RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:		DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-02745
		INDEX CODE: 112.10
 						COUNSEL:  NO
			  		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His separation program designator (SPD) code of "JFX" (Personality Disorder) and his reentry code of "2C" (Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service) on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty be changed so he can return to the New Jersey Air National Guard.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was seen by a psychologist once for 10 minutes 4 days before his separation from Basic Military Training (BMT).  This happened after his condition worsened and he was unable to perform his duties.

In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214.

His complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Data extracted from the Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) reflects that on 6 September 2006, he enlisted in the Air National Guard.

On 22 September 2006, he was discharged from the ANG with an entry-level separation for termination of initial active duty training.  He was discharged with uncharacterized service.

He served 17 days on active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

NGB/A1POFM recommends denial.  A1POFM states the applicant was returned to the state of New Jersey from BMT.  He was evaluated by qualified medical personnel at Wilford Hall Medical Center and found unable to continue BMT.  He was unable to manage the psychological stress related with the training environment that is intended to test trainees and prepare them for the future stress incurred with military service.  If he were allowed to continue in an active status, he could obviously pose a danger to himself or others.  The main purpose of the RE and SPD codes are to identify individuals that should not be considered for continued military service.  

The complete A1POFM evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit B.

NGB/A1PS concurs with A1POFM and recommends denial of relief.  A1PS states according to the subject matter expert (SME), the applicant was returned from BMT due to the inability to manage the psychological stress related with the training environment that is intended to test trainees and prepare them for the future stress incurred with military service.

The complete A1PS evaluation, with attachments, 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 11 January 2008 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response (Exhibit D).

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ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends denial.  The Medical Consultant states provisions are made to separate a service member with an entry level separation, with an uncharacterized service characterization, when, as in the case under review, there has been a demonstrated inability to complete training or to perform his or her military duties, identified within the first 180 days of military service, due to a variety of "unsuiting" conditions, not considered disabilities, that interfere with military service.  This includes, but is not limited to, a character and behavioral disorder that is found to be so severe as to interfere with the service member's ability to perform their military duties.  The applicant has reportedly demonstrated such difficulty managing the "psychological stress related to his training environment,” such that it was determined that his retention could "pose a danger to himself or others."  Addressing his fitness to serve, appellate review boards are often asked to place a service member's motivation or demonstrated ability to serve in a safe, or familiar garrison environment, above any health or safety risk imposed by a particular medical condition.  In the case under review, and with a presumption of regularity in the establishment of the reason for separating him, he remains vulnerable for experiencing a recurrence of his previously demonstrated pattern of behavior, if confronted again with the stressors associated with military service.  This includes operating in unfamiliar austere operational environments.  The  Medical Consultant finds this concern particularly important in the context of the unrelenting and unpredictable stressors confronting all military members of today's Air and Space Expeditionary Force; with a mission that relies more than ever before upon our Reserve component and Guard forces.

Addressing the potential fallout from his separation code, the BCMR Medical Consultant acknowledges that the "JFX" code assigned to him represents a personality disorder; and its likely impact upon his social and occupational pursuits.  Therefore, if indeed his medical narrative indicates that he has an adjustment disorder instead, then separation code "JFY" would be more appropriate.  It is not known, with the lack of medical records, which is his actual diagnosis.  The Medical Consultant otherwise recommends a denial of his request for a change in the narrative reason for separation and denial for a change in the reentry code. 

The complete BCMR Medical Consultant evaluation is at Exhibit E.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF ADDITIONAL AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 10 June 2008 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response (Exhibit F).

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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 to warrant correcting his SPD and reentry codes.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case, however, due to the limited records available and based upon the presumption of regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs, we must assume that the applicant's discharge was proper and in compliance with appropriate directives.  We find no evidence of error or injustice in the available records and without evidence to support the applicant's appeal, we find no basis upon which to favorably consider this application.  Therefore, in view of the foregoing, we conclude that no basis exists upon which to recommend favorable action on his request.  

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of 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 Docket Number BC-2007-02745 in Executive Session on 16 July 2008 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

  Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 15 August 2007, w/atchs.
  Exhibit B.  Letter, NGB/A1POFM, dated 22 October 2007.
  Exhibit C.  Letter, NGB/A1PS, dated 18 December 2007.
  Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 11 January 2008.
  Exhibit E.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 22 May 2008.
  Exhibit F.  Letter, Counsel, dated 10 June 2008.