AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2020-00141	
					
The applicant was discharged on 1 Oct 2013 in accordance with AFI 36-3209 with General discharge for Fitness.  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his characterization to Honorable and a change to the discharge narrative reason.  The board was conducted on 9 Jul 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 upgrade his discharge characterization to Honorable and to change the discharge narrative reason.

The applicant contended the discharge was inequitable and improper and was issued in retaliation for filing an IG complaint against his commander.  He claims he had an outstanding record and was discharged for fitness failures, however, he asserts he had passing scores at the time of his discharge.  He further asserts he never received any counseling and/or reprimands and was told not to return to drill until contacted by his unit.  When he was directed to return, he was served a separation letter and coded ineligible to reenlist, denying him the opportunity to be eligible for retirement.

Upon review of the applicant’s service record, the board was not able to find any documentation regarding the discharge.  Since the board relies on the presumption of regularity, it concluded the discharge received by the applicant was appropriate.  If the applicant can provide additional information to substantiate his contentions, the board recommends he exercise the right to make a personal appearance before the DRB or 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 his request was not approved. 

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 13 Jul 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)