AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2020-00429	
					
The applicant was discharged on 15 April 2020 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Honorable for Unsatisfactory Performance.  The applicant appealed for a change to the discharge narrative reason, and a change to the Separation Program Designation (SPD) Code.  The board was conducted on 5 Aug 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 approve the applicant’s request to change the discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority and to change the SPD Code to JFF.

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 contended his narrative reason and SPD Code for Unsatisfactory Performance are improper as he did nothing unsatisfactory.  He claims he requested to voluntarily separate after learning he was medically disqualified for his guaranteed AFSC and would not be reclassified.  He further claims he was told his discharge would not have any negative connotations nor bar him from service in another branch of the military.  He requests his narrative reason and SPD Code be changed to reflect a voluntary separation vice involuntary.

A review of the applicant’s record indicates he initially entered the Air Force with a guaranteed job in the Combat Control AFSC.  He was discovered to have a medical condition while attending training that prohibited him from serving in the AFSC.  He was offered a position in TACP which he accepted and attended training.  After the applicant completed training he was put on a medical hold while a medical waiver was sought.  The medical waiver was ultimately denied and the applicant was involuntarily discharged for Unsatisfactory Performance.  

The board found neither the evidence of record, nor that provided by the applicant substantiated an impropriety.  Although the applicant contends he should have been allowed to voluntarily separate in accordance with Air Force policy, if for any reason an Airman is unable to complete initial skill-level training as scheduled their enlistment agreement may be voided, and they may be involuntarily discharged or reclassified into another AFSC based on the needs of the Air Force.  The applicant chose to not reclassify into another AFSC after his medical waiver was denied, therefore he was involuntary discharged.  

The board did determine sufficient evidence existed that both the narrative reason and SPD Code were inequitable.  The board opined the member did not perform unsatisfactorily as indicated by his discharge narrative reason, therefore the board determined the discharge narrative reason was more accurately described as “Secretarial Authority, and the SPD was changed to “JFF.” 
The DRB results were approved by the board president on 6 Aug 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)