1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 13 May 2016 b. Date Received: 2 June 2016 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests an upgrade of the characterization of service from uncharacterized to honorable. The applicant seeks relief contending, in effect, he was discharged because of his bilateral knee and shin conditions. He was informed by the medical staff that his disability would worsen if he remained in the military because of all the physical training and exercises. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 11 August 2017, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. (Board member names available upon request) 3. DISCHARGE DETAILS: a. Reason / Authority / Codes / Characterization: Entry Level Performance and Conduct / AR 635-200 / Chapter 11 / JGA / RE-3 / Uncharacterized b. Date of Discharge: 10 May 2016 c. Separation Facts: Yes (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 28 April 2016 (2) Basis for Separation: The applicant was informed of the following reasons for his discharge; he could not meet the minimum standards prescribed for successful completion of training because of lack of aptitude, ability, motivation, or self-discipline. He could not or would not adapt socially or emotionally to a military lifestyle, and refused to continue basic training. He demonstrated character and behavior characteristics not compatible with satisfactory continued service. (3) Recommended Characterization: Uncharacterized (4) Legal Consultation Date: 28 April 2016, the applicant declined the opportunity to consult with legal counsel. (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 29 April 2016 / Uncharacterized 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 29 February 2016 / 3 years, 16 weeks b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 19 years / HS Graduate / 96 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-1 / None / 2 months, 12 days d. Prior Service / Characterizations: None e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: None f. Awards and Decorations: None g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: The applicant received several negative counseling statements for refusing to train; recommendation for convalescent leave and separation action. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: None 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 293 (two pages). 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None submitted with the application. 7. REGULATORY CITATION(S): Army Regulation (AR) 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. Paragraph 3-9 contains guidance on entry level separations. It states a separation will be described as entry-level with service uncharacterized if, at the time separation action is initiated, the Soldier has less than 180 days of continuous active duty service. Chapter 11 of AR 635-200 provides for the separation of personnel due to unsatisfactory performance, conduct, or both, while in an entry level status (ELS). An uncharacterized service description is normally granted to Soldiers separating under this chapter. A general discharge (GD) under honorable conditions discharge is not authorized under ELS conditions and an honorable discharge (HD) is rarely ever granted. An HD may be given only in cases which are clearly warranted by unusual circumstances involving outstanding personal conduct and/or performance of duty. 8. DISCUSSION OF FACT(S): The applicant requests an upgrade of the characterization of service from uncharacterized to honorable. The applicant's record of service and the issues submitted with his application were carefully reviewed. The applicant seeks relief contending, he was discharged because of his bilateral knee and shin conditions. The record shows that the applicant was placed on profile for bilateral knee and shin pain. He was granted convalescent leave in place in order to heal from his injuries. The purpose of this leave was to provide him with the means in order to fully recover and successfully rehabilitate to the training environment. He was granted convalescent leave in place from 25 March 2016 until 23 April 2016. Further, on 22 April 2016, the applicant was returned to duty without limitations. He was offered numerous opportunities to restart/continue in training and he refused. The applicant also contends, he was informed by the medical staff that his disability would worsen if he remained in the military because of all the physical training and exercises. The record shows that applicant was discharged due to failure to meet the minimum standards for successful completion of training, lack of aptitude, ability, motivation, or self-discipline. He could not or would not adapt socially or emotionally to a military lifestyle, and refused to continue basic training. He demonstrated character and behavior characteristics not compatible with continued satisfactory service. 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 11 August 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 / Issue a New Separation Order: No b. Change Characterization to: No Change c. Change Reason to: No Change d. Change Authority to: No Change e. Change SPD / RE Code to: No Change f. 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 AR20160010560 1