AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2017-00714	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 13 Jan 14 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an uncharacterized Entry Level Separation for Termination of Initial Active Duty Training.  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 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 and to change the discharge narrative reason.

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 documentation that indicated he failed numerous training block progress checks and one unit test while in technical training school.  He was also counseled for being late to a formation, returning to his dormitory room without authorization, failing to have his dormitory room inspection ready, and failing to report to a military training leader as instructed.  

The applicant contended the discharge was improper because he received an Entry Level Separation even though he was separated after the first 180 days of service.  The applicant cited paragraph 5.22.1. of AFI 36-3208 and noted he was discharged after 193 days of 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 noted that in accordance with paragraph 5.22.1. of AFI 36-3208, the determination for whether or not an Entry Level Separation applies is based upon when the separation is initiated (defined as when the member is notified he/she is being recommended for separation), not when the member is actually separated.  In this case, the member was notified he was being recommended for separation within his first 180 days of service, even though he was separated after 180 days.  

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