RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-01319

	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT’S REQUEST.  That her 4C reentry (RE) code be changed to 3C.

APPLICANT’S CONTENTION.  The applicant had eczema at age 14 and indicated as such on her report of medical history during her initial application to join the Air Force.  No medical records were concealed.  The doctor at the Military Entrance Processing Station cleared her to enter the Air Force.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS.  The applicant was discharged on 8 May 15 with an entry-level separation and uncharacterized service, after serving two months and two days.  In the notification memorandum, the applicant’s squadron commander stated, “You should not have been allowed to join the Air Force because you have atopic dermatitis.”  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION.  AFPC/DP3ST (Reenlistments) recommends denying the application.  The 3C code requested by the applicant is only appropriate for airmen still in service, and so cannot be applied to the applicant.  However, she is correct that her current RE code is in error.  The correct RE code (2C) is not more favorable than 4C, and AFPC/DP3ST can make the correction without action by the Board.  However, if the Board does decide to direct a correction, AFPC/DP3ST recommends the code be changed to 3K (reserved for use by the Board).  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION.  The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 3 Jan 18 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response. 

THE BOARD CONCLUDES:

1. The application was timely filed.  

2. The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.  

3. After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board’s opinion that the applicant is the victim of both error and injustice.  While the Board notes the comments of AFPC/DP3ST indicating that relief should be denied, the Board believes the evidence justifies correcting the record, though not as the applicant has requested.  The Board accepts the rationale of AFPC/DP3ST for not changing the applicant’s RE code to 3C; however, the applicant did disclose her skin condition on her report of medical history during her initial application to join the Air Force.  Thus, Air Force error allowed her into service and set her up for effectively immediate separation.  The entire sequence of events amounted to unnecessary disruption in her life.  Under these circumstances, the Board believes the interests of justice mandate the alternative recommendation of AFPC/DP3ST.  Therefore, the Board recommends the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 8 May 15, she was separated with a reentry (RE) code of 3K (Reserved for use by HQ AFPC or the AFBCMR when no other reenlistment eligibility code applies or is appropriate).

CERTIFICATION: The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-01319 in Executive Session on 13 Mar 18:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

All members voted to correct the record as recommended.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A: Applicant’s application, DD Form 149, dated 28 Mar 16, w/atchs.
Exhibit B: Documentary evidence, including excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C: Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP3ST, dated 29 Jun 16.
Exhibit D: Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBR to applicant, dated 3 Jan 18.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.