AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2019-00680	
					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 11 Aug 15 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Drug Abuse).  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 11 Feb 20.  

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 upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable, and to change the discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority.

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 a Special Court Martial (SPCM) with a guilty finding for wrongful use of cocaine.  His service record also included one Letter of Reprimand; one Letter of Counseling; and three Records of Individual Counseling.  His misconduct included:  failure to go at prescribed time to appointed place of duty (x2); failure to adhere to dress and appearance standards; failure to adhere to speed limit while driving on base; failure to meet minimum Air Force fitness standards; and failure to maintain required motorcycle safety equipment.  

The applicant contended the discharge was improper because it did not allow him the opportunity to rehabilitate from the misconduct.  The applicant admits to using cocaine on two separate occasions, and accepted responsibility by pleading guilty to the charge at the SPCM.  He states that he was going through personal issues that led him to drink heavily at a party.  He insists that he only used cocaine because his judgement was impaired due to being intoxicated.  The applicant is requesting the upgrade because he believes the discharge deprives him of his honor, good name, and continues to cause undue harm. 

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 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 23 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)