MEMORANDUM OF CONSIDERATION

	IN THE CASE OF:   

	BOARD DATE:            21 September 2000
	DOCKET NUMBER:   AR2000041811

	I certify that hereinafter is recorded the record of consideration of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in the case of the above-named individual.

	Mr. Carl W. S. Chun		Director	
	Ms. Wanda L. Waller		Analyst	

  The following members, a quorum, were present:

	Ms. JoAnn H. Langston		Chairperson	
	Mr. Curtis L. Greenway		Member	
	Mr. Eric N. Andersen		Member	

	The Board, established pursuant to authority contained in 10 U.S.C. 1552, convened at the call of the Chairperson on the above date.  In accordance with Army Regulation 15-185, the application and the available military records pertinent to the corrective action requested were reviewed to determine whether to authorize a formal hearing, recommend that the records be corrected without a formal hearing, or to deny the application without a formal hearing if it is determined that insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice.

	The applicant requests correction of military records as stated in the application to the Board and as restated herein.

	The Board considered the following evidence:

	Exhibit A - Application for correction of military 
                records
	Exhibit B - Military Personnel Records (including
	            advisory opinion, if any)

APPLICANT REQUESTS:  Correction of item 28 (Narrative Reason for Separation) on his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show “Reduction in Force (for the Convenience of the Government)”, instead of “Expiration Term of Service”.       

APPLICANT STATES:  That his narrative reason for separation should be changed because he was an inactive reserve when he was recalled to active duty in January 1991 during Desert Shield/Storm.  He contends that he stayed on active duty until 20 March 1991 when the active duty forces were reduced and he was sent home.  He states that he needs his narrative reason changed to “Reduction in Force (for the Convenience of the Government)” in order to receive his GI Bill benefits for education.  In support of his application, he submits a letter of explanation dated 17 April 2000; a copy of his DD Form 214 with an effective date of 20 March 1991; a copy of his DD Form 214 with an effective date of
16 January 1990; documentation and orders for deployment to active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm; an award certificate for service in support of Operation Desert Storm; a letter from a Member of Congress dated 7 February 2000; correspondence from the VA pertaining to his educational benefits; and separation orders.

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

The applicant enlisted on 8 January 1986, served as an infantryman and was honorably released on 16 January 1990.  He was ordered to active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm on 31 January 1991.  On 20 March 1991, the applicant was honorably released from active duty under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 4, for expiration term of service.

Item 28 (Narrative Reason for Separation) on the applicant’s DD Form 214 with an effective date of 20 March 1991 shows “Expiration Term of Service”.

Item 26 (Separation Code) on his DD Form 214 shows “LBK”.  Army Regulation 635-5-1 (Separation Program Designator Codes) states the reason for discharge based on separation code “LBK” is “Expiration term of service” and the regulatory authority is Army Regulation 635-200, Chapter 4; or Army Regulation 635-100, Chapter 3, Section XIV.

Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel.  Chapter 4 of that regulation provides, in pertinent part, for the discharge or release from active duty upon termination of enlistment, and other periods of active duty or active duty for training.

Army Regulation 635-5-1 (Separation Program Designator Codes) prescribes the specific authorities (regulatory, statutory, or other directives), the reasons for the separation of members from active military service, and the separation program designators to be used for these stated reasons.

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.  The Board noted the applicant’s contention that he needs his narrative reason changed in order to receive his GI Bill benefits for education.  However, the Board does not alter separation documents for the purpose of making applicant’s eligible for veteran benefits, educational or employment.

2.  The applicant was properly discharged in accordance with applicable regulations with no indication of any procedural violation of the applicant’s rights. 

3.  The applicant’s narrative reason for separation used in the applicant’s case is correct and was applied in accordance with the applicable regulations.  

4.  The applicant has failed to show through the evidence submitted or the evidence of record that the narrative reason for separation issued to him was in error or unjust.

5.  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

JHL____  CLG_____  ENA_____  DENY APPLICATION

		    Carl W. S. Chun
		    Director, Army Board for Correction
    of Military Records

INDEX

CASE ID	AR2000041811	
SUFFIX		
RECON		
DATE BOARDED	20000921	
TYPE OF DISCHARGE	(HD)	
DATE OF DISCHARGE	19910320	
DISCHARGE AUTHORITY	AR 635-200 Chapter 4	
DISCHARGE REASON	Expiration term of service	
BOARD DECISION	(DENY)	
REVIEW AUTHORITY		
ISSUES         1.	110.0200	
2.		
3.		
4.		
5.		
6.