AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  

CASE NUMBER

 FD-2019-00453
      					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 01 Oct 2015 in accordance with AFI 36-3209 with a(n) Honorable discharge.  The applicant appealed for a change to the discharge narrative reason.  The board was conducted on 10 Mar 2020.  

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.    

FINDING:  The DRB voted unanimously to deny the applicant's request to change the discharge narrative reason.  The board found that the most current discharge document in the applicant's record did not have a specific narrative reasoning, it also cannot give a less favorable discharge reasoning than issued at the time of separation.

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 contended the discharge was improper because she was never notified of being passed over for promotion.  The applicant states that if she knew that she was passed over for promotion, then she would have compiled a promotion package and finish the requirements to meet the board in a timely manner.  She insists that none of her records verify her receipt of the initial pass over notification.

A change is warranted only if it is established that an inequity or impropriety took place at the time of discharge.  After a thorough review of the record, the board found no evidence to justify making 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 narrative reasoning.  Therefore, the discharge received by the applicant was deemed to be appropriate and her request was not approved. 

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 27 Apr 20.  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
3351 Celmers Lane
Joint Base Andrews, NAF Washington, MD 20762-6602  

Attachment:
Examiner's Brief (Applicant Only)