1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 9 December 2015 b. Date Received: 14 December 2015 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests a change to his separation code. The applicant seeks relief contending, in effect, his separation code is listed as JBK, but should reflect LBK. The error on his DD Form 214 voids his contract with the National Guard. Both codes mean the same thing, but it is a problem for the National Guard. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 22 February 2017, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. However, notwithstanding the propriety of the applicant's discharge, the Board found that the applicant's DD Form 214, block 26, contains the erroneous separation code of "JBK." In view of the error, the Board directed an administrative correction to block 26, separation code to read "MBK." (Board member names available upon request) 3. DISCHARGE DETAILS: a. Reason / Authority / Codes / Characterization: Completion of Required Active Service / AR 635-200 / Chapter 4 / JBK / RE-3 / Honorable b. Date of Discharge: 20 September 2015 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: NA (2) Basis for Separation: NA (3) Recommended Characterization: NA (4) Legal Consultation Date: NA (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: NA 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 21 September 2012 / 3 years b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 24 / HS Graduate / 100 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-4 / 25B10, IT Specialist / 8 years, 1 month d. Prior Service / Characterizations: RA, 21 August 2007 to 20 September 2012 / HD e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: SWA / Afghanistan (27 April 2009 to 30 April 2010 and 28 January to 8 September 2014) f. Awards and Decorations: ACM-3, ARCOM-2, AAM-3, AGCM-2, NDSM, GWOTSM, NCOPDR, ASR, OSR, NATOMDL g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: None i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: None 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 149, with all allied documents listed in block 9 of the application. 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None submitted with the application. 7. REGULATORY CITATION(S): Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for separation of enlisted personnel. Chapter 4 of that regulation provides, in pertinent part, for the separation of individuals upon completion of required service (i.e., expiration term of service). The characterization of service for Soldiers separated under the provisions of Chapter 4, AR 635-200 will be honorable unless the Soldier is in entry-level status. The service of Soldiers in entry-level status will be uncharacterized. A Soldier is in an entry- level status if the Soldier has not completed more than 180 days of creditable continuous active duty at the time of the discharge or release from active duty. In the case of an ARNGUS or USAR Soldier on active duty (AD) or active duty training (ADT) who is to be discharged, the character of the period of service from which he/she is being discharged will be based solely on military behavior and performance of duty during the current period of service while actually performing AD or ADT. Army Regulation 635-5-1 (Separation Program Designator (SPD) Codes) provides the specific authorities (regulatory or directive), reasons for separating Soldiers from active duty, and the SPD codes to be entered on the DD Form 214. The SPD Code/RE Code Cross Reference Table identifies the appropriate reentry code to assign the Soldier based on the narrative reason for discharge. 8. DISCUSSION OF FACT(S): The applicant requests a change to his separation code. The applicant's record of service, the issues and documents submitted with his application were carefully reviewed. The service record indicates that someone in the discharge process erroneously entered on the applicant's DD Form 214, block 26, separation code as JBK. The applicant completed his three year enlistment and had eight years and one month total active duty service. Therefore, the applicant's DD Form 214, correctly reflects in block 6, that he did not have a Reserve obligation. Soldiers processed for completion of required active service and who do not have a Reserve obligation, will be assigned an SPD Code of MBK. Notwithstanding the administrative error, the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the regulation, was within the discretion of the separation authority, and the applicant was provided full administrative due process. 9. BOARD DETERMINATION: In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 22 February 2017, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. 10. BOARD ACTION DIRECTED: a. Issue a New DD-214: Yes b. Change Characterization to: No Change c. Change Reason to: No Change d. Change SPD / RE Code to: Change SPD to MBK / No Change to RE code e. Restore (Restoration of) Grade to: No Change AUTHENTICATING OFFICIAL: Legend: AWOL - Absent Without Leave GD - General Discharge NCO - Noncommissioned Officer SCM - Summary Court Martial BCD - Bad Conduct Discharge HS - High School NIF - Not in File SPCM - Special Court Martial BH - Behavioral Health HD - Honorable Discharge NOS - Not Otherwise Specified SPD - Separation Program Designator CG - Company Grade Article 15 IADT - Initial Active Duty Training OAD - Ordered to Active Duty TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury CID - Criminal Investigation Division MP - Military Police OMPF - Official Military Personnel File UNC - Uncharacterized Discharge ELS - Entry Level Status MST - Military Sexual Trauma PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder UOTHC - Under Other Than Honorable Conditions FG - Field Grade Article 15 NA - Not applicable RE - Reentry VA - Veterans Affairs ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE AR20160001319 1