1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 30 April 2016 b. Date Received: 2 May 2016 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests an upgrade of his uncharacterized discharge to general (under honorable conditions) or honorable. The applicant seeks relief contending, in effect, he would like his discharge to reflect that he performed to the best of his abilities during his limited time in service. The applicant states that he was ill at the time he transferred to Advanced Individual Training. Further stating that he was administered medication that made him drowsy, which affected his ability to stay awake, complete his training, and perform to the required standards. Since his discharge, the applicant has attained his Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism and expects to complete his Master of Arts in International Relations in 2017, both from American University. The applicant believes that an upgrade will merit greater consideration on his job applications and allow him to make a significant contribution to U.S. government interests. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 9 June 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: Entry Level Performance and Conduct / AR 635-200, Chapter 11 / LGA / RE 3 / Uncharacterized b. Date of Discharge: 23 December 2008 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: (NIF, per Separation Authority memo) 10 December 2008 (2) Basis for Separation: Entry-Level Performance and Conduct (3) Recommended Characterization: Uncharacterized (4) Legal Consultation Date: (NIF, per Separation Authority memo) 11 December 2008 (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: Undated / Uncharacterized 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 23 July 2008 / 6 years b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 18 / HS Graduate / 137 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-2 / 09B0, Trainee Unassigned / 5 months, 1 day d. Prior Service / Characterizations: None e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: None f. Awards and Decorations: ASR g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: NIF i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: None 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 293; DD Form 214; and American University College Transcript. 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The applicant has attained his Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism, with a GPA of 3.32, and expects to complete his Master of Arts in International Relations, with a concentration in European Regional Studies and International Trade Policy in 2017, both from American University. In addition, the applicant is a full-time employee with Crown Agents USA, an international development consulting firm that performs contract work for the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and other USG agencies. 7. REGULATORY CITATION(S): Army Regulation (AR) 635-200 sets forth the basic authority for the separation of enlisted personnel. Paragraph 3-9 contains guidance on entry level separations. It states a separation will be described as entry-level with service uncharacterized if, at the time separation action is initiated, the Soldier has less than 180 days of continuous active duty service. Chapter 11 of AR 635-200 provides for the separation of personnel due to unsatisfactory performance, conduct, or both, while in an entry level status (ELS). An uncharacterized service description is normally granted to Soldiers separating under this chapter. A general (under honorable conditions) discharge (GD) is not authorized under ELS conditions and an honorable discharge (HD) is rarely ever granted. An HD may be given only in cases which are clearly warranted by unusual circumstances involving outstanding personal conduct and/or performance of duty. 8. DISCUSSION OF FACT(S): The applicant requests an upgrade of his uncharacterized discharge to general (under honorable conditions) or honorable. The applicant's available record of service, the issues and documents submitted with his application were carefully reviewed. The applicant's record is void of the specific facts and circumstances concerning the events which led to his discharge from the Army. Barring evidence to the contrary, it appears that all requirements of law and regulation were met and the rights of the applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process. The applicant's contentions in regards to performing to the best of his abilities during his limited time in service and the fact that he fell ill at the time he transferred to Advanced Individual Training was carefully considered. However, there is insufficient evidence available in the official record to make a determination upon the applicant's quality of service. Moreover, there is a presumption of regularity in the conduct of governmental affairs. This presumption is applied in all Army discharge reviews unless there is substantial credible evidence to rebut the presumption. There is no evidence in the record, nor has the applicant produced any evidence to support a change to the characterization of service granted. The applicant's statements alone do not overcome the presumption of government regularity in this case and the application contains no documentation or further corroborating evidence in support of the request for an upgrade of the discharge. The Army Discharge Review Board is authorized to consider post-service factors in the characterization of a discharge. However, there is no law or regulation which provides an unfavorable discharge may be upgraded based solely on the passage of time or good conduct in civilian life subsequent to leaving the service. Outstanding post-service conduct, to the extent such matters provide a basis for a more thorough understanding of the applicant's performance and conduct during the period of service under review, is considered during Board proceedings. The Board reviews each discharge on a case-by-case basis to determine if post-service accomplishments help demonstrate previous in-service misconduct was an aberration and not indicative of the member's overall character. The applicant believes that an upgrade will merit greater consideration on his job applications and allow him to make a significant contribution to U.S. government interests. However, the Board does not grant relief for the purpose of gaining employment or enhancing employment opportunities. If the applicant desires a personal appearance hearing, it will be his responsibility to meet the burden of proof and provide the appropriate documents (i.e., the discharge packet) or other evidence sufficient to explain the facts, circumstances, and reasons underlying the separation action, for the Board's consideration because they are not available in the official record. Based on the available record, the discharge appears consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the regulation, was within the discretion of the separation authority and that the applicant was provided full administrative due process. 9. BOARD DETERMINATION: In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 9 June 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 new Separation Order: No b. Change Characterization to: No Change c. Change Reason to: No Change d. Change Authority to: No Change e. SPD/RE Code Change to: No Change f. Restoration to Grade: 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 AR20160008895 3