RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF				DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-01977

							COUNSEL: NONE

							HEARING: YES

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her reentry (RE) code be changed so she can enlist in the National Guard.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She was led to believe she would be eligible to reenlist when she was discharged.  However, her RE code of 2B does not allow her to enlist in the National Guard.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former airman basic.

On 10 Jan 80, the applicant was furnished a General, Under Honorable Conditions, discharge, with a RE code of 2B (separated with a general or other-than-honorable conditions).

The applicant received the following disciplinary actions:  Record of Counseling, 25 Jan 79, late to work; Record of Counseling, 21 Mar 79, insufficient funds; Record of Counseling, 13 Jul 79, driving on a closed road, no driver’s license; Letter of Reprimand, 26 Sep 79, failure to go 10-11 Sep 79;  Letter of Reprimand, 26 Oct 79, absent without leave 19 Sep 79;  and Article 15, 11 Dec 79, absent without leave 29 Nov 79, reduction to airman basic, 14 days restriction.

On 19 Dec 79, the applicant received a psychiatric evaluation of schizoid personality disorder, mild to moderate, passive-aggressive and antisocial personality features.

On 21 Dec 79, the applicant’s commander notified her, she was being recommended for discharge from the Air Force for numerous disciplinary actions.  The applicant was advised of her right to legal military counsel and to submit statements on her own behalf.  The separation action was determined to be legally sufficient, and on 9 Jan 80 the discharge authority directed the applicant be discharged with a General discharge without probation or rehabilitation.

For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisories at Exhibits C and D.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

BCMR Mental Health Consultant recommends denying the applicant’s request to change her RE code, but recommended changing the reason for discharge to “Secretarial Authority.”  

Although the applicant was diagnosed with a Personality Disorder in service, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had the opportunity to evaluate her through a prolonged period of time.  A review of her record, subsequent to her discharge, do not report or support she has any pathological personality traits, features, or disorders.  The applicant’s current diagnosis is Bipolar Disorder.  The applicant’s past conduct was a clear indication of her poor suitability for the military, and her current diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder disqualifies her for enlistment into any branch of the military.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DP2SSM recommends denying the application.  The applicant’s RE code of 2B is correct based on her general discharge characterization.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 20 Mar 18 for comment (Exhibit E), but has received no response. 

THE BOARD CONCLUDES:

1.  The application was not timely filed, but it is in the interest of justice to excuse the delay.

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

3.  After reviewing all Exhibits, Board concludes the applicant has presented evidence sufficient to demonstrate an injustice regarding part, but not all, of her request.  In particular, while her RE code “2B” is correct as reflected on her DD Form 214, the Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of BCMR Mental Health Consultant and finds it in the interest of justice to change the applicant’s narrative reason for separation to Secretarial Authority.  However, for the applicant’s request to change her RE Code, the evidence presented did not demonstrate an error or injustice, and the Board therefore finds no basis to recommend granting that portion of the applicant’s request.  Therefore, the Board recommends correcting the applicant’s records as indicated below.

4.  The applicant’s case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to the Board’s understanding of the issues involved.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS:  

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 10 January 1980, she received a narrative reason for separation of “Secretarial Authority” with a corresponding Separation Program Designator (SPD) code of “JFF.” 

However, regarding the remainder of the applicant’s request, the Board recommends the applicant be informed the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice and the application could only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

The application was adjudicated without a personal appearance.

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 Docket Number BC-2016-01977 in Executive Session on 1 May 18:

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

Exhibit A:  Application, DD Form 149, w/atch, dated 5 May 16.
Exhibit B:  Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:  Advisory Opinion, BCMR Mental Health Consultant, dated 26 Feb 18.
Exhibit D:  Advisory Opinion, AFPC/DP2SSM, dated 8 Mar 18.
Exhibit E:  Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 20 Mar 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.