AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

FD-2021-00407	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 2 May 2019 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Minor Infractions). 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 17 November 2021.  

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 represented by counsel.    

Pursuant to 10 USC §1553, the board included a member who is a psychiatrist/ psychologist with training on mental health issues connected with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI), and training on mental health disorders.

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 to Secretarial Authority, and to change the reenlistment eligibility code to 2C or 3K.

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’s record of service included multiple Letters of Reprimand, and multiple Letters of Counseling.  His misconduct included being irresponsible with vehicle operating procedures, neglected to preform duties being asked by an NCO, followed improper fueling procedures and disregarded any orders to cease said actions, and  failed to process into a Collective Protection System facility.  

Due to evidence of  a mental health condition found in the applicant’s medical record, the Board considered the case based on the liberal consideration standards required by guidance from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and 10 USC §1553.

The applicant requested a discharge upgrade for all aspects. The applicant stated that the injuries he suffered during his time in the military contributed to his inability to pass his fitness test. The applicant stated he was exposed to Jet fuel while serving in Korea. He stated as a result of inhaling jet fuel he developed shortness of breath and breathing issues while exercising. The applicant was diagnosed with asthma and was prescribed Albuterol to use before exercising.   As a result of the applicant’s health condition, he stated he failed his fitness test and was demoted from SrA to A1C.  The applicant believes the discharge given was too harsh and should be changed. 

The DRB noted that the applicant did not disclose all of the reasons for his discharge.  Based on the information in the applicant’s discharge documents, the applicant’s misconduct was more egregious than simply failing to maintain fitness standards.  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.  The Board concluded the negative aspects of the applicant’s service outweighed the positive contributions he made during his Air Force career.  The Board reviewed the applicant’s entire service record and found no evidence of impropriety or inequity to warrant any changes to the discharge.  

After a thorough review of the service record and inputs from the Board’s psychiatrist/ psychologist, the DRB found no conclusive indication that any mental health issues had a direct impact on the applicant's misconduct or 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 19 November 2021.  If desired, the applicant can request a list of the board members and their votes by writing to:  

Air Force Review Boards Agency
Attn: Discharge Review Board
3351 Celmers Lane
Joint Base Andrews, NAF Washington, MD 20762-6602  
Instructions on how to appeal an AFDRB decision can be found at 
https://afrbaportal.azurewebsites.us

Attachment:
Examiner's Brief (Applicant Only)