RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00752

	XXXXXXX        	COUNSEL:  NONE

	XXXXXXX       	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reentry code (RE) of 2C and narrative reason (Personality Disorder) for discharge be changed.
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

At the time, he was very emotional about becoming a father and felt he needed to be with his baby.  Now two years later, he realizes he was better off in the military. 

In support of the applicant’s request, he submits a personal statement, DD Form 293, Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of the United States; and his DD Form 214.  His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.  

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant entered active duty on 29 May 2001, completed basic training, and began training as a communications antenna system helper.  A 4 October 2001, mental health evaluation indicates the applicant was initially evaluated by psychiatry at Wilford Hall Medical Center for suicidal ideation and diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder.  He was referred for further psychological testing and evaluation.  The evaluation report stated he was "solely motivated for discharge from the USAF," disliked military service and wanted to return to civilian life so he could "get my life back, my sanity, I want me back."  The applicant displayed symptoms of depressed mood, social withdrawal, increased anger, moodiness, poor concentration, sleep disturbance, and fleeting suicidal ideation.  He indicated he intended to return to his girlfriend who was attending nursing school.  The evaluation concluded that he was not suited for continued military service due to an Adjustment Disorder and recommended administrative separation.  

On 31 October 2001, the applicant was administratively discharged with an entry level separation under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 for unsuitability, Adjustment Disorder, with a RE code of 2C, which denotes "Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service."   He served five months and three days on active duty.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial.  The Medical Consultant states the applicant was administratively discharged for an Adjustment Disorder characterized by depressed mood, suicidal ideation, irritability and moodiness, poor concentration and sleep disturbance.  Mental health records indicate the applicant was very dissatisfied with military life and wanted to return to civilian life to get his life back.  He now indicates he was motivated to be with his girlfriend when he learned she was pregnant.  Mental health evaluation concluded he was unsuited for continued military service and recommended administrative discharge. 

Adjustment Disorder is characterized by marked psychological distress in response to identifiable stressors that overcome the individual’s ability to cope and is frequently associated with significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.  The emotional and behavioral responses may be in excess of what would normally be expected given the nature of the stressors.  Manifestations can include depressed mood, anxiety, and disturbances of conduct.  One of the key features of Adjustment Disorder is that the condition resolves with relief of the stressors.  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 by their commander.  The Medical Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant states he is trying to get into the US Army and is fully aware of what he will be putting himself through and will be able to cope with being away from his son.  Not only is he aware of what might be asked of him, he is completely aware that there would be no turning back once he enlists.  His complete response is at 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 an error or injustice that would warrant corrective action.  Evidence has not been provided in support of his appeal, which would lead us to believe that a change to his reenlistment eligibility or the narrative reason for his discharge is warranted.  We took notice of his complete submission in judging the merits of this case; however, we do not find his assertions sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the Air Force.  Absent persuasive evidence that the applicant was denied rights to which he was entitled or that the appropriate standards were not applied during his discharge processing, 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-2004-00752 in Executive Session on 13 Oct 04, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 3 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 11 Aug 04.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, not dated.