AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00113	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 28 Mar 13 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Minor Infractions).  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable.  The board was conducted on 19 Jul 18.  

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 approve the applicant’s request to upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable.  It also voted to change his discharge narrative reason to “Secretarial Authority” and to change his reenlistment eligibility code to “2C.”

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 one Article 15, two Letters of Reprimand, and one Letter of Admonishment.  His misconduct included:  being absent without leave, failure to obey a direct order, failure to pay a debt owed to a childcare provider (x2), failure to obtain a replacement childcare provider and to update his family care plan, failure to maintain the cleanliness of his base quarters, failure to pay his government travel card (GTC) and Military Star Card debts, and wrongful use of his GTC.  

The applicant contended all the misconduct occurred as he was struggling to care for both his child and his spouse, who was suffering from severe and ongoing mental health issues.  His spouse was frequently hospitalized and he was left to make childcare arrangements while also working. 

After a thorough review of the entire service record, the DRB did not find any evidence of impropriety.  However, it concluded the discharge was inequitable and determined relief was warranted based on evidence that the applicant’s family and personal problems negatively impacted his ability to serve satisfactorily.   

CONCLUSION:  The board found neither the evidence of record, nor that provided by the applicant substantiated an impropriety.  However, sufficient evidence existed to convince the board the discharge was inequitable.  Therefore, the board determined the applicant’s service characterization should be changed to Honorable, his discharge narrative reason should be changed to “Secretarial Authority,” and his reenlistment eligibility code should be changed to “2C.”  

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 31 Aug 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