AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  

CASE NUMBER

 FD-2019-00552
      					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 17 May 2017 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Honorable discharge for Reduction in Force.  The applicant appealed for a change to the discharge narrative reason and a change to the reenlistment eligibility code.  The board was conducted on 14 Jan 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.    

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 and to change 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 made no contentions that the discharge was inequitable or improper.  The applicant was mandatorily separated in May 2017 upon reaching his High Year of Tenure (HYT).  In Feb 2019 the Air Force extended HYT for Staff Sergeants to 20 years.  The applicant requests his narrative reason and RE Code be changed based on new HYT rules so that he may reenter active duty.  The DRB determined no provisions exist that would allow the applicant's reentry onto active duty based on current HYT guidance.  Therefore the board determined the narrative reason and RE code the applicant received at the time of his discharge was correct.  

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 10 Feb 2020.  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)