AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00585	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged in accordance with AFI 36-3209 with a General discharge for Unsatisfactory Participation.  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable.

The applicant appeared and testified before the Discharge Review Board (DRB), without counsel, via video teleconference between Joint Base Andrews, MD and Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, TX on 13 Jun 18. No witnesses were present to testify on the applicant’s behalf.  

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.  It also vote to not change the discharge narrative reason or the 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 the accumulation of over nine unexcused absences from Unit Training Assemblies (UTAs) within a 12-month period.    

The applicant contended the discharge was inequitable because the commander who executed his discharge was new and not familiar with his previously unblemished service record.  He assumed he would be given the opportunity to make up the UTAs he missed at some point.  He also contended he re-enlisted under pressure and no one ever explained to him the procedures for requesting separation.  

The DRB noted that the applicant’s chain of command made numerous attempts to contact him, by mail and by phone, but he did not respond to any of these attempts.  Therefore, the board concluded there was no evidence of impropriety or inequity to warrant any changes to the discharge.  

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 3 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