APPLICANT REQUESTS:  That her uncharacterized discharge be changed to an honorable discharge.

APPLICANT STATES:  In effect, that she injured her knee while in basic training and did not seek treatment until it was too late.  She admits to failing to achieve a passing score in her assigned military occupational specialty (MOS) of 77L (Petroleum Laboratory Specialist).  She was given three attempts to make up for that.  Her continual trips to the Troop Medical Clinic and Physical Therapy caused her to get behind in her class work.  She had no problems with physical training except for the run.

EVIDENCE OF RECORD:  The applicant’s military records show:

On 9 August 1995, she enlisted, in pay grade E-2, in the Regular Army.  She completed basic training but not advanced individual training (AIT).

The applicant’s medical records are not available.  On 7 December 1995, the applicant was released from medical care and treatment by the Orthopaedic Clinic and was medically cleared for administrative separation.

On 7 December 1995, the applicant’s company commander recommended she be discharged from the service for failing to meet the physical training requirement and an inability to adapt to 77L training.

The applicant acknowledged the basis for the separation action, requested counsel, and submitted a statement in her own behalf.  She stated she hurt her knee in basic training and re-injured it in AIT.  With all her medical treatment, she fell behind in her class work.  She noticed that she was not getting the proper treatment for her knee, so she made the decision to get out of the Army to seek medical assistance to help her situation.  

On 11 January 1996, the applicant underwent a mental status evaluation.  She was psychiatrically cleared for any administrative action deemed appropriate by the command.

On 9 February 1996, the appropriate commander approved the recommendation.  Since this was an entry level separation, her service would be uncharacterized.

On 20 February 1996, the applicant was discharged, in pay grade E-2, under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, Chapter 11, entry level status performance and conduct.  She had completed 6 months and 12 days of creditable active service and had no days lost time.  

Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel.  Chapter 11 sets the policy and prescribes procedures for separating members who were voluntarily enlisted in the Regular Army, National Guard or Army Reserve, are in an entry level status and, before the date of the initiation of separation action, have completed no more than 180 days of creditable continuous service, and have demonstrated that they are not qualified for retention.  The following conditions are illustrations of conduct that does not qualify for retention:  cannot or will not adapt socially or emotionally to military life; cannot meet the minimum standards prescribed for successful completion of training because of lack of aptitude, ability, motivation or self-discipline; or have demonstrated character and behavior characteristics not compatible with satisfactory continued service.  An uncharacterized description of service is required for soldiers in an entry level status.

DISCUSSION:  Considering all the evidence, allegations, and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law and regulations, it is concluded:

1.  In order to justify correction of a military record the applicant must show to the satisfaction of the Board, or it must otherwise satisfactorily appear, that the record is in error or unjust.  The applicant has failed to submit evidence that would satisfy the aforementioned requirement.

2.  The applicant's administrative separation was accomplished in compliance with applicable regulations with no indication of procedural errors which would tend to jeopardize her rights.  Her medical records are not available, but there is a memorandum on file from the Orthopaedic Clinic clearing her for administrative separation.

3.  The uncharacterized discharge directed and the reasons therefor were appropriate considering all the facts of the case.

4.  In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's request.

DETERMINATION:  The applicant has failed to submit sufficient relevant evidence to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.

BOARD VOTE:

                       GRANT          

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION

						Loren G. Harrell
						Director