RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-01089
		INDEX CODE:  110.02
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The narrative reason for her discharge from the Air Force be changed from "Personality Disorder" to "Pregnancy/Depression."

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The statement has and continues to have a negative impact on her career and causes her great shame and heartache.  She has continued her educational levels and gives 100% in all that she does but as a result of the derogatory statement on her discharge papers she cannot make progress.  She erred when she was 19 years old and asks forgiveness.  At the time she was pregnant and going through trauma as well as being alone.  

In support of her request applicant provided a personal statement, character references, call monitoring review sheets, performance report from her civilian occupation, and certificates of course completion.  Her complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 12 Feb 80.  She was progressively promoted to the grade of airman, having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 12 Aug 80.  

On 9 Oct 80, she was notified of her commander's intent to recommend that she be discharged from the Air Force under the provisions of AFM 39-12, paragraph 2-4b.  The specific reason for this action was that she was diagnosed with a histronic and passive aggressive personality as evidenced by nonjudicial punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code for Military Justice (UCMJ) for being absent without leave (AWOL) from 24 - 30 Aug 80, a letter of counseling for failure to repair, on 30 Sep 80; and several statements regarding attitude problems and shirking of her duties.  She was advised of her rights in this matter and acknowledged receipt of the notification on that same date.  After consulting counsel she elected to waive her right to an administrative discharge board hearing on condition that she receive an honorable discharge.  In a legal review of the case file, the wing deputy staff judge advocate found the case legally sufficient and recommended that she be offered probation and rehabilitation.  On 2 Dec 80, after reviewing the circumstances of the case, the discharge authority directed that she be discharged and furnished an Honorable Discharge certificate.  However, he found that probation and rehabilitation was appropriate in her case and suspended the execution of the discharge for one year pending her acceptance of the terms of probation and rehabilitation.  

On 5 Feb 81, her commander notified her of intent to recommend vacation of her probation and rehabilitation under the provisions of AFM 39-12, chapter 4.  The specific reason for this action was that she received a letter of reprimand on 4 Feb 81 for creating considerable disturbance and discontent among her coworkers and supervisors, with particular emphasis on her failure to improve her duty performance and belligerency.  She acknowledged receipt of the notification and after consulting counsel elected not to submit matters on her own behalf.  In an additional legal review of her case, the wing staff judge advocate found the case legally sufficient and recommended that she be discharged.  The discharge authority concurred with the recommendations and directed that she be discharged and furnished an Honorable Discharge certificate.  She was discharged on 6 Feb 81.  She served 11 months and 25 days on active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant reviewed applicant's request and recommends denial.  The Medical Consultant states that her records document a character of behavior (personality) disorder.  Personality disorders are lifelong patterns of maladjustment in the individual's personality structure, which are not medically disqualifying or unfitting but may render the individual unsuitable for military service.  Often the nature of military duties places greater pressures on the individual than on civilians in similar duties and these disorders frequently become more manifest.  Reasons for her discharge and discharge proceedings are well documented in her records.  The Medical Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRSP reviewed applicant's request and recommends denial.  DPPRS states that the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation, and was within the sound discretion of the discharge authority.  The applicant did not submit any new evidence or identify errors or injustices in her discharge processing.  The DPPRSP evaluation is at Exhibit D.
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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 31 May 02 for review and comment 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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of injustice.  Evidence provided in support of her appeal has led us to believe that since her discharge from the Air Force, she has led a stable life and has put forth considerable effort as a productive member of society.  In light of the aforementioned and given the considerable amount of time that has passed since she was discharged, it is our opinion that it would be an injustice for her to continue to suffer the adverse effects of the narrative reason for separation.  Therefore, in the interest of justice, we recommend that her narrative reason be changed to "Secretarial Authority."

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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 6 February 1981, she was discharged under the provisions of AFR 39-10, paragraph 1-2, (Secretarial Authority) with Separation Program Designator (SPD) Code of JFF.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 02-01089 in Executive Session on 1 Aug 02, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

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

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 21 Nov 01, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 3 May 02.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRSP, dated 24 May 02.
     Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 May 02.

AFBCMR 02-01089

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 6 February 1981, she was discharged under the provisions of AFR 39-10, paragraph 1-2, (Secretarial Authority) with Separation Program Designator (SPD) Code of JFF.