AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2016-00548	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 27 Jun 05 in accordance with AFI 36-3206 with a General discharge for Misconduct.  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable.  

The applicant appeared and testified before the Discharge Review Board (DRB), without counsel, at Joint Base Andrews, MD, on 13 Mar 18.  No witnesses were present to testify on the applicant’s behalf and no additional exhibits were submitted at the hearing.
   
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.

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 and one Record of Individual Counseling.  His misconduct included:  absenting himself from his place of duty without authority, making a false official statement with an intent to deceive, being cited for reckless driving, and failing to return to the local duty area until two days after his leave had ended.  

The applicant contended his discharge was inequitable because his supervisor was overbearing and abusive and created a hostile work environment.  He admitted to making mistakes during his time in service, when he was young and foolish.  He requested the upgrade in an effort to obtain G.I. Bill benefits in order to complete a second doctoral degree.  

The DRB reviewed the applicant’s entire service record and found no evidence of impropriety or inequity related to his discharge.  It determined that, through the administrative actions taken by the chain of command in this case, the applicant had an ample opportunity to change his negative behavior.  It concluded the seriousness of the applicant’s willful misconduct offset the positive aspects of his service.  The board also understood the applicant’s present service characterization renders him 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 his request was not approved. 

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 9 Apr 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