AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

FD-2022-00139	
					
SUMMARY:  The applicant was discharged on 11 August 2021 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Entry Level (uncharacterized) separation for Misconduct (Serious Offense).  The applicant appealed for a change to the discharge narrative reason and a change to the reenlistment eligibility code.

The applicant was not represented by counsel.    

The applicant requested the board be completed based on a records only review.

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. 

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 an Article 15 and a Letter of Reprimand.  Her misconduct included damage to property and failure to follow orders.     

The applicant contended her discharge was unjust.  She claimed remorse for her actions that led to her discharge and requested her narrative reason and RE Code be changed to allow her reentry into the service.
 
A review of the applicant’s record revealed she had two incidents of misconduct while attending technical training.  She was seen hugging a fellow Airman in public while in uniform, which is a violation of Air Force regulations.  She also defaced a wall in a local archaeological tribal cave by etching her name on the wall.  She claimed in her response she did not know her actions were prohibited and if she had she would not have damaged the property.  She has expressed remorse for her actions and requested her discharge be changed so she can reenter the service.

The DRB concluded the evidence suggested a lack of progressive discipline was applied to the applicant’s misconduct.  Furthermore, the unit pursued an aggressive timeline which did not afford the applicant the opportunity for rehabilitation.  Finally, the DRB determined the applicant’s misconduct may have been youthful indiscretion and the consequences were unduly harsh. It is consistent with military custom and practice to honor sacrifices and achievements, to punish only to the extent necessary, to rehabilitate to the greatest extent possible, and to favor second chances in situations in which individuals have paid for their misdeeds.  Therefore, the DRB found the discharge to be inequitable.  

FINDING:  The DRB voted unanimously to approve changing the discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority and changing the reenlistment eligibility code to 3K.
 
CONCLUSION:  After a thorough review of the available evidence, to include the Applicant’s issues, summary of service, service/medical record entries, and discharge process, the Board found the discharge was inequitable.  Therefore, the narrative reason for separation shall change to Secretarial Authority and the reentry code shall change to 3K.  The AFDRB results were approved by the board president on 
1 August 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  
Instructions on how to appeal an AFDRB decision can be found at 
https://afrbaportal.azurewebsites.us

Attachment:
Examiner's Brief (Applicant Only)