IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 20 December 2019 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20190003382 APPLICANT REQUESTS: Reconsideration of the previous Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) decision as promulgated in Docket Number AR20140019137 on 23 July 2015. Specifically, he requests correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), for the period ending 14 March 1990, to show his service was characterized as honorable. APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record Under the Provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552), dated 13 February 2019 * Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Service Verification Letter, dated 25 January 2019 * VA Proof of Service Letter, dated 29 January 2019 FACTS: 1. Incorporated herein by reference are military records that were summarized in the previous consideration of the applicant's case by the ABCMR in Docket Number AR20140019137 on 23 July 2015. 2. The applicant states his DD Form 214 should show that his service was characterized as honorable. 3. The applicant enlisted in the California Army National Guard (CAARNG) on 31 August 1989. He entered active duty for training on 31 October 1989, for the purpose of completing his initial entry training; however, his record indicates he did not finish his advanced individual training (AIT). 4. The applicant was evaluated by a psychiatrist on 10 February 1990, wherein he was diagnosed with mixed emotional features manifested by symptoms of dysphoria and anger, culminating in suicidal and homicidal ideation. The psychiatrist recommended the applicant be removed from training and discharged from the service. 5. The applicant's immediate commander notified the applicant on 27 February 1990 that she was initiating actions to separate him under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200 (Personnel Separations – Enlisted Personnel), Chapter 11, for entry level status performance and conduct. As the specific reason, the commander cited the applicant’s inability to adapt to military life. 6. The applicant acknowledged receipt of the separation notification on 27 February 1990. He waived his right to consult with counsel and elected not to make any statements in his own behalf. 7. The applicant's immediate commander formally recommended his separation under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, Chapter 11. The separation authority approved the separation recommendation on 2 March 1990 and directed the issuance of an entry level separation. 8. The applicant was released from active duty on 14 March 1990, under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, paragraph 11-3a, in entry level status. The DD Form 214 he was issued shows he completed four months and 14 days of net active service and his service was uncharacterized. 9. The applicant was discharged from the CAARNG on 14 March 1990, for entry level status and conduct. His service was uncharacterized. 10. Soldiers are considered to be in an entry-level status when they are within their first 180 days of active duty service. The evidence of record shows the applicant was in an entry-level status at the time of his separation. 11. The applicant provides two VA service verification letters, which show the VA has determined his service was honorable for VA purposes. BOARD DISCUSSION: The Board carefully considered the applicant's request, supporting documents, and evidence in the records. The Board agreed that the applicant's discharge based on his inability to adapt to military life was proper and equitable. Because he was discharged while he was in an entry-level status, his service was uncharacterized. Based on a preponderance of the evidence, the Board determined the fact that the applicant's service was uncharacterized is not in error or unjust. BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 : : : GRANT FULL RELIEF : : : GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF : : : GRANT FORMAL HEARING :XX :XX :XX DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. 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. REFERENCES: Army Regulation 635-200, in effect at the time, sets policies, standards, and procedures to insure the readiness and competency of the force while providing for the orderly administrative separation of Soldiers for a variety of reasons. a. Chapter 3 states a separation will be described as entry level with uncharacterized service if the Soldier has less than 180 days of continuous active duty service at the time separation action is initiated. b. Paragraph 3-7a provides that an honorable discharge is a separation with honor and entitles the recipient to benefits provided by law. The honorable characterization is appropriate when the quality of the member's service generally has met the standards of acceptable conduct and performance of duty for Army personnel, or is otherwise so meritorious that any other characterization would be clearly inappropriate. c. Chapter 11 provides for the separation of personnel because of unsatisfactory performance or conduct (or both) while in an entry-level status. When separation of a Soldier in an entry-level status is warranted by unsatisfactory performance or minor disciplinary infractions (or both) as evidenced by inability, lack of reasonable effort, or failure to adapt to the military environment, he or she will normally be separated per this chapter. Service will be uncharacterized for entry-level separation under the provisions of this chapter. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20190003382 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20190003382 4 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20190003382 3