RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00236
		INDEX NUMBER:  110.00
	XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  None

	XXX-XX-XXXX	HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her entry-level separation be changed to convenience of the government.

Her service be characterized as honorable.

Her reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of “2C,” “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or, entry level separation without characterization of service” be changed to “1,” which would make her eligible to reenter service.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Her ability to serve was impaired by her youth and inexperience.

Her low aptitude scores and level of education impaired her ability to serve.

She has been a good citizen since she was discharged.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant entered active duty in the Air Force on XXXXXXXX.  On 20 Nov 01, the applicant’s military training flight commander notified her that he was recommending her discharge from the Air Force for Entry Level Performance or Conduct.  The reason for his action was that the applicant failed to make satisfactory progress in a required training program.  Specifically, the applicant was eliminated from the Security Forces technical training course for academic deficiency.  The applicant was advised of her right to consult counsel and to submit statements in her own behalf.  The applicant elected to waive her right to consult counsel and to submit statements.  On 20 Nov 01, the Assistant Staff Judge Advocate found the case against the applicant legally sufficient and recommended to the Training Group (TRG) Commander that the applicant be discharged with an Entry Level Separation.  On 26 Nov 01, the TRG commander directed that the applicant be discharged with an Entry Level Separation.  On 30 Nov 01, the applicant received an uncharacterized entry-level separation and was issued an RE Code of 2C.  She was credited with 4 months and 19 days of active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPRS recommends that the applicant’s request be denied.  Airmen are given entry-level separation/uncharacterized service characterization when separation is initiated within the first 180 days of continuous active service.  The applicant’s uncharacterized 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 confused with other types of separation.

The complete evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPAE reviewed the applicant’s RE code and determined that it is correct.

The complete evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

In her response to the Air force evaluations, applicant indicates that she is concerned about her discharge.  She wants to join the Air Force again and wants to know how her discharge and RE code will affect this.

The applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit F.

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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 warranting a change to the applicant’s RE code and Separation code.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices 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 regarding these issues.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

4.  Notwithstanding our determination above, we do find sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice regarding the wording of the corresponding narrative reason for the applicant’s entry-level separation.  The evidence of record indicates that the sole basis of the applicant’s entry-level separation was failure to progress in a required training program.  However, the narrative reason for separation as indicated on the applicant’s DD Form 214 includes the words “and conduct.”  We recognize that this wording of the narrative reason on the applicant’s DD Form 214 is the “stock” phrase used for entry-level separations.  However, the Board has previously found in cases such as the applicant’s that this phraseology unfairly labels an individual that has not had any issues of misconduct.  We agree with this determination and believe that the applicant’s records should be corrected to remove this negative connotation.  Therefore, we recommend that the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to XXXXX be corrected by deleting the words “and conduct” from block 28 (Narrative Reason for Separation) on her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, issued on 30 November 2001.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2003-00236 in Executive Session on 21 May 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 13 Jan 03, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 18 Feb 03.
     Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 27 Mar 03.
     Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 Apr 03.
     Exhibit F.  Letter, Applicant, dated 24 Apr 03.

                                   

AFBCMR BC-2003-00236

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 XXXXX, XXX-XX-XXXX, be corrected by deleting the words “and conduct” from block 28 (Narrative Reason for Separation) on her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, issued on 30 November 2001.