RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-02878
		INDEX CODE:  100.03, 100.06

	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code be changed to one that would allow him to return to active duty
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He worked extremely hard through basic military training and most of technical school before he was separated.  He feels that his career in the Air Force should not have ended by a test failure.  He asks for another opportunity to serve in the Air Force.  

In support of his request, the applicant submitted a personal statement.  His complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 19 March 2002 in the grade of airman basic.  On 1 July 2002, the applicant was notified by his commander that he was recommending that he be discharged from the Air Force under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, for entry-level performance and conduct.  The specific reasons for his action were his failure to make satisfactory progress in a required training program.  The applicant was eliminated from Security Forces Apprentice Training Course for academic deficiency after failing his written test twice with scores of 56% and 60%.  The minimum passing score was 70%.  He also reported to duty without completing his required homework assignment. The applicant was advised of his rights in the matter.  On 1 July 2002, he acknowledged receipt of the notification, waived his right to consult counsel, and elected not to submit statements on his own behalf.  The case was reviewed on 2 July 2002 and found to be legally sufficient to support discharge.  He was separated from the Air Force on 15 July 2002.  He served three (3) months and twenty-seven (27) days on active duty. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPRS recommends denial.  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 of continuous active service, it would be unfair to the member and the service to characterize their limited service.  Therefore, his uncharacterized character of service is correct and in accordance with DoD and Air Force instructions.  A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPAE recommends denial.  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 the 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 10 January 2003 for review and comment 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 error or injustice.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

4.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable 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 overly harsh.  In our deliberations of this case, it appeared to us 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 DETERMINES 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 15 July 2002.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number 02-02878 in Executive Session on 26 February 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 19 Nov 02. 
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 13 Dec 02.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 19 Dec 02.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 10 Jan 03.

	

AFBCMR 02-02326	

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 at the time of his discharge on 15 July 2002, his narrative reason for separation was Entry Level Performance.