AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL DOCUMENT  
	CASE NUMBER

 FD-2022-00422 	
					
SUMMARY: 

The applicant was discharged on 28 April 2021 in accordance with AFI 36-3208 with a General Discharge and Narrative Reason for Separation was Misconduct (Drug Abuse). The applicant appealed for an upgrade of her discharge characterization, a change to the discharge narrative reason, and a change to the reenlistment eligibility code.

The applicant was not represented by counsel and requested the board be completed based on a record 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 multiple LOCs.  Her misconduct included going AWOL and being on her phone when she was instructed not to. 

The applicant contended the discharge was inequitable.  She stated that her separation was forced, and characterization was unfair.  She stated the investigation is still ongoing.  The applicant wants to pursue further education with her GI Bill.  The applicant stated that her leadership failed to protect her civil rights and EO laws and regulations.  She stated the NCO treated her in an unethical manner, using psychological brutality by using their gang-related actions, targeting, bullying, and harassing her as a first-time airman.  The applicant filed a whistleblower complaint with OSHA.  She stated that the retaliation occurred after she filed her complaint.

The DRB conducted a review of the applicant’s testimony and service record.  There was no evidence to indicate the applicant was not aware of the Air Force policy of zero tolerance for illegal drug use.  Also, the applicant did not identify any evidence or information to explain her drug use nor did she explain how the challenges in her unit contributed to her illicit drug use, which was the basis for her separation. The board concluded that the negative aspects of the applicant’s service outweighed the positive contributions she made during her Air Force career.  The Board determined there was no impropriety or inequity to warrant any changes to the discharge.  

FINDING:  The DRB voted unanimously to deny the applicant’s request to upgrade her discharge characterization to Honorable, to change the discharge narrative reason to Secretarial Authority, and to change the reenlistment eligibility code to 2C or 3K.
 
CONCLUSION:  After a thorough review of the available evidence, to include the Applicant’s issues, summary of service, service and medical records, and discharge process, the Board found the discharge was proper and equitable. Therefore, the awarded characterization of service, the narrative reason for separation and the reentry code shall not change.  The AFDRB results were approved by the board president on 5 December 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)