AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00408	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 6 Apr 16 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Entry Level Discharge for Discharge Fraudulent Entry Into Military Service.  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 30 Aug 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 change the discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority.  However, the DRB votes unanimously to deny the applicant’s request to upgrade the discharge characterization, and to change the reenlistment eligibility code to 3K.

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 Counseling for making a false statement.

The applicant contended the discharge was improper because he notified the recruiter and showed the doctor the plantar warts while processing through MEPS.  He admits that he answered “NO” for foot pain on his entry form because he honestly believed that he had no medical ailments, and he was unable to recall the advice of the doctor.  The applicant is requesting the change in an effort to return the military service.

In accordance with AFI 36-3208, Airmen are in entry level status during the first 180 days of continuous active military service.  If separated during this time, they normally receive an Entry Level Separation that is not characterized.  Because it is Air Force policy to not characterize this type of separation, the applicant’s request to “upgrade” it to Honorable could not be approved. The DRB concluded an error of procedure exists associated with the narrative reason at the time of issuance.   

CONCLUSION:  The board found neither the evidence of record, nor that provided by the applicant substantiated any impropriety.  The board did find inequity in the narrative reason, therefore, the board determined the discharge narrative reason was more accurately described as “Secretarial Authority.”  The board did not change the reenlistment eligibility code.    

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 6 Sep 18.  If desired, the applicant can request a list of the board members and their votes by writing to:  Air Force Review Boards Agency, Attn: Discharge Review Board, 1500 West Perimeter road, Suite 3700, Joint Base Andrews, NAF Washington, MD 20762-6602  

Attachment:
Examiner's Brief