RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00360
		INDEX CODE:  100.06

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of 2C be changed to allow his reentry into military service.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

At the time of his separation, he was told he would be able to enlist in any branch of service but the Air Force.  However, he was not allowed to do so when he attempted to enlist.  He had the option to voluntarily separate from the Air Force because of his sickle cell trait, which he exercised.  However, because of his RE code, it is as if he was forced out of the military.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 13 Feb 02 for a period of four years, in the grade of airman basic.

A Chronological Record of Medical Care, dated 19 Feb 02, indicates the applicant was advised he had the sickle cell trait.

On 21 Feb 02, he signed a Statement of Understanding of Sickle-Cell Trait and Discharge Options and opted to elect discharge based on testing positive for the sickle cell trait.

On 26 Feb 02, he requested he be discharged for miscellaneous reasons based on his sickle cell trait.

On 8 Mar 02, the discharge authority approved the applicant’s separation.

On 11 Mar 02, the applicant was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Miscellaneous/General Reasons) with an entry level separation and assigned an RE code of 2C (Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service).  He was credited with 29 days of active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Medical Consultant noted the applicant requested an early separation based on his sickle cell trait.  In his view, proper procedures were followed and the applicant was provided the appropriate information and time to make his decision.  According to the Medical Consultant, the applicant’s concern about being told he could enlist into another branch of service is outside the scope of his advisory.  

A complete copy of the Medical Consultant’s evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPAE recommended denial indicating the applicant’s RE code was correct.  In their view, there was nothing to support the course of action requested by the applicant.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPPAE 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 applicant on 27 Aug 04 for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit E).

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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 error or injustice.  We note the Secretary of the Air Force has statutory authority to promulgate rules and regulations governing the administration of the Air Force.  In the exercise of that authority, the Secretary has determined that members separated from the Air Force would be furnished an RE code predicated upon the quality of their service and circumstances of their separation.  The evidence of record indicates the applicant was given an entry level separation for miscellaneous/general reasons after he opted to separate based on his testing positive for the sickle cell trait.  As a result, he was assigned an RE code of 2C.  It appears the applicant’s RE code was appropriately assigned and accurately reflected the circumstances of his separation, and, we find no evidence to indicate the assigned RE code was in error.  In view of the foregoing, and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we conclude that no basis exists to recommend favorable action on the applicant’s request that his RE code of 2C be changed.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-00360 in Executive Session on 6 Oct 04, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 25 Jul 03, w/atch.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, Medical Consultant, dated 28 Jul 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 25 Aug 04.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Aug 04.

                                   Panel Chair