RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00167
		INDEX CODE:  100.03
	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligible (RE) code be changed to enable him to reenter the military.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

After he underwent an evaluation by a physician who determined he could function in a military environment his commander decided to discharge him.  He would like to serve his country and would like a decision of his eligibility to reenlist be based on a medical standpoint.

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

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 4 June 2002, on a guaranteed training agreement for security forces for a term of 4 years.  On 16 September 2002, 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 the applicant was referred to mental health and diagnosed with specific phobia (Firearms) and that it significantly impaired his ability to function in the military.  The behavioral analysis service letter, dated 4 September 2002, reported the applicant became too anxious to train with a firearm and became even more anxious when he heard firearms being discharged.  When he was offered a medically effective approach to desensitizing himself to the fear of weapons, he declined treatment knowing that this would disqualify him from being able to serve in the Armed Forces.  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 2 October 2002, he was administratively discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airman, (personality disorder), with an uncharacterized 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 3 months and 29 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.  He declined treatment that may have helped him overcome his fear knowing it would result in discharge.  Members discharged with an entry-level separation for any reason, receive a reenlistment code that bars reenlistment.

Since the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder, it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason as personality disorder, even though administratively it is correct.  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.  The RE code should not be changed.

The Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.  

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 15 Jun 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.  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 2 October 2002, 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-2004-00167 in Executive Session on 10 August 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:
All members voted to correct the record, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, undated.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 7 Jun 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Jun 04.

	Panel Chair

AFBCMR BC-2004-00167	

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 2 October 2002, 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