RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-01954
		INDEX NUMBER:  110.00
	XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  None

	XXX-XX-XXXX	HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reentry code of “2C,” entry-level separation without characterization of service, be changed to one that would allow his reentry into the Air Force.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He has always regretted his decision to separate from the Air Force.  The reason he gave for separating was not the actual reason why he separated.  He has matured in the five years since he left the service and the reasons for the chest pains he experienced no longer exist.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant entered active duty on 4 Dec 96 as an Airman Basic.  On 10 Apr 97, his commander notified him that he was recommending his discharge from the Air Force for unsatisfactory entry-level performance.  The specific reasons for the commander’s actions were:

	  a.  On 6 Apr 97, he made a written statement expressing why he wanted out of the Air force.

	  b.  On 25 Mar 97, he was diagnosed as having a mental condition so severe that his ability to function in the military environment was significantly impaired.

	  c.  On 14 Mar 97, he failed to arrive for class on time and was unshaven.

	  d.  On 25 Feb 97, he violated AETCI 36-6003, when he was found with his feet on the day room table, for which he was counseled.

Applicant waived his right to consult counsel and to submit statements.

On 16 Apr 97, he was separated with an entry-level separation and issued an RE code of “2C.”.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPRS evaluated the applicant’s discharge processing.  Based on the documentation in the file, they believe the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  They defer to the recommendation of DPPAE regarding change of the applicant’s RE code.

The complete evaluation is at Exhibit c.

AFPC/DPPAE advises that the applicant’s RE code is correct.  They do not make a recommendation.

The complete evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant responded to the Air Force evaluations by recounting the events that led to his decision to seek separation from service.  He also provides a letter of support from his mother, which corroborates his version of events.  The applicant states that he is asking the Board for another chance to serve his country.

The applicant’s complete response, with attachment, is at Exhibit F.

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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 error or injustice.  While it appears that the applicant’s discharge from the Air Force was warranted based on the circumstances at the time, the Board accepts the applicant’s statement that he was dealing with an overwhelming set of circumstances beyond his control.  In that regard, it is not clear whether applicant was provided the necessary assistance to help him succeed in the Air Force.  Given the short time that the applicant actually served and the time that has since passed, the Board believes the applicant should be afforded the opportunity to see if he can meet present standards to serve in the Air Force.  Whether or not he is successful will depend on the needs of the service and our recommendation in no way guarantees that he will be allowed to return to any branch of the service.  Therefore, the Board recommends that the applicant’s RE code be changed from “2C” to “3K”, 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 16 April 1997, in conjunction with his entry-level separation, he was issued a Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of “3K.”

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 02-01954 in Executive Session on 23 January 2003, 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 10 Jun 02, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 3 Jul 02.
     Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 3 Oct 02.
     Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 11 Oct 02.
     Exhibit F.  Letter, Applicant, undated.

                                   Panel Chair

AFBCMR 02-01954

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             , be corrected to show that on 16 April 1997, in conjunction with his entry-level separation, he was issued a Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of “3K.”

		Director
		Air Force Review Boards Agency