AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2016-00494	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 9 Apr 04 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct.  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of her discharge characterization to Honorable.  The board was conducted on 21 Sep 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 her discharge characterization to Honorable.

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 Letters of Reprimand.  Her misconduct included:  an on-base arrest for consuming alcohol while under the age of 21, being belligerent with security forces members and consuming alcohol while under the age of 21, wrongfully altering her military identification card by changing the birth year, failure to go to a prescribed appointment, consuming alcohol while under the age of 21, and assaulting another Airman by shooting him in the stomach with a paintball gun.  

The applicant contended she was young at the time of the misconduct and would like to have the opportunity to utilize G.I. Bill benefits.  

The DRB recognized the applicant was 19 years old when she was discharged, but noted she was no younger than the vast majority of first-term Airmen who properly adhere to Air Force standards of conduct.  Further, the board understood the applicant’s present service characterization renders her ineligible for Department of Veteran Affairs education benefits.  However, this is not a matter of inequity or impropriety which would warrant an upgrade.  

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 her request was not approved. 

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 23 Oct 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