RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00731
		INDEX CODE:  112.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility code of 2C be changed to 3K and his reason for separation be changed to Secretarial Authority.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Due to a lack of information and understanding his decision was to elect discharge.  

In support of the appeal, applicant submits a personal statement, a copy of his Chronological Record of Medical Care, and a copy of his Basic Training Record.  Applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 18 June 2002, for a period of six years and began basic training.  At the time the applicant underwent a routine entry medical examination, he was diagnosed with sickle cell trait.  On 21 June 2002, he signed a Statement of Understanding of Sickle-Cell Trait and Discharge Options in which he acknowledged that it had been explained and he understood “the effects intense exercise may have on sickle-cell trait individuals.  I may elect discharge or request to remain on active duty.”  The applicant initialed the option electing discharge.  On 2 July 2002, the discharge authority approved the applicant’s request for separation based on his determination that separation was in the best interest of the Air Force. 

The applicant was separated from the Air Force on 12 July 2002 under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen (Miscellaneous/General Reasons), with an uncharacterized entry level separation.  He had served 25 days of total active service.  An RE code of 2C was assigned.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant states that prior to 1995 no opportunity to separate was offered trainees identified with sickle cell trait after entering active duty because sickle cell trait is typically not disqualifying for entry and general active military service.  In 1995, as a result of deaths during basic training attributed to the presence of sickle trait, a new policy and procedure was established to educate trainees regarding the risk of sickle cell trait, and physically rigorous training, and to provide such individuals with the option to separate if they did not want to be exposed to that risk.  The established procedure for trainees identified with sickle trait while in basic training includes a second confirmatory lab test, an educational briefing by a nurse, review of an educational video tape, provision of a fact sheet, and an opportunity to have all questions answered.  The trainees are then provided three days to consider this very important decision before making their final decision.  According to policy, their decision to separate is irrevocable.  Apparently members separated with an entry-level separation regardless of reason for discharge are given a reentry code of 2C.

The available documentation indicates that the applicant was initially briefed on 21 June 2002 regarding his diagnosis and his option to separate.  He indicated on that date his preference to separate.  On 25 June 2002, his commander counseled him regarding his decision.  There is no evidence that he was not given an opportunity to decide to remain on active duty by his commander on 25 June 2002, four days after the initial counseling.  Five days after he received his initial briefing, he signed the official document requesting separation.  Thus, it appears that the applicant was given the three days to consider his decision that is provided by current standard procedure.

The BCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.  The BCMR Medical Consultant recommended an advisory from the Air Force Personnel Center regarding policy that prohibits reentry under these circumstances.

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPRS states that they believe 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.  The BCMR Medical Consultant is of the opinion that no change in his records is warranted.  Therefore, they recommend denial of applicant’s request.

A complete copy of their evaluation is attached at Exhibit D.

AFPC/DPPAE states that the Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of 2C, “Involuntary separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service” is correct (see Exhibit E).

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 22 August 2003, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 injustice.  Although there is no indication that the applicant’s RE code is erroneous, we believe approval of the requested relief would be appropriate based on the following discussion.  As was noted by the Medical Consultant, the fact that the applicant was diagnosed with sickle cell trait did not mandate his separation.  Instead, after counseling, he was required to make a decision as to whether to remain in the service or request separation.  The applicant was an 18-year old enlistee who had been enrolled in basic military training three days when he was informed of his status vis-à-vis sickle cell trait, the potential effects of the trait, and of his options.  Several days later, he was counseled and required to make a decision to either continue in the service or request separation within three days.  While the applicant was given the time authorized by policy to make his decision, we accept that, in view of his youth and in consideration of his concerns because of the information he was given as well as the confusion most enlistees experience during the first few days in training, he may not have been fully counseled or gained a good understanding of the ramifications of the diagnosis.  The applicant states he made a hasty decision that he now regrets.  Having no reason to doubt his integrity and in view of his apparent motivation and willingness to serve his Country, we believe his RE code should be changed to one which may be waived.  Of course, the decision as to whether he will be successful in his attempt to reenter the military service is based primarily on the needs of the branch of the Armed Force to which he applies.  Accordingly, the applicant’s requests should be corrected as follows.

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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 at the time of 
his discharge on 12 July 2002, he was issued a Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of “3K.”

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The following members of the Board considered this application, BC-2003-00731, in Executive Session on 16 October 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 26 Feb 03, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 16 Jun 03.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 1 Jul 03.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 11 Aug 03.
   Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 22 Aug 03.

                                   
                                   Panel Chair

AFBCMR BC-2003-00731
INDEX CODE:  112.00

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, be corrected to show that at the time of his discharge on 12 July 2002, he was issued a Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of “3K.”

		
		Director
		Air Force Review Boards Agency