IN THE CASE OF:  

BOARD DATE:  15 April 2019

DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20170017826


APPLICANT REQUESTS:  The applicant requests his character of service be changed 
from entry level status to honorable. 

APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: 

*	DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record)
*	DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)

FACTS:

1.  The applicant did not file within the three year time frame provided in Title 10, United 
States Code (USC), section 1552 (b); however, the Army Board for Correction of 
Military Records conducted a substantive review of this case and determined it is in the 
interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file. 

2.  The applicant states he served honorably for 20 years.  He was honor graduate in 
advanced individual training (AIT) and went on to be federally commissioned, airborne, 
ranger, and had honorable service in Iraq.  He was also awarded the Bronze Star 
Medal.  He needs his DD Form 214 corrected in order to receive pension credit from his 
civilian employer (Government).        

3.  On 7 June 1985, his Chronological Statement of Retirement Points indicates he 
enlisted in the Army National Guard.  

4.  A review of the applicant’s DD Form 214 shows on:

*	5 August 1985, he entered initial active duty for training
*	16 November 1985, he completed AIT and was released from initial active 
duty for training and transferred to his Army National Guard unit 

5.  His DD Form 214 lists his character of service as “Entry Level Status”.       

6.  Army Regulation 635-8 (Separation Processing and Documents) states when a 
Reserve Component Soldier successfully completes initial active duty training the 
character of service is Honorable unless directed otherwise by the separation approval 
authority.

BOARD DISCUSSION:

After review of the application and all evidence, the Board determined relief is 
warranted.  The applicant’s contentions were carefully considered.  The Board agreed 
regulatory guidance provides for allowing him to receive an honorable discharge for that 
period of active duty service.

BOARD VOTE:

Mbr 1
Mbr 2
Mbr 3

:X
:X
:X
GRANT FULL RELIEF
:
:
:
GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF
:
:
:
GRANT FORMAL HEARING
:
:
:
DENY APPLICATION

BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The Board determined the evidence presented is sufficient to warrant a 
recommendation for relief.  As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of 
the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by reissuing him a DD Form 
214 for the period ending 16 November 1985 showing his characterization of service as 
honorable.


 

I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the 
Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case.


ADMINISTRATIVE NOTE(S):  Not Applicable
REFERENCES:

1.  Title 10, USC, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military 
records must be filed within three years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice.  
This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records 
(ABCMR) to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the three-year statute of 
limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so.
2.  Army Regulation 635-8 (Separation Processing and Documents) currently in effect, 
prescribes the transition processing function of the military personnel system. It 
contains guidance stating for block 24 (Characterization of Service) the correct entry is 
vital since it affects a Soldier’s eligibility for post-service benefits. Characterization or 
description of service is determined by directive authorizing separation. When a 
Reserve Component Soldier successfully completes initial active duty training the 
character of service is Honorable unless directed otherwise by the separation approval 
authority.

//NOTHING FOLLOWS//
ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)	 AR20170017826
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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)	AR20170017826


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