RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:		DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-03199
							INDEX CODE 100.06
	 						COUNSEL:  None

							HEARING DESIRED:  Yes

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed to “1.”

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THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He is of sound mind to rejoin the military and serve his country.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 5 Feb 02 and was assigned to the XXth Security Forces Squadron (XX SFS) at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom (UK) as a security forces member. 

According to a XX SFS document, dated 29 Jul 02, it appears the applicant received fines for failing to obey a traffic signal and speeding. On the same date, a Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) certificate noted that information had been found which might preclude qualification for PRP duty. A physician’s assistant at the Family Practice Clinic recommended the applicant not be certified. No other information is available.

A 10 Sep 02 medical entry reported the First Sergeant brought the applicant to the Mental Health Clinic (MHC) because of complaints of insomnia, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. The applicant indicated relationship problems and his assignment to the UK, where he had few friends, were among the stressors he was experiencing. The applicant was admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit for adjustment problems and recent thoughts of suicide. The staff psychiatrist recommended a 30-day suspension of PRP privileges and status.

A 17 Sep 02 medical evaluation diagnosed the applicant as having an adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood. The psychiatrist reported the applicant lacked any desire or motivation to perform his duties and was unable to develop any significant support systems. Any significant short-term changes were not anticipated as the Air Force environment represented a severe stressor on his adaptive abilities, both personally and professionally. Administrative discharge was recommended as his adjustment disorder was considered so severe his ability to function in the military was significantly and severely impaired. The applicant was discharged from the inpatient unit on 17 Sep 02.

A telephonic consultation on 3 Oct 02 indicated the applicant was still experiencing sleep difficulties, but he denied suicidal or homicidal ideation.

On 25 Oct 02, the applicant was notified of his commander’s intent to recommend an honorable discharge for conditions interfering with military service (mental disorders). The applicant consulted counsel but did not submit statements. The commander subsequently recommended administrative discharge without probation and rehabilitation (P&R) on 25 Oct 02. 

The applicant was permanently decertified from the PRP on 28 Oct 02, due to the recommendation of the medical authority. He was seen in follow-up visits at the MHC on 5 and 12 Nov 02.

On 19 Nov 02, the discharge authority approved the recommended separation.

The applicant was discharged on 5 Feb 02, with an honorable characterization, after 9 months and 23 days of active service. He received an RE code of “2C” (Involuntarily Separated with an Honorable Discharge or Entry Level Separation) and a separation program designator (SPD) code of “JFX” (Personality Disorder). 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

The AFBCMR Medical Consultant advised that individuals who develop adjustment disorder due to the stress of the routine rigors of military service, with or without concomitant personal issues, are not suited for military service and are subject to administrative discharge. The applicant also had a history of depressive symptoms prior to service consistent with a long term, chronic mood disorder, further predisposing him to recurrent difficulties. The fact that he is functioning well at this time at home confirms the diagnosis of adjustment disorder; however, it does not predict he will respond well to the stresses of military operations, deployment, or combat when he is separated from his familiar surroundings and usual support system.  Action and disposition were proper and denial is recommended.
A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF EVALUATION: 

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 5 Mar 04 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 timely filed.

3.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice warranting partial relief. Individuals, such as the applicant, who develop adjustment disorder because of the stress of routine military service are not suited for that environment and are subject to administrative discharge.  Additionally, the applicant had a history of depressive symptoms prior to service consistent with a long term, chronic mood disorder. The applicant may be functioning well at home now; however, his adjustment disorder symptoms will very likely recur under the rigors of military operations, deployment or combat.  Therefore, we conclude the applicant is not a candidate for reenlistment and his unwaiverable RE code should remain unchanged.  However, we take issue with the applicant’s SPD code and narrative reason. Prior to 1993, the Services had specific SPD codes to reflect most of the reasons for mental disorders, including adjustment disorder. However, when the Department of Defense (DOD) standardized the SPD codes, the Services were left with the one narrative reason of “Personality Disorder.” The applicant was diagnosed as having an adjustment disorder, not a personality disorder, as is currently reflected on his DD Form 214. Since we have no SPD code/narrative reason for adjustment disorder, we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected to show a more innocuous SPD code of “JFF” and narrative reason of “Secretarial Authority.”

4.	The applicant’s case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issue(s) involved. Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.
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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, in conjunction with his entry level separation on 5 February 2002, he was issued a separation program designator code of “JFF,” instead of “JFX,” and a narrative reason of “Secretarial Authority,” rather than “Personality Disorder.”
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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 21 April 2004 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence relating to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-03199 was considered:

	Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 25 Aug 03.
	Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C. Letter, AFBCMR Medical Consultant, dated 18 Feb 04.
	Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 5 Mar 04.

								

AFBCMR BC-2003-03199

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, in conjunction with his entry level separation on 5 February 2002, he was issued a separation program designator code of “JFF,” instead of “JFX,” and a narrative reason of “Secretarial Authority,” rather than “Personality Disorder.”