RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2017-03985

	COUNSEL:  NONE
	
	HEARING:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His Reenlistment code (RE) on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, for period 14 Apr 81 to 5 Oct 81, be  changed from “2P”, which reflects “Absent without Leave” (AWOL).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His RE code is characterized as “AWOL”; however, he was honorably discharged and much more than a marginal performer.  When he applied for medical benefits, he was told that his DD Form 214 had an incorrect RE code and reason for separation.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former airman basic.

On 21 Sep 81, the applicant was notified of his commander’s intent to recommend that he be discharged from the Air Force under the provisions of AFR 39-10, Administrative Separation of Airmen, for being a marginal performer.  The reasons for the action were sleeping in class, poor academic performance, destruction of government property, missing appointments and other minor disciplinary infractions, as evidenced by one non-judicial punishment action under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice; two letters of reprimand; and various verbal and written counselings for multiple infractions.  On this same date, the applicant acknowledged receipt of the discharge notification and on 24 Sep 81, he submitted a statement on his own behalf. 

On 2 Oct 81, the discharge authority approved the commander’s recommendation directing the applicant’s administrative discharge as a marginal performer.

On 5 Oct 81, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, a “2P” RE code, a “JET” separation code, a “Marginal performer assigned to initial training” narrative reason for separation.  He received credit for 5 months and 22 days of active duty service.  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP2SSM recommends denying the application, indicating there is no evidence of an error or injustice.  The applicant believes the RE code “2P” means he was AWOL, and it does under today’s guidance.  However, the applicant was discharged in 1981, and at that time, under AFR 39-10, (dated 25 May 81), USAF Reenlistment and Retention Program, the RE Code “2P” did not mean AWOL, but stood for marginal performer assigned to initial training.  As such, the applicant’s records reflect the correct RE code.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 8 Mar 18 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The application was not timely filed.

2.  The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.  After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board’s opinion that the applicant is not the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP2SSM and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The applicant be informed the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

CERTIFICATION:

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered Docket Number BC-2017-03985 in Executive Session on 26 Jul 18:

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/ atchs., dated 30 Aug 17.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP2SSM, w/atch., dated 2 Feb 18.
Exhibit D:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 8 Mar 18.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.