AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2020-00565	
					
The applicant was discharged on 8 Jul 10 in accordance with AFI 36-3207 with a General discharge for Unsatisfactory Performance.  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of her discharge characterization to Honorable. 

The applicant appeared and testified before the Discharge Review Board (DRB), without counsel, via video teleconference using VIDYO Cloud Connect on 2 Feb 21.  No witnesses were present to testify on the applicant’s behalf. 

Pursuant to 10 USC §1553, the board included a member who is a psychiatrist/ psychologist with training on mental health issues connected with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI), and training on mental health disorders.

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 her discharge characterization to Honorable, to change the discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority, and to change the reenlistment eligibility code to 2C / 3K.

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 Letter of Reprimand, a Letter of Admonishment, a Letter of Counseling and two Records of Individual counseling.  Her misconduct included: Display of inappropriate behavior; failed to respond to superior officer’s instruction; used insulting language towards two officers; made false official statement; failed to administer two “now” medication orders; provided superior with false information regarding their profile and inability to work day shift. 

Due to evidence of  mental health conditions found in the applicant’s medical record, the board considered the case based on the liberal consideration standards required by guidance from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and/or 10 USC §1553.

The applicant states she wants to give an in person explanation of arbitrary abuse of power amongst many other experiences. She states that the original discharge code is without a doubt, a result of lies and systemic racism. She also states that she will bring letters from other officers who witness the incidents and retaliations. 

The DRB determined that, through the administrative actions taken by the chain of command in this case, the applicant had ample opportunities to change her negative behavior.  It took note of the applicant's duty performance as documented by her performance reports, awards and decorations, and other accomplishments. The board concluded the negative aspects of the applicant’s service outweighed the positive contributions she made during her Air Force career. The characterization of the discharge received by the applicant was deemed to be appropriate.
 
After a thorough review of the service record and inputs from the board’s psychiatrist/ psychologist, the DRB found no conclusive indication that any mental health issues had a direct impact on the applicant's misconduct or discharge.

If the applicant can provide additional information to substantiate her contentions, the board recommends she exercise the right to directly appeal the DRB’s decision to the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records.   

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 her request was not approved. 

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 4 Feb 21.  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)