code be changed.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She had never spent more than a week away from her family and to have to stay away through the holidays was making her miss them way too much and she thought she wanted to go home.  One night she asked the Training Instructor if he knew how she could leave.  He told her to go to Behavioral Analysis Services and tell a counselor that she was depressed/suicidal.  She seized the opportunity and elaborated maybe a little too much.  She wanted to make sure that she would go home.  It worked but she was a little too young to realize the mistake she had just made.  Every day since she has been out she has regretted leaving.  She wish she could undo the mistake she made.

Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 3 November 1999.

On 16 November 1999, the commander notified the applicant that she was being discharged for a condition that interfered with military service, specifically for mental disorders.  The applicant was diagnosed as having a mental disorder.  It was determined this condition interfered with her duty performance and conduct and was severe enough that her ability to function in the military was significantly impaired.

The applicant, while serving in the grade of airman basic, was separated from the Air Force on 19 November 1999 under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen (personality disorder), with an uncharacterized entry-level separation.  She was assigned a reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of 2C.  She served 17 days total active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant states that the records document entry level separation for unsuiting maladjustment to military training.  The applicant was not adjusting well to military life in basic training, was having second thoughts about her apparent impulsive decision to enlist, and was experiencing emotional stress from the recent separation of her parents and separation from her family.  She did not develop signs or symptoms of a clear adjustment disorder or depression but was felt to be high risk for this.  She was not diagnosed with a personality disorder however a sufficient period of time had not elapsed to definitively make such a diagnosis.  A prior pattern of maladjustment was noted.  Action and disposition in this case were proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives which implement the law.

The applicant applies now for change in her reenlistment code contending her entry-level separation was the result of immaturity at that time has now resolved.  She submits a psychiatry evaluation judging her normal and not finding evidence to support a pattern of maladjustment in her civilian life, personality disorder, or psychiatric illness.

The preponderance of the evidence supports the applicant’s contention that the timing of her initial enlistment was a mistake, and that her failure to succeed in basic training seemed to be largely the result of immaturity and lack of commitment rather than a lifelong pattern of maladjustment or personality disorder.  Other than her stated commitment, and the psychiatry evaluation, her post service civilian life does not provide overwhelming insight into how she may perform in a military environment and thus some concern remains.  Therefore, the BCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that her history of difficulty adjusting to military service during basic training in November 1999 should not preclude favorable consideration of her request at this time but notes that future success in a military environment is not a guarantee.

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRSP states that they believe the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  Additionally, the discharge was within the sound discretion of the discharge authority.  Airmen are given entry-level separation/uncharacterized service characterization when separation is initiated in the first 180 days of continuous active service.  The Department of Defense (DOD) determined 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.  Therefore, they recommend denial of applicant’s request.

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit D.

AFPC/DPPAE states that the Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of 2C, “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge, or entry level separation without characterization of service” is correct.

A complete copy of their evaluation is attached at Exhibit E.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 9 August 2002, a complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and response 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 timely filed.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.  After reviewing the evidence of record, we are not persuaded that the applicant’s RE code should be changed.  The comments provided by the Chief Medical Consultant are noted; however, we do not believe that the applicant has established that she has overcome the problems she incurred while in the military.  Based on the applicant’s prior failure to adjust to military life and in the absence of more detailed evaluations, we find no basis upon which to recommend favorable action on this application.

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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 this application in Executive Session on 24 September 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 1 Apr 02, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 7 May 02.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, AFPC/DPPRSP, dated 24 May 02.
	Exhibit E.	Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 6 Aug 02.
	Exhibit F.	Letter, AFBCMR, dated 9 Aug 02.