RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-03336

		COUNSEL:  No

		HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of “2C” be changed so that he may pursue a career in the military.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was given the option to leave voluntarily and was not at anytime forced to leave because of poor conduct or performance.

In support of his appeal, he submits a personal statement, DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and a letter of support from the Air National Guard.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 16 September 1999 for a period of 4 years.  He was separated from the Air Force on 22 March 2000 under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen (erroneous entry) with an uncharacterized entry-level separation and an RE code of 2C.  He served 6 months and 7 days total active service.  

On 13 March 2000, the commander notified the member that he was recommending an entry-level discharge because he failed to make passing scores on Blocks 5 and 7 of his technical training.  He also failed his room inspection on 12 January 2000.  His commander stated member had outside problems that overwhelmed him 

and he was unable to concentrate on his training.  Applicant waived his right to submit statements or to consult with counsel.  The Discharge Authority approved the separation on 20 March 2000 and ordered an uncharacterized, entry-level discharge.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPRS stated that based on the documentation in the file, we believe the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  Additionally, the discharge was within sound discretion of the discharge authority.  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 continuous 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 Department of Defense and Air Force instructions.  An entry-level/uncharacterized separation should not be viewed as negative and should not be confused with other types of separation.

AFPC/DPPRS complete evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPAE stated that the applicant separated on 22 November 2000, after serving six months and seven days active service.  The RE code of 2C, "Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service" is correct. 

AFPC/DPPAE complete evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Complete copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 11 April 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.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  While the RE code assigned to the applicant, at the time was technically correct and in accordance with the applicable instructions, we believe it would be an injustice for him to continue to suffer its effects in the way of enlistment opportunities in the armed forces.  It appears that his academic ability to progress in his communication and navigational systems training was affected in part by outside problems, which we note no longer exists.  We note also that he has submitted a letter of recommendation from a Chief Master Sergeant serving with the Mississippi Air National Guard and in view of the totality of the circumstances present in this case, we believe that he should be given the opportunity to apply for enlistment.  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 reason for his separation should be changed to Secretarial Authority and his RE code of 2C should be changed to 3K, a code that can be waived for prior service enlistment consideration.

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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 22 March 2000, he was separated under the provisions of AFR 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority) with a separation code of JFF and a reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of 3K.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2002-03336 in Executive Session on 3 June 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 15 Dec 02, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 6 Mar 03.
     Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 8 Apr 03.
     Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 11 Apr 03.

                                  

AFBCMR BC-2002-03336

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 22 March 2000, he was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority) with a separation code of JFF and a reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of 3K.