RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2022-02572

XXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: XXXXX
	
	HEARING REQUESTED: YES	

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

The characterization of service on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, for the period XXXX through XXXXX, be changed from “Uncharacterized” to “Honorable.” 

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

His DD Form 214 for the period XXXX through XXXX, was issued from his time at Officer Training School (OTS); however, as soon as he graduated, he began his active duty service with no break in service.  He has been a civilian employee since 2015 and requests the change to his characterization of service so he can purchase back his military time.  During an initial retirement review, he was told the following: “Because this is consecutive military service you should not have to buy back 21 Feb 03 – 30 Apr 15.  If you would like to buy back this (military service) time you will need to have this corrected.”  His DD Forms 214, show no break in active service and his DD Form 214, dated 30 Apr 15, reflects an honorable character of service.  In 2015, he submitted a check for the purchase of his military time and the check was accepted and his current Leave and Earnings Statement  shows that his Military Buyback payment is complete.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The applicant is an Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel (O-5).

On XXXX, according to Military Entrance Processing Training Orders XXXXX, the applicant was ordered to extended active duty in the grade of E-5, for a period of 120 days.  The reason was to attend OTS beginning XXXX.  The duration of the course was 13 and 1/2 weeks.

On XXXX, according to DD Form 214, the applicant received an entry level separation and was credited with 3 months and 13 days of active service.  The Narrative Reason for Separation is “Commissioned or Warrant in the Same Branch of Service” and the character of service reflects “Uncharacterized.” 

On 21 Feb 03, according to AF Form 133, Oath of Office (Military Personnel), the applicant was appointed as a second lieutenant (O-1). 

On 30 Apr 15, according to DD Form 214, the applicant resigned from the Air Force with an honorable character of service.  He is credited with 12 years, 2 months, and 10 days of active service.

For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B.

APPLICABLE AUTHORITY/GUIDANCE

DoDI 1336.01, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214/5 Series). The Department of Defense (DoD) authorizes six characterizations of service for military service members to receive on discharge: (1) Honorable; (2) Under Honorable Conditions (General); (3) Under Other than Honorable Conditions; (4) Bad Conduct; (5) Dishonorable, and (6) Uncharacterized. 

DODI 1332.14, Enlisted Administrative Separations.  A separation will be described as an entry-level separation if separation processing is initiated while an enlisted service member is in entry level status (180 days continuous active duty) except when: (1) Characterization under other than honorable is authorized under the reason for separation and is warranted by the circumstances or (2) The Secretary concerned on a case by case basis determined the characterization of service as honorable is warranted.  The characterization is authorized due to reason of selected changes in service obligation, convenience of the government, disability, secretarial plenary authority or an approved reason established by the Military Department.  

Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, dated 10 Mar 00.  Airmen are in entry level status during the first 180 days of continuous active military service or the first 180 days of continuous active military service after a break of more than 92 days of active service. Individuals in an entry-level status will separate without service characterization.  Determine the member's status by the date of notification; thus, if the member is in entry-level status when initiating the separation action, describe it as an entry-level separation unless:

A service characterization of under other than honorable conditions is authorized under the reason for discharge and is warranted by the circumstances of the case; or  the Secretary of the Air Force determines, on a case-by-case basis, that characterization as honorable is clearly warranted by unusual circumstances of personal conduct and performance of military duty.  Uncharacterized service will be used if the reason for separation is a change in military status according to chapter 2.  

Chapter 2, Required Separations.

Paragraph 2.11. Completion of Officer Training.

Paragraph 2.13. Appointment as a Commissioned or Warrant Officer.

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 not the victim of an error or injustice. The applicant has provided insufficient evidence that an honorable service characterization during his active service while at OTS is clearly warranted by unusual circumstances of personal conduct and performance of military duty.  Therefore, in accordance with AFI 36-3208, a change in his service characterization is not warranted.  Accordingly, the  Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

4.  The applicant has not shown a personal appearance, with or without counsel, would materially add to the Board’s understanding of the issues involved.

RECOMMENDATION

The Board recommends informing the applicant the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the Board will reconsider the application only upon receipt of relevant evidence not already presented.

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-2022-02572 in Executive Session on 18 Nov 22:

, Panel Chair 
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

All members voted against correcting the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, dated 15 Sep 22.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.

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.