AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT	CASE NUMBER

FD-2016-00370	

GENERAL: The applicant was discharged on 5 Nov 15 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Minor Infractions). The applicant appealed for a change to his discharge narrative reason.  The board was conducted on 14 Dec 17.

The applicant was offered a personal appearance before the Discharge Review Board (DRB), but declined and requested the board be completed based on a records only review. The applicant was not represented by counsel.

The attached examiner’s brief (provided to applicant only), extracted from available service records, contains pertinent data regarding the circumstances and character of the applicant’s military service.

FINDING: The DRB voted unanimously to deny the applicant’s request to change his discharge narrative reason.  It also voted to not change his service characterization or reenlistment eligibility code.

DISCUSSION: The DRB, under its responsibility to examine the propriety and equity of an applicant’s discharge, is authorized to change the characterization of service and the narrative reason for discharge if such changes are warranted. If applicable, the board can also change the applicant’s reenlistment eligibility code. In reviewing discharges, the board presumes regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs unless there is substantial credible evidence to rebut the presumption, to include evidence submitted by the applicant. The board completed a thorough review of the circumstances that led to the discharge and the discharge process to determine if the discharge met the pertinent standards of equity and propriety.

The applicant’s record of service included four Letters of Reprimand and four Letters of Counseling. His misconduct included: arriving late to his appointed place of duty (x3), failure to maintain personal grooming standards, failing a dormitory health and wellness inspection, falling asleep at work (x2), failure to keep his dormitory room inspection ready (x2), failure to maintain dress and personal appearance standards (x2), and being derelict in the performance of his duties.

The applicant made no contentions that the discharge was improper or inequitable. He requested that the separation code of “JKN” on his DD Form 214 be changed because he believed it indicates he was discharged due to being absent without leave (AWOL).

The DRB confirmed the separation code “JKN” does not mean an Airman was discharged due to being “AWOL.” Instead, this code means an Airman was discharged due to “Misconduct (Minor Infractions).” The board concluded this was the appropriate separation code based on the reason cited for the applicant’s discharge. Further, the DRB determined that, through the administrative actions taken by the chain of command in this case, the applicant had ample opportunities to change his negative behavior. It found the seriousness of the applicant’s willful misconduct offset the positive aspects of his service.

CONCLUSION: The board found insufficient evidence of an inequity or impropriety that would warrant a change to the applicant’s discharge. Therefore, the discharge received by the applicant was deemed to be appropriate and his request was not approved.

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 22 Jan 18. If desired, the applicant can request a list of the board members and their votes by writing to: SAF/MRBR (CITU), 550-C Street West, Suite 41, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4743.	

Attachment: Examiner's Brief