RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2005-00324
		INDEX CODE:  100.03
	xxxxxxxxxxxx	COUNSEL:  NOT INDICATED

	xxxxxxxxxxxx	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  29 JUL 2006

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His reenlistment eligible (RE) code and narrative reason for separation be changed to enable him to reenter the military.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He does not have a personality disorder and would like to reenlist in the Armed Forces.

In support of his appeal he submitted a personal statement, DD Form 214 Certificate or Release or Discharge from Active Duty and four copies of DD Form 307 Request for Reference.

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 23 October 2001, for a term of 4 years.  

On 12 March 2002, the applicant was notified by his commander that he was recommending he be discharged from the Air Force due to a condition that interferes with military service (mental disorder).  The reason for this action was that the applicant was diagnosed by a clinical psychologist as having an adjustment disorder with depressed mood as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, which is so severe that his ability to function effectively in the military environment is significantly impaired.  His disorder was evidenced by depression and poor performance in his technical training program.  

He acknowledged receipt of the notification, waived his right to consult with counsel and elected not to submit statements on his own behalf.  The package was reviewed by the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate and found to be legally sufficient to support discharge.  

On 18 March 2002, he was administratively discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, (personality disorder), with an uncharacterized discharge.  He was issued an RE code of 2C “Involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without characterization of service”.  He served 4 months and 26 days total active service. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The BCMR Medical Consultant recommends changing the narrative reason for separation to Secretarial Authority, but denial of the RE code change request.

The BCMR Medical Consultant states on the applicant’s DD Form 214, the narrative reason for discharge is listed as personality disorder even though the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder or maladaptive personality traits.  

The DoD uses the term “personality disorder” administratively on the DD Form 214 to include all unsuiting character and behavior disorders including adjustment disorder, personality disorders, and impulse control disorders.  This term is confusing because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders uses the term “personality disorder” in a specific, defined manner to classify specific disorders of personality that do not include adjustment disorder or impulse control disorder.

The fact that he feels well at this time at home confirms his diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder, however it does not predict that he will respond well to the stresses of military operations, deployment, or combat when he is separated from his familiar surroundings and usual support system of family and friends.  His past experience of inability to cope with the military training environment is predictive of recurrence of adjustment disorder if re-exposed to the rigors of military training and service and the reenlistment code should not be changed.  

Since the applicant was not diagnosed with a personality disorder, and was further not noted to demonstrate maladaptive traits or misconduct suggestive of a personality disorder, it is inaccurate to list the narrative reason as personality disorder, even though administratively it is correct.  

Although action and disposition in this case are proper and equitable reflecting compliance with Air Force directives that 

implement the law, change of the narrative reason for discharge 
to Secretarial Authority is recommended.  The RE code should not be changed.

The Medical Consultant’s evaluation is 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 Dec 2005, for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 error or injustice in regard to his request that his reenlistment eligibility (RE) code be changed.  After a thorough review of the documentation provided and the evidence of record, the Board is of the opinion that given the circumstances surrounding his separation from the Air Force, the RE code assigned to the applicant was proper and in compliance with the appropriate directives.  Applicant has not provided any evidence that would lead the Board to believe otherwise.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the Board finds no compelling basis to recommend a change in his RE code.

4.  Notwithstanding the aforementioned, we note that the BCMR Medical Consultant has indicated that the narrative reason for applicant’s separation, Personality Disorder, is inappropriate under the circumstances surrounding the decision to separate him from the Air Force.  We agree with the BCMR Medical Consultant in this matter and believe that it would be an injustice for the applicant to continue to suffer the adverse effects of such characterization.  Accordingly, we recommend that his records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 18 March 2002, he was separated under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 1.2 (Secretarial Authority), with a separation code of “JFF.”

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2005-00324 in Executive Session on 8 February 2006, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

			Chair
			Member
			Member

All members voted to correct the record, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 11 Feb 05, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 15 Dec 05.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Dec 05.

	Chair

AFBCMR BC-2005-00324