AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00422	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 9 Jan 08 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Other).  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of her discharge characterization to Honorable. 

The applicant appeared and testified before the Discharge Review Board (DRB), without counsel, at Joint Base Andrews, MD, on 8 May 18.  No witnesses were present.  The following additional exhibits were submitted at the hearing:  a “Recommendation of Retention” package the applicant assembled that included character references and accolades received during her time in the Air Force.  

Pursuant to 10 USC §1553, the board included a member who is a psychiatrist with training on mental health issues connected with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI), and training on mental health disorders.

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 her discharge characterization to Honorable.  It also voted to change the discharge narrative reason to “Secretarial Authority” and to change the 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 two Article 15s, one vacation of suspended nonjudicial punishment, one Letter of Reprimand, and four Letters of Counseling.  Her misconduct included leaving duty without authority (x2), failure to use a government computer for its designated purpose, sending a disrespectful e-mail, failure to go to her place of duty (x2), failure to complete her Career Development Course in a timely manner, and making a false official statement with the intent to deceive.  

Due to allegations of military sexual trauma provided during her appearance, the board considered the case based on the liberal consideration standards required by guidance from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and/or 10 USC §1553.

The applicant contended the discharge was inequitable due to receiving harsh and unjust administrative actions that began after she refused her First Sergeant’s sexual advances.  She also contended she was targeted for separation by her squadron leadership.

The DRB determined the actions of her First Sergeant, as described by the applicant, were highly inappropriate.  It concluded his actions constituted a clear abuse of authority and, although not amounting to prejudicial error, may have contributed to the decision to discharge her and the determination of her discharge characterization. 

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 overall characterization of the applicant’s service was more accurately reflected as Honorable.  Additionally, it determined her discharge narrative reason should be changed to “Secretarial Authority” and her reenlistment eligibility code should be changed to “2C.”

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 8 Jun 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