RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-03570
		
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The reason for his discharge be changed to honorable.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The separation code of JFX was assigned erroneously because he was never diagnosed with a Personality Disorder.

In support of his request, he submitted a copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force in the grade of airman basic (E-1) on 2 July 2002.  On 20 September 2002, while enrolled in technical training, applicant was notified by his commander that in accordance with AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airman (personality disorder), he was recommending that applicant be discharged from the Air Force.  The specific reason for the commander's action was that on or about 12 September 2002 applicant was diagnosed by a psychiatrist as having an adjustment disorder with depressed mood, which was so severe that his ability to function in a military environment was significantly impaired.  

The applicant was advised of his rights in this matter.  The applicant acknowledged receipt of the notification on that same date and the commander initiated discharge proceedings against the applicant on 20 September 2002.  At that time, the applicant waived his right to legal counsel and waived his right to submit statements on his own behalf.

In a legal review of the discharge case file, the wing staff judge advocate found it legally sufficient and recommended that the applicant be discharged from the Air Force with an entry-level separation.  The discharge authority directed that the applicant be discharged from the Air Force with an entry-level separation without probation and rehabilitation.  Accordingly, applicant was discharged on 4 October 2002 by reason of Personality Disorder with a Separation Code of JFX, and a Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of 2C.  He had served 3 months, and 3 days on active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant reviewed applicant's request and recommended the narrative reason for discharge be changed to Secretarial Authority, but no change in the RE code of 2C.  The BCMR Medical Consultant states that during the second week of security forces training (September 11-13, 2002) he was hospitalized with depressed mood and suicidal thoughts and was diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood.  During his mental health evaluation, he reported experiencing depressed mood prior to starting basic military training but was able to complete BMT.  He failed M-16 qualification training, became increasingly depressed about the possibility of being washed back, and had thoughts of self-harm.  He was recommended for separation due to unsuitability due to Adjustment Disorder.

BCMR Medical Consultant's complete evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRS, reviewed applicant's request and concurs with the Medical Consultant's recommendation.  DPPRS does not recommend a change in his characterization of service since the notification of proposed discharge was given within the 180-day limit for entry-level separation. 

AFPC/DPPRS 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 response 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 warranting a change in the type of discharge he received.  Applicant’s request for an honorable discharge was considered, however, since the discharge action was initiated within the 180-day limit for entry-level separation, we find no reason to change the characterization of his service to honorable.  Therefore, we find no compelling basis to recommend a change in his discharge.

4.	Notwithstanding the above, sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice warranting partial relief.  Based on a careful review of all the pertinent documentation, we agree with the valid and reasonable recommendation presented by the BCMR Medical Consultant.  The applicant should not continue to be stigmatized with the erroneous label of “Personality Disorder”; therefore, we recommend the reason for separation be changed to "Secretarial Authority."  In view of the above, we recommend that the records of the applicant be corrected to the extent indicated below.

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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 4 October 2002, he was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority) with a separation code of JFF.

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 3 June 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 3 Nov 02, w/Atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 14 Mar 03.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 3 Apr 03.
     Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 11 Apr 03.

AFBCMR BC-2002-03570

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 4 October 2002, he was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority) with a separation code of JFF.