AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2014-00353	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 28 Oct 11 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Minor Infractions).  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of her discharge characterization to Honorable, a change to the narrative reason, and a change to the reenlistment eligibility code.  The board was conducted on 17 Aug 17.  

The applicant was offered a personal appearance before the Discharge Review Board (DRB), but declined and requested the board be completed based on a records only review.  The applicant was not represented by counsel.   

Pursuant to 10 USC §1553, the board included a member who is a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, or a physician with training on mental health issues connected with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI), and/or training on mental health disorders.

The attached examiner’s brief (provided to applicant only), extracted from available service records, contains pertinent data regarding the circumstances and character of the applicant’s military service. 
  
FINDING:  The DRB voted three to two to approve the applicant’s request to upgrade her discharge characterization to Honorable.  It voted to not change her narrative reason and to change her reenlistment eligibility code to 2C.

DISCUSSION:  The DRB, under its responsibility to examine the propriety and equity of an applicant’s discharge, is authorized to change the characterization of service and the reason for discharge if such changes are warranted.  If applicable, the board can also change the applicant’s reenlistment eligibility code.  In reviewing discharges, the board presumes regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs unless there is substantial credible evidence to rebut the presumption, to include evidence submitted by the applicant.  The board completed a thorough review of the circumstances that led to the discharge and the discharge process to determine if the discharge met the pertinent standards of equity and propriety.  

The applicant’s record of service included:  two Article 15s and two vacations of suspended non-judicial punishment.  Her misconduct included driving while intoxicated, failure to file a travel voucher as directed, failure to obey a lawful order from a senior noncommissioned officer, violation of a no contact order, and being disorderly.

The applicant contended the discharge was inequitable because she was treated unfairly by her flight leadership and her punishments for minor infractions, such as failing to file her travel voucher, were too harsh.   

Since the applicant’s service record indicated she claimed to be the victim of sexual harassment (she filed complaints through the base Military Equal Opportunity Office and the Inspector General), the board considered the case based on the liberal consideration standards required by guidance from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

The board found neither the evidence of record, nor that provided by the applicant substantiated an impropriety.  However, sufficient evidence existed to convince the board the discharge was inequitable.  It determined relief was warranted based on liberal consideration guidelines and indications that the applicant’s personal problems mitigated some of the reasons for discharge and negatively impacted her capability to serve satisfactorily.
 
After a thorough review of the service record and inputs from the board’s psychiatrist, the DRB found some indications that mental health issues had an impact on the applicant's misconduct and discharge.

CONCLUSION:  The board determined the overall characterization of the applicant’s service was more accurately reflected by an Honorable discharge.  The board did not change the applicant’s narrative reason, but did change the reenlistment eligibility code to 2C. 

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 18 Sep 17.  If desired, the applicant can request a list of the board members and their votes by writing to:  SAF/MRBR (CITU), 550-C Street West, Suite 41, Randolph AFB, TX  78150-4743.
  
Attachment:
Examiner's Brief