RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01808
		INDEX CODE:  100.03
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO
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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligible (RE) code be changed to a 1, which will enable him to reenter the military.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was immature and admits he made mistakes due to being homesick.

In support of his request, the applicant submits a personal statement.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 27 August 1998, for a term of 4 years.  On 27 April 1999, the applicant was notified by his commander that he was recommending he be discharged from the Air Force due to a condition that interferes with military service (mental disorder).  The reason for this action was that after making suicidal comments, the applicant was referred to mental health and diagnosed with an adjustment disorder so severe that it significantly impaired his ability to function in the military.  On 10 March 1999, the applicant received a letter of individual counseling for failure to follow an order to trim his beard in accordance with his shaving waiver and lying to his supervisor about having received the order.  On 18 March 1999, he received a Letter of Reprimand (LOR) for repeat failure to follow orders to maintain his beard within standards.  He was referred for mental health evaluation on 22 April 1999, after making suicidal comments to his supervisor.  The mental health evaluation report, dated 23 April 1999, reported the applicant’s history suggested anti-social behavior that defies social norms and that he had not been able to adjust to the demands and standards of military life.  He was diagnosed with adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct.  He was advised of his rights in this matter.  He acknowledged receipt of the notification and elected not to submit statements on his own behalf.  The package was reviewed by the staff judge advocate and found to be legally sufficient.  On 14 May 1999, he was administratively discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airman, (personality disorder), with an honorable discharge. He was issued an RE code of 2C “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service)”.  He served 8 months and 16 days total active service. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends changing the narrative reason for separation to Secretarial Authority, but denial of the RE code change request.  The applicant was discharged for adjustment disorder after making a suicidal remark to his supervisor.  The available records do not detail the extent of the applicant’s mood disturbance, but primarily reflect difficulty with authority, a poor attitude about being in the military and a resulting difficulty adapting to the military environment.

Since the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder and was further 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.  In this case although dependent traits were listed, there is inadequate documentation to support this as a trait distinct from his adjustment disorder.  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 but no change in the reenlistment code is warranted.

The Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.  

AFPC/DPPRSP concurs with the BMCR Medical Consultant.  The applicant’s separation code and narrative reason for separation should be changed to JFF-Secretarial Authority.  

The DPPRSP evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 5 Dec 03, for review and comment 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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice in regard to his request that his reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed.  After a thorough review of the documentation provided and the evidence of record, the Board is of the opinion that given the circumstances surrounding his separation from the Air Force, the RE code assigned to the applicant was proper and in compliance with the appropriate directives.  Applicant has not provided any evidence, which would lead the Board to believe otherwise.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the Board finds no compelling basis to recommend a change in his RE code.

4.  Notwithstanding the aforementioned, we note that the BCMR Medical Consultant has indicated that the narrative reason for his separation, Personality Disorder, is inappropriate under the circumstances surrounding the decision to separate him from the Air Force.  We agree with the BCMR Medical Consultant in this matter and believe that it would be an injustice for him to continue to suffer the adverse effects of such characterization.  Accordingly, we recommend that his 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 on 14 May 1999, 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 Docket Number BC-2003-01808 in Executive Session on 3 February 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 21 May 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 29 Oct 03.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, AFPC/DPPRSP, dated 20 Nov 03.
	Exhibit E.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 5 Dec 03.

	Panel Chair

AFBCMR BC-2003-01808	

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 14 May 1999, he was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of “JFF”.

                                                                              Director
                                                                              Air Force Review Boards Agency