AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00352	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 5 Aug 13 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Serious Offense).  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable and a change to the discharge narrative reason.  The board was conducted on 3 May 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 4 to 1 deny the applicant’s request to upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable and to change his discharge narrative reason.  It also voted not to change his 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 one Letter of Reprimand for being arrested by civilian police for domestic violence against his spouse.  He was also arrested for battery against his spouse on another occasion and was demoted. 

The applicant contended the discharge was inequitable because he was wrongfully accused and all of the civilian charges against him were eventually dropped.  He also claimed the charges against him resulted from a “misunderstanding.”  He requested the upgrades in an effort to obtain G.I. Bill benefits and to return to military service.  

The DRB determined that, through the administrative actions taken by the chain of command in this case, the applicant had an opportunity to change his negative behavior.  It found the seriousness of the applicant’s 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 23 Jul 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