1. Applicant's Name: a. Application Date: 4 January 2017 b. Date Received: 8 January 2017 c. Counsel: None 2. REQUEST, ISSUES, BOARD TYPE, AND DECISION: The applicant requests an upgrade of her uncharacterized discharge to general (under honorable conditions). The applicant seeks relief contending, in effect, she enlisted in the Army as a Military Police and wanted to serve just like her stepfather. When she began her basic training, she did everything that was required of her. She states, as the weeks went on, her body started to wear down. She started having shin splints and trouble with her hips. She could no longer run or march long distances. She states, prior to joining the Army, she never had any health problems. Due to the rigors of basic training, her body could no longer handle it. She kept telling her drill instructors that she was in great pain. She went to the troop medical clinic where they confirmed that she had shin splints and a minor fracture in her hip. Her commander advised her that she would be discharged and sent home. She assumed it was under medical reasons, due to the fact that she had no disciplinary actions and she had done everything that she was instructed to do. She was not familiar with the Army documents or the procedures. Because she was young and impressionable, she agreed with her commander and signed off on whatever paperwork was necessary to go home and heal. It was not until later that she learned that her discharge was an entry level performance and conduct and that she would not be allowed any type of VA benefits. She states that she has severe health problems, due to her shins that never healed and the pain in her hips. She states, she would not have this pain, if it were not for the training that she received in the Army. In a records review conducted at Arlington, VA on 27 April 2018, 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 / JGA / RE-3 / Uncharacterized b. Date of Discharge: 24 May 2011 c. Separation Facts: (1) Date of Notification of Intent to Separate: 16 May 2011 (2) Basis for Separation: The applicant was informed of the following reasons: Over several weeks, her performance had deteriorated significantly; Counseling's revealed that she admitted to losing motivation, since week four of training. This came to a climax when she refused to train on 24 March 2011, which resulted in her receiving an Article 15; She had gone to the doctor eight times for a variety of injuries; Overall, she had missed more than 48 hours of critical training required to be a Soldier; She had failed the phase III APFT, with a total score of 72 for all three events consisting of push-ups, sit-ups, and 2 mile run; She had made statements of not wanting to be there and desired to be discharged; Despite an effort from every level of her chain of command, she had shown an inability to adapt to military life style; Her lack of reasonable efforts is evident in her performance and the constant counseling by her drill sergeants in order for her to achieve the most basic of tasks; Her poor attitude had already resulted in minor disciplinary infractions, to include non judicial punishment; and, She had been provided with the counseling required by paragraph 11-4. (3) Recommended Characterization: Uncharacterized (4) Legal Consultation Date: On 16 May 2011, the applicant waived her rights to consult with A JAG officer. (5) Administrative Separation Board: NA (6) Separation Decision Date / Characterization: 16 May 2011 / Uncharacterized 4. SERVICE DETAILS: a. Date / Period of Enlistment: 31 January 2011 / 5 years b. Age at Enlistment / Education / GT Score: 19 / HS Graduate / 95 c. Highest Grade Achieved / MOS / Total Service: E-1 / None / 3 months, 24 days d. Prior Service / Characterizations: None e. Overseas Service / Combat Service: None f. Awards and Decorations: None g. Performance Ratings: NA h. Disciplinary Action(s) / Evidentiary Record: CG Article 15, dated 29 March 2011, for being derelict in the performance of her duties (24 March 2011). The punishment consisted of a forfeiture of $342 pay. Medical Examination for Separation (memo), dated 6 May 2011, reflects the applicant elected not to undergo a medical examination before separation. i. Lost Time / Mode of Return: None j. Diagnosed PTSD / TBI / Behavioral Health: None 5. APPLICANT-PROVIDED EVIDENCE: DD Form 214; DD Form 293; and, medical documents. 6. POST SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None submitted with the application. 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 discharge (GD) under honorable conditions discharge 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 her uncharacterized discharge to general (under honorable conditions). The applicant's record of service, the issues and documents submitted with her application were carefully reviewed. The evidence of record confirms the applicant's separation processing was accomplished in accordance with the applicable regulation. All requirements of law and regulation were met and the rights of the applicant were fully protected throughout the separation process. A general discharge (GD) under honorable conditions 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. Further, the uncharacterized description of service accurately reflects the applicant's overall record of service. An uncharacterized discharge is neither positive nor negative and it is not meant to be a negative reflection of a Soldier's military service. It merely means that the Soldier has not been in the Army long enough for his or her character of service to be rated as honorable or otherwise. The applicant requests her discharge reflect that she was separated for medical reasons. However, the applicant's requested change to the DD Form 214 does not fall within the purview of this Board. The applicant may apply to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR), using the enclosed DD Form 149 regarding this matter. A DD Form 149 may also be obtained from a Veterans' Service Organization. The applicant contends that medical issues contributed to her discharge from the Army. However, the service record does not support the applicant's contention, and no evidence to support it has been submitted to corroborate the discharge was the result of any medical condition. Further, the record does not contain any medical evidence to indicate a problem which would have rendered the applicant disqualified for further military service with either medical limitation or medication. Further, the applicant declined a medical examination prior to her separation. The applicant contends that she was young and immature at the time of the discharge and did not understand the paperwork that she was signing. The record shows the applicant met entrance qualification standards to include age. There is no evidence to indicate the applicant was any less mature than other Soldiers of the same age who successfully completed military service. Further, 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 character of the applicant's discharge is commensurate with her overall service record. The applicant contends that she had good service and accomplished everything that she was told. However, the service record indicates the applicant committed many discrediting offenses, which constituted a departure from the standards of conduct expected of Soldiers in the Army. The applicant's numerous incidents of misconduct adversely affected the quality of her service, brought discredit on the Army, and were prejudicial to good order and discipline. 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 27 April 2018, 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 Authority to: No Change e. Change SPD / RE Code 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 AR20170003608 1