AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2022-00289 	
					
SUMMARY:  The applicant was discharged on 3 July 2012 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with an Entry Level Separation for Performance or Conduct.  The applicant appealed for an upgrade of his discharge characterization and a change to his 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 contended his discharge was an injustice.  He referenced a RAND Report regarding US Air Force Enlisted Classification and Reclassification that was released in May 2022.  According to the report reclassifications were below average between the years 2010-2015, specifically 6.4% below average.  Further, at this time the US was in a recession and the applicant claimed Air Force retention rates tend to be higher during recession times.  He also referenced a 2016 AFIT study examining Economic Metrics in Air Force retention rates that validated his claim.  The applicant further claimed the study revealed the number one reason for skills training elimination is academic deficiency and the AFSC he was training for had the second lowest pass rate in the Air Force.  The applicant also contended he should have been reclassified into another career field when he was eliminated from his training program and claimed his request to reclass was denied because at the time Air Force retention and recruiting rates were strong. 

A review of the applicant’s record revealed he was assigned to the Aerospace Medical Technician (4N0X1) AFSC and was attending technical training at Ft Sam Houston TX.  According to the discharge notification memorandum the applicant failed a total of three exams, including one re-exam during the course of his training.  According to the Basic Medical Technician Student Administration Guide and Student Evaluation Plan, this is grounds for elimination from the course.  His course leadership recommended he be reclassified into another career field.  He met an Academic Oversight Board and the Board recommended relief.  However, the applicant’s commander opined the applicant did not demonstrate the motivation or aptitude to succeed and did not recommend his retention or reclassification.  

The DRB determined the applicant has demonstrated he can succeed academically since his discharge, and has overcome his challenges, as evidenced by his successful completion of a college degree.  Therefore, the DRB concluded it would be inequitable to continue to bar him from enlistment in the military.  

FINDING:  The DRB voted unanimously to approve the applicant’s request to change his reenlistment eligibility code to 3K and voted unanimously to deny changing his narrative reason.  Additionally, the DRB recognized the applicant’s preference to also upgrade his discharge characterization.  However, in accordance with AFI 36-3208, Airmen are in entry level status during the first 180 days of continuous active military service.  If separated during this time, they normally receive an Entry Level Separation that is not characterized.  Because it is Air Force policy to not characterize this type of separation, the applicant’s request to “upgrade” to Honorable could not be approved.
 
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 awarded characterization of service and the narrative reason for separation shall not change.  The reentry code shall change to 3K.  The AFDRB results were approved by the board president on 7 October 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)