IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 4 March 2014 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20130011320 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests correction of his 7 July 1988 DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show his service as honorable. 2. The applicant states he successfully completed basic combat training and advanced individual training, and he was released from active duty to return to his U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) unit. He served in the USAR for approximately 6 months before being honorably discharged to enlist in the Regular Army (RA). a. He served in the RA for 11 years and then returned to the USAR where he continues to serve. b. He adds that he does not see the DD Form 214 as incorrect, but requires its correction in order for the service to count in his civilian employment with the Federal government. 3. The applicant provides copies of two DD Forms 214. CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant enlisted in the USAR on 8 February 1988 for a period of 8 years. 2. A DD Form 214 shows the applicant entered active duty for training (ADT) on 23 February 1988. He was released from ADT on 7 July 1988 under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200 (Personnel Separations - Enlisted Personnel), chapter 4 (Expiration Term of Service). Item 24 shows the entry "uncharacterized." It also shows he: a. completed the Cargo Specialist course and was awarded military occupational specialty 88H (Cargo Specialist); b. completed 4 months and 15 days (i.e., 135 days) of net active service this period; and c. was released from ADT to the control of his USAR unit (993rd Transportation Company, Wilmington, NC). 3. The applicant from the USAR on 24 February 1989 to enlist in the RA. 4. A DD Form 214 shows the applicant was honorably discharged on 1 March 2000. He had completed 11 years and 7 days of net active service this period; 4 months and 15 days of total prior active service; and 8 months and 2 days of total prior inactive service. It also shows he enlisted in the USAR and was transferred to a USAR unit. 5. Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. a. Chapter 3 (Character of Service/Description of Service), paragraph 3-7a, provides, in part, the honorable characterization may be awarded to a Soldier upon completion of his/her period of enlistment or period for which called or ordered to active duty or ADT, or where required under specific reason for separation, unless an entry-level status separation (uncharacterized) is warranted. b. Section II (Terms) of the glossary states that entry-level status for Reserve Soldiers begins upon enlistment in the USAR and, for Soldiers ordered to ADT for one continuous period, it terminates 180 days after beginning training. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. Records show the applicant was ordered to ADT on 23 February 1988 and he was released from ADT on 7 July 1988. He had completed 4 months and 15 days (i.e., 135 days) of training. Therefore, the evidence of record shows the applicant was in an entry-level status when he was released from ADT. 2. The regulatory guidance states an entry-level status Soldier's separation will be "uncharacterized." 3. Records show the applicant's separation under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 4, based on completion of ADT was administratively correct and in compliance with applicable regulations in effect at the time. In addition, the character of service entered in item 24 of his DD Form 214 was proper and correct. 4. An uncharacterized discharge is not meant to be a negative reflection of a Soldier's military service. It merely means the Soldier has not served on active duty long enough for his or her character of service to be rated. In addition, the Board does not change a characterization of service solely for the purpose of allowing the period of service to be recognized as creditable service by other government agencies. 5. In view of the foregoing, the applicant is not entitled to the requested relief. BOARD VOTE: ________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ____X___ ____X___ ___X__ _ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. _______ _ X ______ ___ CHAIRPERSON I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20130011320 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20130011320 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1