AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

FD-2019-00496	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 29 Nov 2018 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a(n) General discharge for Misconduct (Drug Abuse).  The applicant appealed for a change to the discharge narrative reason and a change to the reenlistment eligibility code.  The board was conducted on 22 Oct 2019.  

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 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 for abusing over the counter medication.

The applicant contended the discharge was inequitable because of a long delay in his discharge process.  He states that he has taken responsibility for his actions and he feels that he is eligible to have his RE code changed.   During his brief time in the AF he demonstrate core values by winning awards, properly conducting his job, being in charge of programs, excellent fitness scores and participating in extracurricular activities.  He also demonstrated service before self by volunteering on and off duty.   After admitting his wrong doing, he spoke to all the shops in his career field about the dangers and consequences of his actions so they wouldn’t make the same choices.   He believes his discharge was arbitrary and capricious due to having a long wait period to initiate his discharge, which he believes was unjust.  He feels that that an upgrade to his separation code is justified because his narrative reason says “drug abuse” and he never failed a urinalysis or negatively affected his work setting.

After reviewing the service record, the DRB found no evidence to indicate the applicant was unaware of the Air Force policy of zero tolerance for illegal drug use.  The board also took note of the applicant's duty performance as documented by his performance reports, awards and decorations, and other accomplishments.  The board found the negative aspects of the applicant’s willful misconduct outweighed the positive aspects of his military service.  

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 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)