RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:              DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-03143
	                             INDEX CODE:  100.03

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment (RE) code be changed to one that would allow him to reenlist.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He completed basic military training (BMT) with no problems. He went to technical training school and felt like he did not qualify for the job he was training for.  He went to the Behavioral Analysis Service (BAS) on the advice of other airmen in hopes of being transferred to a job he felt qualified for.  He contends that BAS informed him that he could not transfer but he could go home.  He took the opportunity to go home with the intention of visiting his recruiter to arrange for another job in the Air Force.

His complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 25 June 2002.  He completed BMT and began technical training on 16 August 2002.  On 20 August 2002, the applicant self-referred to BAS.  He was evaluated and diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety, which is regarded as not meeting retention standards for continued military service.  BAS notified the applicant’s commander that he was disqualified for PRP (Personnel Reliability Program), security clearance, and weapons handling.  BAS also recommended to the applicant’s commander that the applicant be processed for separation.  BAS notes that the applicant was informed of the recommendations and acknowledged that he understood them.

On 4 September 2002, applicant received notification that his commander was recommending him for discharge under the auspices of Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-3208, Conditions that Interfere with Military Service, Mental Disorders.  The discharge was found legally sufficient on 5 September 2002.  The applicant was notified of his right to counsel and to submit statements on his behalf.  He acknowledged and waived both.  He was discharged on 18 September 2002 with an entry-level separation, as he had not completed his first term of service.  His character of service was uncharacterized as he had not served over 180 days.  He had served for 2 months and 24 days and was serving in the grade of Airman Basic at the time of discharge.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant reviewed this case and recommended the narrative reason for discharge be changed to Secretarial Authority but that otherwise no change to the applicant’s RE code was warranted.  The Department of Defense (DoD) uses the term “personality disorder” administratively on the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to include all unsuiting character and behavior disorders including Adjustment Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Impulse Control Disorders.  This term is confusing because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders uses the term “Personality Disorder” in a specific, defined manner to classify specific disorders of personality that do not include Adjustment Disorder or Impulse Control Disorder.  Prior regulations used the more inclusive and less confusing “character and behavior disorder.”  Since this applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder and was further not noted to demonstrate maladaptive traits or misconduct suggestive of a personality disorder, it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason as personality disorder, even though it is administratively correct.

The BCMR Medical Consultant notes that the applicant reported feeling significant anxiety regarding guns and reported that he “felt like running” when firing his weapon at the firing range (including during basic training).  He also reported that he “blanks out” and does not hear the instructor and cannot concentrate or attend to details regarding guns.  He was subsequently diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety that significantly impaired his ability, on a long-term basis, to function in a military environment.

The BCMR Medical Consultant’s complete evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPAE reviewed this application and recommended denial.  DPPAE states that the RE code of 2C, “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry-level separation without characterization of service”, is correct.

DPPAE’s evaluation is attached at Exhibit D.

AFPC/DPPRS reviewed this application and recommended denial.  DPPRS states that, based on the documentation in the file, the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  Additionally, the discharge was within the discretion of the discharge authority.  DPPRS agrees with the BCMR Medical Consultant’s opinion that the narrative reason for discharge should be changed to “Secretarial Authority”.  Therefore DPPRS recommends that the applicant’s DD Form 214, blocks 26 (Separation Code) and 28 (Narrative Reason), be changed to KFF and Secretarial Authority, respectively. 

DPPAE’s complete evaluation is attached at Exhibit E.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 30 May 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 an error or injustice in regard to his request that his reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed.  After a thorough review of the documentation provided in support of his appeal and the evidence of record, it is our opinion that given the circumstances surrounding his separation from the Air Force, the RE code assigned to the applicant was proper and in compliance with the appropriate directives.  Applicant has not provided any evidence, which would lead us to believe otherwise.  Therefore, in the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend a change to his RE code.

4.  Notwithstanding the aforementioned, we note that the narrative reason for his separation, “Mental Disorder,” does not accurately reflect his condition, and we believe that it would be an injustice for him to continue to suffer the adverse effects of such characterization.  Accordingly, we recommend that his records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 18 September 2002, he was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of “KFF.”

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2002-03143 in Executive Session on 1 July 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated.28 Oct 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 26 Feb 03.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPAE, dated 16 Mar 03.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPRS, dated.25 Mar 03
    Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 May 03.

                                   

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON DC

Office Of The Assistant Secretary

BC-2002-03143	

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 APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 18 September 2002, he was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of “KFF.”