RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01694
		INDEX CODE:  110.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  YES

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His narrative reason for separation, separation code and reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed to allow eligibility to join the Army National Guard.
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He does not have nor has he ever suffered from a “Personality Disorder.”  His separation was voluntary, believing he would be able to reenlist in the Army.  He was coerced into signing the separation at the last minute and did not fully understand the repercussions of the reenlistment code.  He believes his civilian record will speak for itself.  

In support of his request, the applicant submits a character reference letter, copies of his most recent job appraisal and college transcripts.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant contracted his enlistment in the Regular Air Force on 20 July 1983 for a period of four years.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of airman first class (E-3), with an effective date and date of rank of 20 July 1984.

On 29 August 1984, the applicant received notification that he was being recommended for discharge for conditions that interfere with military service (personality disorder).  The specific reason for this action was due to the applicant being diagnosed by the Mental Health Clinic as having an adjustment disorder with anxious mood.  The applicant acknowledged receipt of the notification and waived his option to consult with counsel.  The applicant declined to submit any written statements in his behalf.  The discharge was found to be legally sufficient and, on 20 September 1984, the discharge authority approved the recommended separation and directed that the applicant be issued an honorable discharge.

He was honorably discharge on 25 September 1984 under the provisions of AFR 39-10 (conditions that interfere with military service-not disability-personality disorder).  He had completed a total of one year, two months and six days and was serving in the grade of airman first class (E-3) at the time of discharge.  He received an RE Code of 2C, which defined means "Involuntarily separated under AFR 39-10 with an honorable discharge; or, entry level separation without characterization of service.”
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AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

The BCMR Medical Consultant summarized the information contained in the applicant’s personnel and medical records.  The BCMR Medical Consultant states that the applicant was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder, with anxious mood.  Since the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder and was further not noted to demonstrate maladaptive traits, it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason as personality disorder, even though administratively it is correct.  However, there was misconduct reflecting disregard for military regulations and authority.  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.  Change of the reenlistment eligibility (RE) code is not recommended since adjustment disorder may recur under the varied and unique stresses of military service and the fact that there was misconduct that reflected disregard for military standards.  Details of the BCMR Medical Consultant’s evaluation are at Exhibit C.

HQ AFPC/DPPRSP states that the applicant did not submit any new evidence or identify any errors or injustices that occurred in the discharge processing.  However, DPPRSP concurs with the BCMR Medical Consultant and recommends the applicant’s separation code and narrative reason be changed to “JFF - Secretarial Authority.”  The HQ AFPC/DPPRSP evaluation is at Exhibit D.
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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

The applicant reviewed the advisory opinions and indicated that he stored his firearms collection NOT in the barracks, but in his sergeant’s private living quarters.  This was not a disregard for military standards, just a mistake by a 19 year old.  He has been working in electronics for 18 years, with no adjustment disorder.  He believes a second chance with the Army National Guard is warranted.  The applicant’s complete submission 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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

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 should be changed.  In addition, we note that the applicant has expressed a desire to enlist into the Army National Guard with the knowledge that the unit may deploy.  Considering the applicant’s desire to serve and the 18 years that have passed since his discharge, we believe he should be given the opportunity to apply for enlistment by changing his RE code.  Whether or not the applicant is successful will depend on the needs of the service.  In view of the foregoing, we recommend the applicant’s records 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 his narrative reason for separation, issued in conjunction with his Honorable Discharge on 25 September 1984, was “Directed by Secretary of the Air Force” and that he was issued a Separation Program Designator (SPD) code of “JFF” and a reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of “4D.”
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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 25 February 2004, 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 May 03, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 22 Oct 03.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPRSP, dated 20 Nov 03.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 5 Dec 03.
   Exhibit F.  Letter from Applicant, dated 16 Dec 03.

                                    Panel Chair

AFBCMR BC-2003-01694

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 his narrative reason for separation, issued in conjunction with his Honorable Discharge on 25 September 1984, was “Directed by Secretary of the Air Force” and that he was issued a Separation Program Designator (SPD) code of “JFF” and a reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of “4D.”

                                     	Director
                                     	Air Force Review Boards Agency