AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT	CASE NUMBER

FD-2016-00575	

GENERAL: The applicant was discharged on 18 Dec 07 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Entry Level Separation for Failed Medical/Physical Procurement Standards.  The applicant appealed for a change to his service characterization to Honorable and a change to his reenlistment eligibility code. The board was conducted on 14 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 change his service characterization to Honorable and to change his reenlistment eligibility code. It also voted to not change his discharge narrative reason.

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 narrative 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 received an uncharacterized Entry Level Separation due to the discovery that he had erroneously enlisted.  He did not meet minimal medical standards due to having “pes planus.”

The applicant made no contentions that his discharge was improper or inequitable. He requested the changes to his service characterization and reenlistment eligibility code in an effort to re-enter military service.

In accordance with AFI 36-3208, Airmen are in entry level status during the first 180 days of continuous active military service. If separated during this time, they normally receive an Entry Level Separation that is not characterized. Because it is Air Force policy to not characterize this type of separation, the applicant’s request to “upgrade” it to Honorable could not be approved. The board noted at the time of discharge, the applicant did not request a Headquarters, Air Education and Training Command medical waiver and also waived his right to counsel and to submit a response to the discharge notification. Additionally, the board determined his reenlistment eligibility code of “4C” was correct based on the circumstances of his discharge.

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 22 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