AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  

CASE NUMBER

 FD-2020-00362
      					
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 10 Jun 19 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 Jun 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 Controlled Substance Misuse/Abuse.

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 wrongful use of 1-Propionyl-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide; and wrongful use of 4-Acetoxyn Ndimethyltryptamine.  

The applicant made no contentions that the discharge was inequitable or improper.  The applicant accepts responsibility for his actions.  He states that it was a moment of weakness, and he is regretful for the decision he made.  The applicant is requesting the upgrade in order to use the G.I. Bill. 

The DRB reviewed the applicant's entire record and found no evidence of inequity or impropriety.  The board found no evidence to indicate the applicant was unaware of the Air Force policy of zero tolerance for illegal drug use.  The board concluded 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 16 Jun 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)