AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2016-00570	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 18 Dec 15 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 narrative reason, and a change to the reenlistment eligibility code.  

The applicant appeared and testified before the Discharge Review Board (DRB), without counsel, via video teleconference between Joint Base Andrews, MD and Warner-Robins AFB, GA on 27 Sep 17.  No witnesses were present to testify on the applicant’s behalf and no additional exhibits were submitted.

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 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 three Letters of Reprimand, one Letter of Admonishment, and one Record of Individual Counseling.  His misconduct included:  failure to maintain hair within dress and appearance standards (2x), possession of an unauthorized butterfly knife and solid steel stick in his dormitory room, being disrespectful toward an Airman Leader, failure to arrive for duty on time, and sleeping with a weapon while riding on the back of a vehicle.

The applicant made no contentions that the discharge was inequitable or improper.  He believed he deserved a second chance despite his misconduct and requested the upgrade in an effort to enlist in the U.S. Army. 

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 applicant’s pattern of misconduct offset the positive aspects of his service.  

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 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