AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT	CASE NUMBER

FD-2016-00160	

GENERAL: The applicant was discharged on 9 Mar 06 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct. The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable, a change to the discharge narrative reason, and a change to the reenlistment eligibility code. The board was conducted on 21 Dec 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.

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 unanimously to deny the applicant’s request to upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable, to change the discharge narrative reason, and to change the reenlistment eligibility code.

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 one Article 15, one Letter of Reprimand, and five Records of Individual Counseling. His misconduct included: failure to complete career development course (CDC) in the time allowed, making a false official statement, failure to be at roll call at the appointed time, exceeding the allotted time for morale calls (x2), failure to return to duty in a timely manner, failure to go at the time prescribed to his appointed place of duty, sleeping while on duty, and misuse of the government travel card.

The applicant made no contentions that the discharge was inequitable or improper. He has completed over 5 years of honorable service with the Maryland National Guard and active duty Army and requested the upgrade in an effort to continue serving and to seek a commission in the Navy.

The DRB determined that, through the administrative actions taken by the chain of command in this case, the applicant had ample opportunities to change his negative behavior. It found the seriousness of the applicant’s misconduct offset the positive aspects of his service.

The board recommends the applicant exercise his right to appeal the DRB’s decision to the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records by requesting clemency based on his honorable service with the Maryland National Guard and active duty Army since being discharged.

CONCLUSION: The board found insufficient evidence of an inequity or impropriety that would warrant a change to the applicant’s discharge. Therefore, the discharge received by the applicant was deemed to be appropriate and his request was not approved.

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 25 Jan 18.  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