RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-02206
		INDEX CODE:  110.00

		COUNSEL:  None

		HEARING DESIRED: No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her uncharacterized entry-level separation be changed to honorable.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She wishes to have her discharge changed to honorable so she is not hindered in any job opportunities in the civilian sector.

Applicant's complete submission is attached at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 3 June 2003, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force (RegAF) as an airman basic for a period of four years.  

The applicant on 3 June 2003, signed a Guaranteed Training Enlistment Agreement Non-Prior Service - United States Air Force (Air Force (AF) Form 3007) for guaranteed training and first regular assignment in the Air Force Specialty (AFS) 1C131, Air Traffic Control Apprentice.

On 10 September 2003, the applicant was medically disqualified from ground base controlling duties in accordance with Air Force Instruction (AFI) 148-123, Attachment 4, A4.16.3 (Anxiety Disorders).

The applicant on 22 September 2003, submitted an AF Form 31, Airman’s Request for Early Separation/Separation Based on Change in Service Obligation, requesting she be separated in accordance with AFI 36-3208, paragraph 3.11, Air Force nonfulfillment of enlistment agreement.  Her application was approved on 22 September 2003.

On 1 October 2003, the applicant was separated from the Air Force under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen (defective enlistment agreement), with an uncharacterized entry-level separation.  She served 3 months and 29 days of active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPRS states the Department of Defense (DOD) determined that, if a servicemember served less than 180 days of continuous active service, the servicemember would receive an entry-level separation/uncharacterized service characterization when separation was initiated.  The separation is uncharacterized because it would be unfair to the servicemember and the service to try and characterize the limited time served.  Furthermore, the uncharacterized separation should not be viewed as negative and not be confused with other types of separations.  DPPRS further states the discharge was consistent with procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation.  They further state the applicant has not submitted any evidence nor identified any errors or injustices that occurred in the processing of her discharge.  Based upon the documentation in the applicant's file, they believe her discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulations.  Also, the discharge was within the sound discretion of the discharge authority.  Nor, has she provided any facts to warrant a change in the character of her discharge.  Based on the evidence provided they recommend the requested relief be denied.

A copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 19 November 2004, for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.  

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.	The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.	The application was timely filed.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an injustice or error.  After careful consideration of the circumstances of this case and the evidence provided by the applicant, we are not persuaded her request to have her discharge changed to honorable is warranted.  In this respect, the discharge the applicant received indicates an uncharacterized entry-level separation for serving less than six months of service which would be appropriate considering that the applicant served 3 months and 29 days of active military service.  The applicant signed the guaranteed training enlistment agreement acknowledging that if she failed to maintain Air Force Standards or perform her assigned duties this could result in administrative actions or an involuntary discharge.  The applicant requested and was approved for an early separation based on her disqualification from her ground base controlling duties.  Furthermore, an uncharacterized separation should not be viewed as negative and not be confused with other types of separations.  Based on the documentation in the applicant's records, it appears the processing of the discharge and the characterization of the discharge were appropriate and accomplished in accordance with Air Force policy.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend favorable action on his request to have his discharge upgrade.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-02206 in Executive Session on 12 January 2005, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 23 Sep 04.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPRS, dated 10 Nov 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Nov 04.