RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01903
		INDEX CODE:	 100.03, 100.06
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He did not erroneously enlist in the Air Force as he disclosed his knee surgery prior to enlisting.

In support of his request, applicant provided a personal statement, a copy of his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active duty and a personal statement, a copy of SF Form 8A, Report of Medical Examination.  

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 on 9 April 2002, for a term of 4 years.  On 2 May 2002, he was notified of his commander’s intent to recommend that he be discharged from the Air Force under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen (Failed Medical/Physical Procurement Standards).  The reason for this action was that the commander received a medical narrative summary that found he did not meet minimum medical standards to enlist.  He was advised of his rights in this matter and acknowledged receipt of the notification on that same date.  He waived his option to consult counsel and elected to waive his right to submit statements on his own behalf.  The discharge authority concurred with the recommendation and directed that he be discharged with an entry-level separation.  He served 28 days on active duty and was issued an RE code of 4C “Separated for concealment of juvenile records, minority, failure to meet physical standards for enlistment, failure to attain a 9.0 reading grade level as measured by the Air Force Reading Abilities Test (AFRAT), or void enlistments.”

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial.  The Medical Consultant states that the applicant injured his left knee requiring surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament two years before enlisting in the Air Force.  The outcome of that surgery was very good with good function and joint stability and the applicant was granted a waiver for entry into the Air Force.  Shortly after starting basic training he was administratively separated with an entry-level separation.  His DD 214 appropriately lists the narrative reason for discharge as “Failed Medical/Physical Procurement Standards” and his reenlistment code is consistent with the reason for discharge.  Although the applicant’s knee injury was optimally surgically reconstructed but pain associated with the rigors of military training prevented him from completing his training.  Activity limiting pain is likely to recur when exposed to the high physical demands of military training.

Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.

The Medical Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPAE recommends denial.  After reviewing the case, the BCMR Medical Consultant determined that the entry-level separation was appropriate, as the history of pain would have precluded initial enlistment.

The DPPAE evaluation is at Exhibit D.

AFPC/DPPRSP reviewed applicant’s request and defers to the Board to determine if the applicant should be granted relief based on documentation provided.  The applicant did not submit any new evidence or identify any errors or injustices that occurred in the discharge processing.  

The DPPRSP evaluation is at attachment E.   

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluation were forwarded to the applicant on 21 Nov 03, for review and comment within 30 days.

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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 an error or injustice to warrant some relief.  While the 4C RE code is technically correct, and a waiverable code, we believe it may reflect negatively upon the applicant.  The narrative reason for RE code 4C is (Separated for Concealment of Juvenile Records, Minority, Failure to Meet Physical Standards for Enlistment, Failure to Attain a 9.0 Reading Grade Level as Measured by the Air Force Reading Abilities Test (AFRAT), or Void Enlistments).  We want to eliminate the possibility of any misconception surrounding his separation from the Air Force.  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 at the time of his discharge on 6 May 2002, he was issued an Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) code of "3K".

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2003-01903 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 9 Jun 03.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 22 Sep 03. 
	Exhibit D.	Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 5 Nov 03.
	Exhibit E.	Letter, AFPC/DPPRSP, dated 30 Oct 03.
	Exhibit F.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 21 Nov 03.

AFBCMR BC-2003-01903	

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 6 May 2002, he was furnished a reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of 3K.