RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2013-00152
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED: NO

	 

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

1. His uncharacterized discharge be upgraded to honorable.

2. His narrative reason for separation of “Adjustment Disorder” 
be changed.

3. His reentry (RE) code of “2C” (Involuntarily separated with 
an honorable discharge; or entry level separation without 
characterization of service) be changed in order for him to 
reenter the military.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

1. He made a gravely foolish error by inflicting harm to 
himself, but he assures the Board that this will never happen 
again.  He has learned from his mistakes.  He provides letters 
of support from various sources to prove that he does not have a 
troubled mind or broken past, further reinforcing his claim of 
being a victim of a one-time debacle.

2. A large part of why he received an uncharacterized discharge 
was because he did not have any military experience that he 
could relate to and the culture shock overwhelmed him.  However, 
if he is given the opportunity to reenlist, he will prove to be 
an asset for the Air Force and not only complete the tasks that 
are assigned, but excel in all of them.  He is physically more 
apt to handle the conditions of a military environment and is 
mentally ready for the challenge.  

In support of his request, the applicant provides a copy of his 
DD Form 293, Application for the Review of Discharge from the 
Armed Forces of the United States, a copy of his DD Form 214, 
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, a personal 
statement, and copies of letters of support.

His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted into the Regular Air Force on 24 Jul 12.  
The applicant was discharged under the provisions of AFPD 36-32 
and AFI 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airmen, and 
paragraph 5-11, Conditions that Interfere with Military Service, 
specifically, paragraph 5.11.9, under Mental Disorders.  The 
applicant acknowledged receipt of the discharge notification.  
He was advised of his right to consult with legal counsel and to 
submit statements in his own behalf.  He received an entry-level 
discharge, a narrative reason for separation of “Adjustment 
Disorder”, and a RE code of “2C” after serving 24 days on active 
duty.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
contained in the letters prepared by the appropriate offices of 
the Air Force, which is at Exhibit C, D, and E.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AETC/SGPS states the applicant could be considered for a waiver 
to reenter the military should he be reevaluated and cleared by 
a mental health professional.  The applicant’s medical records 
note that he had a previous history of cutting in the past.  The 
applicant stated he understood the diagnoses and treatment plan 
and subsequently was processed for an entry-level separation.

The complete SGPS evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPSOR recommends denial.  The applicant was referred to the 
Behavioral Analysis Service (BAS) on 13 Aug 02 for cutting 
himself due to increased stress.  The applicant reported he 
failed to correctly answer his study work questions and then 
felt like a “Failure to the flight and he let everybody down.”  
After he thought about the situation, he decided to cut himself 
with his nail clippers to “relieve the stress”.  He states that 
he cut himself one time; no blood or scarring was involved.  He 
denies any pre-service of other in-service history of self-
mutilator behavior and denies any suicide thoughts.  The 
governing instruction indicates that a history of self-
mutilation is disqualifying for military service.  The applicant 
was recommended for an entry-level separation due to having 
inadequate stress coping skills.  The issue of a waiver from 
AETC/SG was discussed with the applicant, but he declined 
pursing the waiver request.

Based on the documentation on file in the applicant’s records, 
the discharge to include narrative reason for separation and 
separation code was consistent with the procedural and 
substantive requirements of the discharge instruction and was 
within the discharge authority’s discretion. 

The complete DPSOR evaluation is at Exhibit D.

AFPC/DPSOA recommends denying the applicant’s request to change 
his RE code.  The applicant does not provide any evidence of an 
error or injustice with regard to his RE code.  

The complete DPSOA evaluation is at Exhibit E.  

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the 
applicant on 31 Mar 13 for review and comment within 30 days.  
As of this date, this office has received no response.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

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

2.  The application was timely filed.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice to warrant a 
change to his discharge or reentry (RE) code.  We took notice of 
the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the 
case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of 
the Air Force offices of primary responsibility that the 
characterization of his discharge and RE code which was assigned 
at the time of his separation accurately reflects the 
circumstances of his separation and evidence has not been 
provided that would lead us to believe otherwise.  Therefore, in 
the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling 
basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this portion of 
the application.

4.  Notwithstanding the above, sufficient relevant evidence has 
been presented to demonstrate the existence of an injustice that 
warrants a change to the narrative reason and corresponding SPD 
code.  Although action and disposition of the applicant’s case 
appears to be in compliance with the Air Force directives in 
effect at the time of his discharge, we believe it would be an 
injustice for the applicant to continue to suffer the stigma of 
“Adjustment Disorder” and therefore, recommend his records be 
corrected to the extent indicated below.  However, we advise the 
applicant to seek clearance from a mental health professional so 
he may possibly be considered for a waiver to reenter military 
service.  

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air 
Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 17 
August 2012, he was discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-
3208, paragraph 1.2, (Secretarial Authority) with Separation 
Program Designator (SPD) Code of KFF.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2013-00152 in Executive Session on 24 Sep 13, under 
the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member

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

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 31 Dec 12, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AETC/SGPS, dated 18 Jan 13.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPSOR, dated 25 Feb 13.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPSOA, dated 20 Mar 13.
    Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 Mar 13.




                                   
                                   Panel Chair