AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00302	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 27 Oct 14 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 deny the applicant’s request to upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable.

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 three Article 15s, two vacations of suspended non-judicial punishment, five Letters of Reprimand, and three Letters of Counseling.  His misconduct included:  failure to obey an order or regulation, failing a dormitory room inspection (x2), being derelict in the performance of his duties, failure to obey an order (x2), being a no show for work, failure to adhere to base restrictions (x2), and being absent from duty without authority (x2).  He also failed two fitness assessments.  

The applicant made no contentions that the discharge was inequitable or improper.  He stated he was young at the time and made mistakes, but has grown up since then.  He requested the upgrade in an effort to obtain G.I. Bill benefits.   

The DRB recognized the applicant was 24 years old when the discharge took place, but noted he was no younger than the vast majority of junior Airmen who properly adhere to Air Force standards of conduct.  The DRB determined that, through the numerous administrative actions taken by the chain of command in this case, the applicant had more than enough opportunities to change his negative behavior.  The board understood the applicant’s present service characterization renders him ineligible for Department of Veteran Affairs education benefits.  However, this is not a matter of inequity or impropriety which would warrant an upgrade.  The DRB concluded the negative aspects of the applicant’s service outweighed the positive contributions he made during his Air Force career.

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 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