RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS 

 

IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-00976 

 COUNSEL: NONE 

 HEARING DESIRED: NO 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

 

His uncharacterized service be changed to honorable. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

 

His service in the Air Force was satisfactory. He always did his 
job and had no disciplinary action initiated against him during 
his service. 

 

The applicant's complete submission is at Exhibit A. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

STATEMENT OF FACTS: 

 

On 12 Apr 00, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force for 
a period of four years. 

 

On 17 Apr 00, the applicant was advised by the Reid Health Center 
that he had the sickle cell trait. He was briefed on the effects 
intense exercise may have on sickle cell trait individuals and 
was given the opportunity to elect discharge or request a waiver 
to remain on active duty. 

 

On 18 Apr 00, the applicant elected to be discharged from active 
duty. He signed a statement of understanding that if he 
requested discharge, he would not be allowed back into the Air 
Force. The letter of understanding also stated the applicant 
fully understood the implication of his discharge options. 

 

On 20 Apr 00, the applicant requested discharge from the Air 
Force for miscellaneous reasons, specifically: sickle cell trait, 
and on 24 Apr 00, the wing commander approved his request. 

 

On 11 May 00, the applicant was discharged with an 
uncharacterized entry level, and a narrative reason for 
separation of “Miscellaneous/General Reasons.” He served on 
active duty for a period of 30 days. 

 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

AETC/SGPS makes no recommendation. SGPS states that the 
separation was completed in accordance with established policy 
and administrative procedures. SGPS states a review of the 
records provided shows the applicant was separated after blood 
tests demonstrated he had the sickle cell trait. The 
requirements have changed and the current Department of Defense 
Instruction (DoDI) 6130.03, Medical Standards for Appointment, 
Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services, has been 
changed to reflect the trait is no longer disqualifying if 
confirmation blood testing shows the individual does not have 
sickle cell disease. 

 

The complete SGPS evaluation is at Exhibit C. 

 

AFPC/DPSOS recommends denial. DPSOS states the applicant did not 
submit evidence or identify any errors or injustices that 
occurred in the discharge processing. 

 

DPSOS states that based on the documentation on file in the 
master personnel records, the discharge was consistent with the 
procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge 
instruction. The applicant was advised upon his application for 
separation that he would not be able to reenter into the Air 
Force. 

 

Airmen are given entry-level separation/uncharacterized service 
characterization when separation is initiated in the first 180 
days of continuous active service. The Department of Defense 
(DoD) determined if a member served less than 180 days continuous 
active service, it would be unfair to the member and the service 
to characterize their limited service. Therefore, his 
uncharacterized service is correct and in accordance with DoD and 
Air Force instructions. 

 

The complete DPSOS evaluation is at Exhibit D. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

 

On 29 Jul 11, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded 
to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. To date, 
a response has not been received (Exhibit E). 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

 

 


THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 

 

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

 

2. The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the 
interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file. 

 

3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of error or injustice. The discharge 
appears to be in compliance with the governing instruction and we 
find no evidence to indicate that his separation was 
inappropriate. Airman are given entry-level separation/ 
uncharacterized service characterization when separation is 
initiated in the first 180 days of continuous active service. 
The Department of Defense (DoD) determined if a member served 
less than 180 days continuous active service, it would be unfair 
to the member and the service to characterize their limited 
service. Therefore, his uncharacterized character of service is 
correct and in accordance with DoD and Air Force instructions. 
An entry-level/uncharacterized separation should not be viewed as 
negative and should not be confused with other types of 
separation. The applicant has provided no evidence showing that 
his discharge is in error or contrary to the prevailing 
instruction. We, therefore, conclude that no basis exists upon 
which to recommend favorable action on his request that his 
uncharacterized entry level separation be changed to an honorable 
discharge. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

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. 

 

_________________________________________________________________ 

 

The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 
BC-2011-00976 in Executive Session on 13 Sep 11, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603: 

 

 , Panel Chair 

 , Member 

 , Member 

 

 


The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number 
BC-2011-00976 was considered: 

 

 Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 10 Mar 11. 

 Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. 

 Exhibit C. Letter, AETC/SGPS, dated 11 Apr 11. 

 Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSOS, dated 22 Jul 11. 

 Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 29 Jul 11. 

 

 

 

 

 Panel Chair