DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

WASHINGTON DC 

Office of the Assistant Secretary 

AFBCMR 97-02087 

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF 

Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction 
of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 
1 16), it is directed that: 

provisions of AFI 36-3208 by reason of “Secretarial Authority,” with separation code “KFF.” 

records of the Department of the Air Force relating to 
e corrected to show that on 1 1 March 1996, he was disc 

P 

r the 

Director 
Air Force Review Boards Agency 

k 

AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY R 

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 

IN THE MATTER OF: 

vm2 11998 

DOCKET NUMBER:  9 7 - 0 2 0 8 7  
COUNSEL:  NONE 

HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

The  narrative  reason  for  separation  and  his  Reenlistment 
Eligibility (RE) code be changed so that he can reenlist. 

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 

He believes that he was forced to accept a psychiatric discharge. 

In  support  of  his  request,  applicant  provided  his  personal 
statement,  documentation  pertaining  to  his  discharge,  and 
statements submitted in his behalf  from his recruiter and his high 
school principal.  (Exhibit A) 

STATEMENT OF FACTS: 
On 7 February 1996, applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force for 
a period of four years. 

On  1 March  1996, applicant  received  a  commander-directed  mental 
health  evaluation  which  established  the  diagnoses  of  Adjustment 
Disorder with Depressed Mood, and  Status Post Ankle  Strain.  The 
Inpatient  Staff  Psychiatrist noted  that  applicant did  not  have  a 
medically disqualifying psychiatric condition and that the disorder 
significantly impaired the  applicant's ability to  function in the 
military.  He recommended an entry level separation. 
On  5  March  1996, the  squadron commander  initiated administrative 
discharge  action  against  the  applicant  for  a  condition  that 
interfered with military service -  mental disorders.  Specifically, 
applicant  was  diagnosed  by  the  Department  of  Mental  Health  as 
having a mental disorder which interfered with his duty performance 
and conduct and was  severe enough that his ability to function in 
the  military  was  significantly  impaired. 
On  the  same  date, 
applicant  acknowledged  receipt  of  the  discharge  notification  and 
that military  legal counsel was made  available to him.  He waived 
his option to consult counsel and his right to submit statements in 
his own behalf.  The Staff Judge Advocate's Office found the case 

file legally  sufficient to  support  separation.  On  6  March  1996, 
the discharge authority approved an entry level separation. 

On 11 March 1996, applicant received an uncharacterized entry level 
separation by reason of personality disorder.  He was issued an RE 
code  of  2C  (entry  level  separation  without  characterization  of 
service). 

AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

The  BCMR  Medical  Consultant  reviewed  this  application  and 
recommended  that  the  applicant's request  be  denied.  However, he 
stated that  the narrative reason for separation should be  changed 
to  "Secretarial  Authority, 'I  Separation  Program  Designator  (SPD) 
code KFF, as the current code does not accurately reflect the true 
mental  diagnosis  for which  applicant  was  separated.  We  did  not 
recommend that the applicant's RE code be changed.  (Exhibit C) 
The Programs and  Procedures Branch, AFPC/DPPRS,  reviewed the  case 
for  separation processing  and  found  no  errors  or  irregularities 
causing an injustice to the applicant.  The discharge complies with 
directives  in  effect  at  the  time  of  applicant's discharge.  The 
records  indicate  applicant's  military  service  was  reviewed  and 
appropriate action was taken. 

DPPRS stated applicant did not identify any specific errors in the 
discharge processing  nor  provide  facts which  warrant  a  change  in 
his  reason  for  separation. 
However,  noting  the  BCMR  Medical 
Consultant's recommendation  (Exhibit C) ,  DPPRS had no objection to 
changing the narrative reason for separation and SPD code since the 
DOD  Instructions  make  no  provisions  for  a  narrative  reason  of 
adjustment disorder.  (Exhibit D) 

The  Directorate  of  Personnel  Programs  Management,  AFPC/DPPAES, 
stated  that  while  the  narrative  reason  for  separation  was 
incorrect, applicant received an entry level separation, and the RE 
Code of 2C is correct.  (Exhibit E) 

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: 

~- 

The  Air  Force  evaluations  were  forwarded  to  the  applicant  on 
2 February 1998 for review and comment within 30 days.  A s   of this 
date, no response has been received by this office. 

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 

1.  The applicant has exhausted all  remedies provided  by  existing 
law or regulations. 

2.  The application was timely filed. 
3 .   Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate 
the existence of probable  injustice.  It  appears that  responsible 
officials  applied  appropriate  standards  in  effecting  applicant's 
discharge, and we  do not  find persuasive  evidence  that  pertinent 
regulations were  violated  or  that  applicant was  not  afforded  all 
the rights to which entitled at the time of discharge.  Therefore, 
we do not believe favorable consideration of the applicant's stated 
requests  would  be  appropriate  on  the  basis  of  the  evidence 
provided.  Nevertheless,  in view  of  the  mitigating  circumstances 
which  led  to  his  separation;  i.e.,  his  nervousness  and  the 
possibility of self-harm which impaired his ability to effectively 
function in the military, we believe some relief is appropriate in 
this  case. 
The  applicant  received  a  commander-directed mental 
health evaluation when he expressed concerns of nervousness and the 
possibility that he might hurt himself.  He was diagnosed as having 
an  "Adjustment  Disorder  with  Depressed  Mood"  not  "Personality 
Disorder"  as  reflected  in  the  narrative  reason  for  separation. 
Based on careful consideration of the circumstances surrounding his 
discharge, we believe it would be an injustice for the applicant to 
continue to suffer the adverse effects of the narrative reason for 
discharge.  We  therefore agree with the recommendation of  the BCMR 
Medical  Consultant  (Exhibit  C)  that  the  reason  for  separation 
should be  changed as the current code does not  accurately reflect 
the true mental health diagnosis for which he was separated.  Since 
the governing directives do not provide  for a narrative reason of 
"Adjustment Disorder, It  we recommend that the reason for separation 
be  changed  to  "Secretarial  Authority,  with  a  corresponding 
separation code of  "KFF. It 
4.  While  we  are  inclined  to  recommend  changing  the  narrative 
reason  for  separation  since  it  does  not  accurately  reflect  the 
mental health diagnosis which resulted in applicant's discharge, we 
are not persuaded that further relief  is warranted in the form of 
changing  the  applicant's RE  code  to  one  that  would  allow him  to 
reenlist.  The applicant's RE code had its basis in his entry level 
separation because of conditions which interfered with his military 
service.  After careful consideration of the evidence provided, we 
are  not  convinced  that  the  applicant  would  now  be  able  to 
successfully  function  in  the  highly  structured  military 
environment.  Based  on  the  foregoing, we  do  not  find  that  the 
applicant's RE code is in error or unjust.  Therefore, his request 
for a change of his RE code is not favorably considered. 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: 
The pertinent military  records of  the Department of  the A i r   Force 
relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 11 March  1996, 
he was discharged under the provisions of A F I   36-3208 by reason of 
"Secretarial Authority, It  with separation code "KFF. I' 

3 

The following members of  the Board  considered this application in 
Executive Session on 15 September 1998, under the provisions of AFI 
3 6 - 2 6 0 3 :  

Mrs. Barbara A. Westgate, Panel Chair 
Mr. Allen Beckett, Member 
Mr. Henry Romo Jr., Member 

All  members  voted  to  correct  the  records, as  recommended.  The 
following documentary evidence was considered: 

Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 7 Jul 97, w/atchs. 
Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records. 
Exhibit C.  Letter, BCMR Medical Consultant, dated 3  Nov 97. 
Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPRS, dated 3 0   Dec 97. 
Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAES, dated 6  Jan 98. 
Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MIBR, dated 2 Feb 98. 

Panel Chair 

4 

MEMORANDUM FOR AFBCMR 

FROM:  BCMR Medical Consultant 

1535 Command Drive, EE Wing, 3rd Floor 
Andrews AFB MD  20762-7002 

3 Nov 97 
9 7 - 0 2 0 8 7 

Applicant's entire case file has been reviewed and is forwarded with the following 

findings, conclusions and recommendations. 

REQUESTED ACTION:  The applicant received an entry level separation under the 

provisions of AFPD 36-32 and AFI 36-3208, Para. 5.1 1 . I  on 11 Mar 96  after 1 month and 4 
days of basic military training.  He apples now for a change in his reason for separation and 
of his reenlistment code that would allow him to return to military service. 

FACTS:  The records indicate the applicant was administratively separated following a 

diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, DSM-IV (309.0).  Mental health 
evaluation was commander directed after the applicant was in basic training for only a short 
period of time and after he had made statements regarding his nervousness and possibility 
of self-harm.  Records show that applicant was given full administrative and legal 
consideration of the pending action and waived his right to counsel or to submit statements 
on his behalf.  Details of the mental health evaluation are missing from the records available 
for review, but the diagnosis is noted.  Action and disposition in this case are proper and 
reflect compliance with Air Force directives which implement the law. 

DISCUSSION:  Individuals are considered in an entry level status for the first 6 months of 

service and any separation which occurs during this period of time will receive an 
"uncharacterized entry level separation."  While it is recognized and appreciated that the 
applicant made special efforts to render himself eligible for acceptance into the Air Force, the 
fact that he was unable to cope with the rigors of basic training was the proximate cause for 
his entry level separation, and the resulting codes were administratively, if not clinically, 
appropriate for the circumstances.  It is clear from review of records that his separation was 
in compliance with directives that support the law and that no error or injustice occurred in 
this case. 

RECOMMENDATION:  The Medical Consultant is of the opinion that the applicant’s 
request should be denied.  The narrative reason for his separation, however, should be 
changed to: Secretarial Authority, SPD Code KFF, as the current code does not accurately 
reflect the true mental health diagnosis for which he was separated.  It is recommended that 
this change be made in block 28 of DD Form 214 but that no change in his RE code should 
be made. 

~ ~ E D E R I C K  w. HORNICK, coi., USAF, MC, FS 
Chief Medical Consultant, AFBCMR 
Medical Advisor SAF Personnel Council 

DEPARTM~NT OF THE AIR FORCE 

HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE PERSONNEL CENTER 

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE TEXAS 

DEC  3  Q 1997 

MEMORANDUM FOR AFBCMR 

FROM:  HQ AFPC/DPPRS 

550 C Street West Ste 11 
Randolph AFB TX  78 150-471 3 

US. AIR FORCE B 

1 9 4 7 -  1 9 9 7  

, 

SUBJECT:  Application for Correction of Military Records 

The applicant, while serving in the grade of airman basic, was separated from the Air Force 11 
Mar 96 under the provisions of AFI 36-3208 (Entry level Separatioflersonality Disorder) with 
an uncharacterized discharge.  He served 01 month 04 days total active service. 

Requested Action.  The applicant is requesting a change in his reason for separation in order 

for him to be eligible to reenlist in the Air Force. 

Basis for Request.  Applicant claims the fault in his discharge lies in medical hold where he 
was harassed by E-3s and E-2s who thought they were the boss and yelled and harassed him till 
the breaking point.  The advisory from the BCMR Medical Consultant, 03 Nov 97 provides 
information concerning applicant’s medical condition at the time of his separation.  This 
advisory will address only the discharge processing in the case. 

Facts.  The applicant was notified by his commander on 05 Mar 96, that discharge action had 

been initiated against him for a mental disorder.  The commander advised that the discharge 
action was being taken because he had been diagnosed by the Wilford Hall Medical Center as 
having an adjustment disorder and depressed mood, for which are so severe that his ability to 
function effectively in the military environment is significantly impaired.  He was advised he 
had a right to consult counsel and the right to submit statements in his own behalf.  Applicant did 
not submit statements and waived his right to military counsel. The discharge case was reviewed 
by the base legal office and was found to be legally sufficient to support separation. On 06 Mar 
96, the discharge authority approved the Entry Level Separation.  Airmen are given an 
uncharacterized service characterization when separation action is initiated against them in the 
first 180 days of continuous active service, and the separation is described as entry level 
separation. 

Discussion. This case has been reviewed for separation processing and there are no errors or 

irregularities causing an injustice to the applicant.  The discharge complies with directives in 
effect at the time of his discharge.  The records indicate member’s military service was reviewed 
and appropriate action was taken. 

Recommendation.  Applicant did not identify any specific errors in the discharge processing 

nor provide facts which warrant a change in his reason for separation.  However, the BCMR 
Medical Consultant’s recommendation to change his narrative reason for separation to 
“Secretarial Authority’’ and SPD code change to “KFF” with the rationale given, we have no 
objection to the change of the narrative reason for separation and SPD code since the DOD 
Instructions makes no provision for a narrative reason of adjustment disorder. He has filed a 
timely request. 

Military Personnel Mgmt Spec 
Programs and Procedures Branch 
Dir of Personnel Program Management 

D E P A R T M E N T  O F  T H E  A I R   FORCE 

H E A D Q U A R T E R S   AIR  F O R C E   P E R S O N N E L  C E N T E R  

R A N D O L P H  AIR  F O R C E   B A S E  T E X A S  

MEMORANDUM FOR  AFBCMR 

FROM:  HQ AFPCDPPAES 

550 C Street West Ste 10 
Randolph AFB TX  78 150-47 12 

SUBJECT: Application for Correction of Record 

A review of applicant’s case file was conducted. While the narrative reason for 

separation was incorrect, applicant received an entry level separation, and the Reenlistment 
Eligibility (RE) Code “2C” is correct. 

Special Programs and BCMR Manager 
Dir of Personnel Program Management