AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT CASE NUMBER FD-2020-00468 The applicant was discharged on 21 Apr 2014 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Serious Offense). The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization to Honorable, a change to the discharge narrative reason, and a change to the reenlistment eligibility code. The board was conducted on 27 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. 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 his discharge characterization to Honorable, to change the discharge narrative reason, and to change the reenlistment eligibility code to. 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 and a Letter of Reprimand. His misconduct included driving under the influence of alcohol and operating a motor vehicle when his on-base driving privileges were suspended. The applicant made no contentions that the discharge was inequitable or improper. He states in his application he was discharged for driving under the influence of alcohol and otherwise had exemplary service. Since his discharge he has completed both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree. He's requesting an upgrade to honorable and a change to his RE and SPD Codes to allow him to join the Air Force Reserves. A review of the military record revealed the applicant had two DUIs during his Air Force career resulting in his discharge with a General characterization. The applicant believed he deserved a second chance despite his misconduct in order to have the opportunity to serve in the military again. The DRB determined that, through the administrative actions taken by the chain of command in this case, the applicant had ample opportunities to change his negative behavior. It found the seriousness of the applicant's willful misconduct offset the positive aspects of his service. After a thorough review of the service record and input from the board's psychiatrist/psychologist, the DRB found that the applicant's mental health condition was a mitigating factor to the applicant's misconduct, however it was considered unsuitable for service, and existed prior to service without aggravation by military service, therefore liberal consideration, pursuant to 10 USC §1553, does not apply. 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 31 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)