RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2020-01773

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: NONE	

	HEARING REQUESTED: NO	

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

Her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Item 18, Remarks, be corrected to reflect completion of required service.

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

She served 22 months of active duty and received an honorable discharge during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  She was offered and accepted an early out during the Clinton administration as part of their downsizing efforts.  She was not informed that she would not be eligible for certain benefits as a veteran.  She would have served the full term if she had been aware of losing benefits.  

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The applicant is a former Air Force airman first class (E-3).

On 15 Dec 92, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force. 

On 19 Sep 94, the applicant completed an AF Form 31, Airman’s Request for Early Separation/Separation Based on Change in Service Obligation, to apply for early separation to attend real estate school.

On 21 Oct 94, according to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, the applicant was discharged with a separation code and corresponding narrative reason for separation of KND (Miscellaneous/General Reasons).  She was credited with 1 year, 10 months, and 7 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.

APPLICABLE AUTHORITY

According to DoDI 1332.14, Enlisted Administrative Separations and AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen.  An enlisted service member may be separated for Convenience of the Government for numerous reasons.  Airmen who do not qualify for separation for another reason may ask for separation under the “Miscellaneous Reasons” provision.  As a rule, applications when the airman’s early separation will serve the best interest of the Air Force should be approved.  A discharge under this authority is considered a Voluntary Convenience of the Government separation. 

According to AFI 36-3202, Separation Documents and DD Form 214 Total Force Personnel Services Delivery Guide, Enlisted members who are discharged for the Convenience of the Government should have, "Convenience of the Government" entered after the Narrative Reason for Separation in Block 28 (Narrative Reason for Separation).  For Example “Miscellaneous/General Reasons (Convenience of the Government).”

AIR FORCE EVALUATION

AFPC/DP2SSR recommends denying the application.  Based on a review of the military personnel record and the applicant’s request, there is no evidence of an error or injustice with the discharge processing.  The applicant submitted a voluntary application for early release from active duty in order to pursue a real estate education.  Both the commander and base discharge authority approved the early separation.  The applicant was a 4-year enlistee and was allowed to separate prior to completion of her contractual active duty service commitment.  Therefore, the remark indicating that the member did not complete her first full term of service are correct as indicated in the remarks section of the DD Form 214.    

The complete advisory opinion is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION

The Board sent a copy of the advisory opinion to the applicant on 15 Dec 20 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

1.  The application was timely filed.

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

3.  After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board concludes the applicant is the victim of an error or injustice.  While the Board notes the recommendation of AFPC/DP2SSR against correcting the record, the Board finds a preponderance of the evidence substantiates the applicant’s contentions in part.  Specifically, the COG applicable authority is sufficient to justify partially granting applicant’s request to “Convenience of Government” in block 28, narrative section of the DD Form 214.  However, for the remainder of the applicant’s request, the evidence presented did not demonstrate an error or injustice, and the Board therefore finds no basis to recommend granting that portion of the applicant’s request.  Therefore, the Board recommends correcting the applicant’s records as indicated below.

RECOMMENDATION

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be partially corrected to show ….

The applicant’s reason for discharge is correct; however, per Applicable Authority/Guidance, “Convenience of the Government” should be added in block 28, following the narrative for separation on the DD Form 214.  

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-2020-01773 in Executive Session on 26 Aug 21:

Panel Chair 
Panel Member
Panel Member

All members voted to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 27 Sep 19.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP2SSR, dated 2 Dec 20.
Exhibit D:	Notification of advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 15 Dec 20.

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