RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-01794
		INDEX CODE:  110.00

	APPLICANT	COUNSEL:  None

	SSN	HEARING DESIRED: No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His uncharacterized entry-level separation be changed to honorable.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He failed his block test twice because he was having personal problems concerning his daughter and was unable to concentrate.  He always behaved in an excellent manner and never had attitude problems.  He always tried to do his best.

Applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 16 Oct 01, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic for a period of four years.  

The applicant was notified on 8 Feb 02 that he was being recommended for discharge for unsatisfactory entry-level performance or conduct.  The reason for this action was the applicant failed to make satisfactory progress in a required training program.  Specifically, the applicant failed to score a passing grade on Block I (Air Traffic Control Fundamentals) twice with scores of 42% and 48%; the minimum passing score was 70%.  The applicant was counseled on several occasions prior to his disenrollment concerning his academic performance.  The applicant was disenrolled from his training course on 28 Jan 02.

On 8 Feb 02, the applicant waived his options to consult counsel and to submit statements.  The applicant's case file was reviewed and found legally sufficient to support separation.

The applicant was discharged on 26 Feb 02, with an entry-level separation for performance and conduct.  He served 4 months and 10 days of active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPRS states the Department of Defense (DOD) determined that, if a member served less than 180 days of continuous active service, he would receive an entry-level separation/uncharacterized service characterization when separation was initiated.  The separation is uncharacterized because it would be unfair to the member and the service to try and characterize the limited time served.  DPPRS further states the discharge was consistent with procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  Also, the discharge was within the sound discretion of the discharge authority.  Based on the evidence provided they recommend the requested relief be denied.

A copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached 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 19 Jul 02, for review and response.  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 an injustice or error.  After careful consideration of the circumstances of this case and the evidence provided by the applicant, we are not persuaded his request to have his discharge upgraded is warranted.  In this respect, the discharge the applicant received indicates an 
uncharacterized  entry-level  separation for  serving  less than 6 months of service which would be appropriate considering that the applicant served 4 months and 10 days of active military service.  Furthermore, the applicant made unsatisfactory progress in a required training program.  Based on the documentation in the applicant's records, it appears that the processing of the discharge and the characterization of the discharge were appropriate and accomplished in accordance with Air Force policy.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend favorable action on his request to have his discharge upgrade.

4.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice warranting a change in the reason for separation.  After reviewing the applicant's submission and the evidence of record we are persuaded that some relief is warranted.  We note that the discharge action taken against the applicant was in accordance with the applicable instruction.  However, after reviewing the applicant's request and the evidence of record, we find the narrative reason for his entry-level separation; i.e., entry-level performance and conduct, to be inaccurate.  In our deliberations of this case, it appeared to us that the word "conduct" could be misconstrued to infer that his separation for academic deficiency was also due to misconduct.  While the applicant may have had problems progressing in the required technical training courses, we have seen no evidence of misconduct.  Therefore, in order to correct an injustice of improperly labeling the applicant, his narrative reason for separation should be corrected to accurately reflect the circumstances of his separation.  In view of the foregoing, we recommend the applicant's records be corrected by deleting the words "and conduct" from his narrative reason for separation.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected by deleting the words "and conduct" from Block 28 (Narrative Reason for Separation) on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, issued on 26 February 2002.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number 02-01794 in Executive Session on 4 September 2002, 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 4 Jun 02, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPRS, dated 2 Jul 02.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Jul 02.

				Vice Chair

AFBCMR 02-01794
INDEX CODE:  110.00

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction for 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, SSN, be corrected by deleting the words "and conduct" from Block 28 (Narrative Reason for Separation) on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, issued on 26 February 2002.

					Director
					Air Force Review Boards Agency