RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-01853 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His reentry (RE) code of “2C” (Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service) be changed to a “1” series RE code that would allow him to reenlist. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He has no medical reason not to be allowed reentry into the service. He is in very good health. His back does not bother him nor does it affect his daily life. In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and medical documentation. The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 9 October 2007. On 8 August 2008, the applicant was notified by his commander of his intent to recommend that he be discharged from the Air Force under the provisions of AFPD 36-32 and AFI 36-3208. The specific reason was on 8 May 2008, the applicant was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, a condition that disqualifies enlistment. According to the SF600, Chronological Record of Medical Care, dated 8 May 2008, this condition is a congenital defect of the back and is chronic in nature - it existed prior to entering the military. Had the Air Force known of this condition, he would not have been allowed entry into the military. He was advised of his rights in this matter and acknowledged receipt of the notification. He waived his right to consult with counsel and to submit statements on his own behalf. In a legal review of the case file, the staff judge advocate found the case legally sufficient and recommended discharge. The discharge authority concurred with the recommendation and directed discharge. The applicant was discharged on 25 August 2008 with an honorable discharge. He served 10 months and 17 days on active duty. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AETC/SGPS recommends approval. SGPS states at the time of his induction examination he may not have been aware that he had this condition. It came to light when during basic training it was aggravated by strenuous physical activity during Security Forces Training. He was evaluated and diagnosed with the condition, and since it limited his physical ability and he could not continue with training – the decision was made with his concurrence that he would be separated from the military. The applicant’s separation process was done in accordance with established policy and administrative procedures. At the time, his condition did render him unsuitable to continue military service; however, presently they support a change to his RE code. The SGPS complete evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSOA recommends denial. DPSOA states the RE code 2C is required based on the involuntary separation with honorable character of service and the applicant does not provide any evidence of an error or injustice in reference to his RE code. SGPS supports a change of the RE code to allow reentry in the military. However, the RE code 2C is not driven by a medical condition and SG (medical community) does not have authority or any valid input as to the correctness or recommended change to the RE code. They are qualified to recommend the applicant be given an opportunity to be medically screened for reentry into military service based on his current medical status (if otherwise eligible); which they too would support based on their recommendation. However, a waiver of the RE code from recruiting services based on SG’s recommendation would identify prior circumstances for screening and would be more appropriate than circumventing the screening and waiver process. The DPSOA complete evaluation is at Exhibit D. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: The applicant states he was informed that the board has concurred to change his narrative reason for separation and will only consider changing his RE code to 3K. He accepts the change of his RE code to 3K. The applicant’s response is at Exhibit F. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations. 2. The application was timely filed. 3. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice. While the reentry code assigned to the applicant, at the time, was technically correct and in accordance with the applicable regulation, the Board believes it would be an injustice for the applicant to continue to suffer its effects. It is noted that SGPS recommends changing the reentry code, and the Board believes that the applicant should be afforded the opportunity to apply for a waiver to enlist in the armed services. Whether or not he is successful will depend on the needs of the service and our recommendation in no way guarantees that he will be allowed to return to the Air Force or any branch of the service. Accordingly, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent indicated below. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that at the time of his discharge on 25 August 2008, he was issued a reentry code of “3K.” _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-01853 in Executive Session on 14 December 2011, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-01853 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 6 May 2011, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant’s Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AETC/SGPS, dated 11 July 2011. Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSOA, dated 4 October 2011. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 28 October 2011. Exhibit F. Letter, Applicant, not dated.