AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2021-00619	
GENERAL:  The applicant was discharged on 4 October 2019 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General discharge for Misconduct (Minor Infractions).  The applicant appealed for a change to his reenlistment eligibility code.  The board was conducted on 3 March 2022.  

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 changing his reenlistment eligibility code to 3K.  The DRB also voted unanimously to deny upgrading his discharge characterization to Honorable and changing the discharge narrative reason.

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 two Article 15s and multiple Letters of Reprimand.  His misconduct included:  failure to obey orders, failure to report for duty, leaving the base without proper authority, and failure to follow grooming standards by not shaving his facial hair. 

The applicant contended the reenlistment code he received was inequitable given the nature of his minor infractions.  He admitted his actions were irresponsible but he had gotten himself in check by the time he arrived at his first base.  He further claimed that he has matured since his discharge and therefore, requested his reenlistment eligibility code be changed so he can continue to serve in the Armed Forces.

Upon review of the applicant’s record the DRB determined the majority of the applicant’s misconduct occurred while he was attending technical training.  The DRB concluded, although the applicant had multiple disciplinary infractions, the misconduct was minor in nature.  The applicant submitted several letters of recommendation from various sources which indicated he had matured since his discharge.  Therefore, the DRB found the applicant submitted sufficient evidence to support changing his reenlistment code.    

CONCLUSION:  The board found neither the evidence of record, nor that provided by the applicant substantiated an impropriety.  However, sufficient evidence existed to convince the board the discharge was inequitable.  Therefore, the board changed the reenlistment eligibility code to 3K per the applicant’s request.  The board did not change the service characterization nor the narrative reason.  

The DRB results were approved by the board president on 9 March 2022.  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)