AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00424	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 12 Sep 02 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct.  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable, a change to the discharge narrative reason, and a change to the reenlistment eligibility code.  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 deny the applicant’s request to upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable, to change the discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority, 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 Article 15, one vacation of suspended nonjudicial punishment, and two Letters of Reprimand.  His misconduct included:  failure to go at the time prescribed to appointed place of duty (x3); and dereliction in the performance of duty. 

The applicant contended that he was unaware of the severity of the type of discharge at the time, and was led to believe that it would be honorable.  He states that instead of being offered the option to retrain he was administratively separated.  The applicant states that he was young, and preoccupied with things that contributed to the misconduct.  The applicant has maintained employment within the law enforcement community, and completed his associated degree.  He states that he has matured and has made amends for his past mistakes through community involvement.  The applicant is requesting the upgrade in order to continue his service to society.

The DRB recognized the applicant was 19 years old when the discharge took place, but noted he was no younger than the vast majority of first-term Airmen who properly adhere to Air Force standards of conduct.  The DRB determined that, through the administrative actions taken by the chain of command in this case, the applicant had ample opportunities to change his negative behavior.  The board concluded the negative aspects of the applicant’s service outweighed the positive contributions he made during his Air Force career.

The board recommends the applicant exercise his right to appeal the DRB’s decision to the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records by requesting clemency based on post-service activities and accomplishments. 

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 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