RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00751
		INDEX CODE:  100.00

	XXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE

	XXXXXXX	HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of 2C (involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service) be changed to a code which will allow him to reenlist in the Air Force.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He made false statements and over exaggerated things in his attempt to get out of the Air Force, not understanding that his decision would not allow him to join the military again.  A decision he deeply regrets.

In support of his appeal, applicant submitted a personal statement and letters of character references from family members and friends.

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 24 June 1998, applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force for a period of 4 years in the grade of airman basic (E-1/AB). 

Applicant was evaluated on 27 July 1998, by the Behavioral Analysis Service (BAS), Division of Mental Health and they diagnosed him as having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Chronic, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).  The prognosis rendered reflected that he could distinguish right from wrong, be considered responsible for his own actions, and participate in his own defense.  He was referred to the BAS because of concerns about depression, inability to promise not to harm himself or others, past abuse, a dysfunctional family of origin, and stress.  However, applicant reported he would not kill himself and was not judged to be at imminent risk of harming himself or others.  He denied any significant suicide attempts prior to basic military training (BMT), but reported he had experienced thought of suicide until two years prior.  Applicant’s training team reported that he was performing well and a return to the flight was desired.  However, given his history of difficulties managing reminders of past abuse, combined with his current exacerbation of abuse-related problems, it was unlikely that he would adjust to military life.  

On 30 July 1998, the squadron section commander initiated administrative discharge action against the applicant for a mental disorder.  The specific reason for the proposed action was the diagnosis cited above.  It was determined that this disorder interfered with duty performance and conduct and was severe enough that his ability to function effectively in the military was significantly impaired.  The applicant was advised of his right to counsel and to submit statements on his own behalf.  On that same date, he waived his right to consult counsel and did not submit a statement on his own behalf.  On 4 August 1998, the discharge authority directed applicant be discharged with an entry-level separation.

On 4 August 1998, the applicant received an uncharacterized entry-level separation, by reason of personality disorder and was issued an RE code of 2C.  He was credited with 1 month and 11 days of active duty service. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The AFBCMR Medical Consultant states that the applicant was discharged on 4 Aug 98, after 1 month and 11 days on active duty, due to existing prior to service post traumatic stress disorder.  He failed week four of basic training and was recycled back two weeks due to “abusing his power in the dormitory.”  On 25 Jul 98, applicant was referred to mental health by the chaplain because of concerns about depression, inability to promise not to harm self or others, and past abuse as a child.

He was administratively discharged during basic training with an entry level separation for reported symptoms consistent with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stemming from his reported history of physical abuse at the hands of his stepfather.  He now contends that he made false statements and exaggerated things in order to be discharged and now provides character statements from family and friends indicating he has matured since his discharge.  He now indicates that the reported abuse and symptoms leading to a diagnosis of PTSD were exaggerated or falsified calling the diagnosis into question.  However, he provides no evidence to support this claim.  Regardless of the diagnosis, the fact applicant falsified information in order to get out of the Air Force also indicates the presence of character traits that render him unsuited for military service.  Action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that implement the law.  It is his opinion that no change in the records is warranted.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 12 August 2004 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D).

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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.  Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find these contentions, in and by themselves, sufficiently persuasive so as to conclude he has been the victim of either and error or injustice.  Therefore, we agree with the recommendation of the BCMR Medical Consultant and adopt his rationale as the basis for our decision.  Therefore, in the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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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-2004-00751 in Executive Session on 19 October 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 6 Mar 04, w/atchs. 
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 9 Aug 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 12 Aug 04.