1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 10 March 2016 b. Date Received: 21 March 2016 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests a change to the narrative reason for his separation. The applicant seeks relief contending, in effect, his current narrative reason for separation is an unfitting description of his time in the military and believes it should be changed to "failure to meet course standards" (JHF) so as to expedite the process of reenlistment. The applicant contends that he was not afforded the same opportunities for success as the average entry level Soldier, as the course he took (Joint Cyber analysis Course 35Q) had an 89 percent attrition/failure rating. He believes the decision not to recycle him was made based on class hours missed. During his time in service, his thinking, speaking, and acting as a Soldier was always a high priority of his as shown by his respect for his superiors as well as his peers. He had very little adverse action having only received one negative counseling and how he always maintained an exemplary score on all of his Army Physical Fitness Tests (APFTs). In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 12 May 2017, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. (Board member names available upon request) 3. DISCHARGE DETAILS: a. Reason / Authority / Codes / Characterization: Unsatisfactory Performance / AR 635- 200, Chapter 13 / JHJ / RE-3 / Honorable b. Date of Discharge: 13 April 2015 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 26 March 2015 (2) Basis for Separation: The applicant was informed of the following reasons: failed to meet the academic standards to obtain an MOS for both the 35Q and 35F AIT courses; abusing over the counter medication; and, violating general orders and regulations on divers occasions. (3) Recommended Characterization: Honorable (4) Legal Consultation Date: 27 March 2015 (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 30 March 2015 / Honorable 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 10 June 2014 / 4 years, 39 weeks b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 18 / HS Graduate / 103 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-2 / None / 10 months, 4 days d. Prior Service / Characterizations: None e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: None f. Awards and Decorations: NDSM g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: Report of Mental Status Evaluation, dated 5 February 2015, reflects the applicant was cleared for any action deemed appropriated by his command. The applicant received numerous negative counseling statements for various acts of misconduct and performance counseling. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: NIF 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 293; online application; individual sick slip; and letter to Congressman Brad Ashford. 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None submitted with the application. 7. REGULATORY CITATION(S): Army Regulation 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. Chapter 13 contains the policy and outlines the procedures for separating individuals for unsatisfactory performance, and provides, in pertinent part, that commanders will separate a member under this Chapter when, in the commander's judgment, the member will not develop sufficiently to participate satisfactorily in further training and/or become a satisfactory Soldier. Army policy states that a general, under honorable conditions discharge is normally considered appropriate; however, an honorable discharge may be granted in meritorious cases. Army Regulation 635-5-1 (Separation Program Designator (SPD) Codes) provides the specific authorities (regulatory or directive), reasons for separating Soldiers from active duty, and the SPD codes to be entered on the DD Form 214. It identifies the SPD code of "JHJ" as the appropriate code to assign enlisted Soldiers who are discharged under the provisions of Army Regulation 635-200, Chapter 13, and Unsatisfactory Performance. The SPD Code/RE Code Cross Reference Table shows that a Soldier assigned an SPD Code of "JHJ" will be assigned an RE Code of 3. 8. DISCUSSION OF FACT(S): The applicant requests a change to the narrative reason for his separation. The applicant's record of service, the issues and documents submitted with his application were carefully reviewed. Evidence in the record shows the applicant was discharged because he failed to meet the academic standards to obtain an MOS for both the 35Q and 35F AIT courses; and for abusing over the counter medication, as well as violating general orders and regulations on diver's occasions. The applicant was discharged under the provisions of Chapter 13, AR 635-200, by reason of unsatisfactory performance, with a characterization of service of honorable. The narrative reason for discharge specified by Army Regulations for a discharge under this Chapter is "Unsatisfactory Performance," and the separation code is "JHJ." Army Regulation 635-5, Separation Documents, governs preparation of the DD Form 214 and dictates that entry of the narrative reason for separation, entered in block 28 and separation code, entered in block 26 of the form, will be exactly as listed in tables 2-2 or 2-3 of AR 635-5-1, Separation Program Designator (SPD) Codes. The regulation further stipulates that no deviation is authorized. There is no provision for any other reason to be entered under this regulation. The applicant's contentions were noted; however, there is no evidence in the record, nor has the applicant produced any evidence to support the contention that he was not afforded the opportunities for success as the average entry level Soldier. In fact, evidence shows the applicant was discharged as a result of his lack of motivation/failure to complete graded practical exercises and due to numerous counseling statements and behavioral issues. After being given a reasonable amount of opportunities to correct his deficiencies and his failure to do so, separation action was initiated. The record does not contain any indication or evidence of arbitrary or capricious actions by the command and all requirements of law and regulation were met and the rights of the applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process. The discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the regulation, was within the discretion of the separation authority, and the applicant was provided full administrative due process. 9. BOARD DETERMINATION: In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 12 May 2017, and by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied the request upon finding the separation was both proper and equitable. 10. BOARD ACTION DIRECTED: a. Issue a New DD-214 / Issue a New Separation Order: No b. Change Characterization to: No Change c. Change Reason to: No Change d. Change SPD / RE Code to: No Change e. Restore (Restoration of) Grade to: No Change Authenticating Official: Legend: AWOL - Absent Without Leave GD - General Discharge NCO - Noncommissioned Officer SCM - Summary Court Martial BCD - Bad Conduct Discharge HS - High School NIF - Not in File SPCM - Special Court Martial BH - Behavioral Health HD - Honorable Discharge NOS - Not Otherwise Specified SPD - Separation Program Designator CG - Company Grade Article 15 IADT - Initial Active Duty Training OAD - Ordered to Active Duty TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury CID - Criminal Investigation Division MP - Military Police OMPF - Official Military Personnel File UNC - Uncharacterized Discharge ELS - Entry Level Status MST - Military Sexual Trauma PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder UOTHC - Under Other Than Honorable Conditions FG - Field Grade Article 15 NA - Not applicable RE - Reentry VA - Veterans Affairs ARMY DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD CASE REPORT AND DIRECTIVE AR20160006474 1