RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-01376 

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty be amended as follows:

a. block 26, separation code/separation program designator (SPD) “JFY” (adjustment disorder) be changed to reflect a favorable reentry in the military.

b. block 27, reenlistment/reentry (RE) code “2C” (entry-level separation without characterization of service) be changed to    RE-1 (eligible for immediate reenlistment).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was dealing with the loss of his grandfather who was like a second father to him and was unable to come to terms with his death.  Since returning home, he has come to terms with his grandfather’s death and has obtained a favorable psychological re-evaluation.  He would like the opportunity to serve in the Air Force again.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 17 Nov 15.

On 30 Dec 15, the applicant’s commander notified him of his intent to recommend him for discharge under the provisions of AFPD 36-32, Military Retirements and Separations, and AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, chapter 5, section 5B, Involuntary Convenience of the Government, Paragraph 5.11, Conditions that Interfere with Military Service, specifically, paragraph 5.11.9, under Mental Disorders.  The reason for the action was a mental health evaluation, dated 17 Dec 15, that diagnosed him with a mental disorder as contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).  

On 30 Dec 15, the applicant acknowledged receipt of the recommendation for discharge action, waived his rights to consult counsel and submit statements in his own behalf, declined his Area Defense Counsel appointment, and acknowledged that he would not be entitlement to disability, retirement or severance pay.

On 4 Jan 16, subsequent to the file being found legally sufficient, the discharge authority approved the action as proposed and directed the applicant be furnished a discharge under Mental Disorder with type of discharge being entry level separation.

On 5 Jan 16, the applicant was furnished an uncharacterized discharge and was credited with 1 month and 19 days of active service.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which are attached at Exhibits C and D.

AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

AFPC/DP2STM-SEP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.  Airmen are given entry-level separation/uncharacterized service characterization (RE Code 2C) when separation is initiated in the first 180 days of continuous active service.  The Department of Defense (DoD) determined if a member served less than 180 days continuous active service, it would be unfair to the member and the service to characterize their limited service. 

The applicant’s commander notified him on 30 Dec 15 that she was recommending him for discharge from the Air Force for a condition that interferes with military service, specifically for mental disorders.  The commander recommended the applicant receive an entry level separation because the applicant was diagnosed by the 559th Medical Operations Squadron, Behavioral Analysis Service, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX, as having a condition as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV):  Axis I:  Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety; Axis II: Deferred; Axis III: Deferred to Medical Record. It was determined that his condition was severe enough that his ability to function in the military was significantly impaired and did not meet retention standards for continued military service.   As a result, discharge action was initiated.  Therefore, the narrative reason for separation and corresponding SPD are correct as indicated on the applicant’s DD Form 214.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP2STM-SEP evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DP3ST recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.  The applicant states he couldn’t focus due to the death of his grandfather.   However, applicant’s medical report indicated applicant was referred for acute symptoms of anxiety and suicidal ideation while in Basic Training.  The applicant is specifically asking for 1# series RE code, however, chapter 5 states not to separate Airmen in the RE code 1# series except for RE code 1J--(Eligible to reenlist, but elects separation.  All Airmen selected under the Selective Reenlistment Program [SRP] and elect separation are given RE code 1J), and applicant cannot be awarded a RE code 1J as he was not selected for reenlistment, but involuntarily discharged.  Additionally, the applicant did not have the required time in service to be eligible for reenlistment.  

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3ST evaluation is at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATIONS:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 26 Jan 17 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E).  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.  The application is timely filed.  

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPRs) and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief.

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-01376 in Executive Session on 27 Jun 17 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 27 Mar 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP2STM-SEP, dated 29 Apr 16.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3ST, dated 30 Aug 16.
Exhibit E.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 26 Jan 17, w/atchs.

Pursuant to paragraph 1 of AFI 36-2603 (Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 865.1), it is certified that a quorum was present at the Board's review and deliberations, and that the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.