RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-03983
		INDEX CODE:  110.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His narrative reason for separation and separation code be changed.
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He does not have any type of personality disorder as indicated on his DD Form 214.  He wanted a new Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) because he did not want to continue working in his assigned AFSC of 3P011 (Security Forces Helper).

In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant contracted his enlistment in the Regular Air Force on 23 Jul 02 for a period of four years.

On 16 Oct 02, the applicant received notification that he was being recommended for discharge from the Air Force for conditions that interfere with military service, mental disorders.  The reason for this action was due to the Behavioral Analysis Service letter, dated 7 Oct 02, indicating that the applicant was diagnosed with adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.  The applicant acknowledged receipt of the notification, and waived his option to consult counsel and his right to submit statements in his behalf.  The discharge authority approved the recommended separation and directed that the applicant be discharged with an entry level separation.

On 29 Oct 02, the applicant received an uncharacterized entry level separation under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (personality disorder).  He had completed a total of 3 months and 7 days and was serving in the grade of airman basic (E-1) at the time of separation.  He received a separation code of JFX, which defined means “personality disorder” and an RE Code of 2C, which defined means "Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service."
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AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

The AFBCMR Medical Consultant recommends the applicant’s narrative reason for discharge be changed to Secretarial Authority, but no change in the reenlistment eligibility (RE) code is warranted.  The AFBCMR Medical Consultant states that the applicant developed symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety with suicidal ideation while in technical training that was diagnosed as Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood.  He was administratively discharged for this unsuiting condition with an entry level separation.  One of the key features of Adjustment disorder is that the condition resolves with relief of the stressors.  Individuals who develop Adjustment Disorder due to the stress of the routine rigors of military service with or without concomitant personal issues are not suited for military service and are subject to administrative discharge by their commander.  The applicant’s narrative reason for discharge is listed as personality disorder even though the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder or maladaptive personality traits.  The Department of Defense (DoD) uses the term “personality disorder” administratively on the DD Form 214 to include all unsuiting character and behavior disorders, including Adjustment Disorder, Personality Disorders and Impulse Control Disorders.  Prior regulations used the more inclusive and less confusing “character and behavior disorder.”  Since the 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 administratively it is correct.  Although action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law, change of the narrative reason for discharge to Secretarial Authority is recommended.  The AFBCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.

HQ AFPC/DPPRS concurs with the AFBCMR Medical Consultant and recommends the applicant’s separation code and narrative reason for separation be changed to “KFF - Secretarial Authority.”  DPPRS states that, although the applicant was not specifically diagnosed with a personality disorder, administratively it is correct.  Currently DoD does not authorize using a more appropriate term to define specific disorders of personality.  DPPRS noted that the AFBCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that a more appropriate narrative reason for separation would be “Secretarial Authority.”  Based upon the documentation in the file, DPPRS believes the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  Airmen are given entry level separation/uncharacterized service characterization when separation is initiated in the first 180 days of continuous active service.  Therefore, the applicant’s uncharacterized character of service is correct and in accordance with DoD and Air Force instructions.  The HQ AFPC/DPPRS evaluation is at Exhibit D.
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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to applicant on 4 Apr 03 for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit E).
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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 error or injustice.  Having carefully reviewed this application, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the AFBCMR Medical Consultant that, in order to correct an injustice of improperly labeling the applicant’s disorder, his narrative reason for separation and separation code should be changed.  In view of the foregoing, we recommend the applicant’s record be corrected as indicated below.

4.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice warranting changing the character of service or the reenlistment eligibility (RE) code.  Shortly after his entry into technical training, the record shows that the applicant experienced difficulties that were deemed sufficiently severe to warrant his referral for evaluation by the Behavioral Analysis Service.  Notwithstanding the change we propose to the reason for his separation, there is nothing in the applicant’s submission that would lead us to believe the action taken to initiate his involuntary separation was erroneous or unjust, that his substantial rights were violated, or that his commanders abused their discretionary authority.  We note that the uncharacterized character of service that the applicant received indicates an uncharacterized entry-level separation.  This condition applies when separation proceedings are initiated within six months of entry on active duty.  The applicant served three months and seven days of total active military service.  Additionally, it appears that the RE code which was issued at the time of applicant’s separation accurately reflects the circumstances of his separation.  In view of the foregoing and absent evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to conclude that the uncharacterized nature of his separation or the RE code are erroneous or unjust.
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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 the narrative reason for separation, issued in conjunction with his uncharacterized entry level separation on 29 October 2002, was “Secretarial Authority” and the Separation Program Designator (SPD) code was “KFF.”
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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 22 May 03, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered in connection with AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2002-03983.

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 6 Dec 02.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 10 Mar 03.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPRS, dated 21 Mar 03.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 Apr 03.

                                   	

AFBCMR BC-2002-03983

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 the narrative reason for separation, issued in conjunction with his uncharacterized entry level separation on 29 October 2002, was “Secretarial Authority” and the Separation Program Designator (SPD) code was “KFF.”