AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL RATIONALE 

CASE NUMBER 

mol-00026 

GENERAL:  The applicant appeals to change the reason and authority for discharge as well as his 
reenlistment code. 

The applicanrwas offered a personal appearance before the Discharge Review Board (Board) but 
declined to exercise this right. 

_L  P 

FINDINGS: Change of reason and authority for discharge and reenlistment code change are denied. 

The Board finds that neither evidence of record nor that provided by the applicant substantiates an inequity 
or impropriety that would justifL a change of discharge. 

The applicant’s issues are listed in the attached brief 

Issue 1 addresses an Article 15 action that was isolated in what were otherwise satisfactory years of 
service.  The Board, in a thorough review of records, found the applicant’s Article 15, for stealing an 
item from the Base Exchange was an appropriate non-judicial punishment for the cited misconduct. 
While this is the only action found for misconduct in the applicant’s 3% years of service, it was not the 
basis used for his discharge.  The Board found this issue was without merit. 

The Znd issue is a lengthy discourse on the applicant’s contention that his diagnosed Personality 
Disorder is invalid and should not remain as the reason for his discharge.  The records reveal that the 
applicant was seen in mental health services through the month of November 1999 after an episode of 
self-mutilation and suicidal ideation and was found to have a Borderline Personality Disorder.  An 
extensive list of psychiatric conditions was identified which led to establishment of the diagnosis.  It 
was this diagnosis that was used as the basis for discharge with an Honorable characterization.  Given 
the facts ofthis disorder, the Board opined that changing the reason and authority of discharge along 
with a change of reenlistment code would be inappropriate for the best interests of the applicant and 
the United States Air Force. 

Issue 3 addresses the applicant’s post-service accomplishments.  The Board recognized the applicant’s 
efforts remain an upstanding citizen and the pride he takes in being a former member of the United States 
military; however, no inequity or impropriety in his discharge was suggested or found in the course of the 
records review. 

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CONCLUSIONS: m e  Discharge Review Board concludes that the discharge was consisti53 with the 
procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation and was within the discretion of 
the discharge authority and that the applicant was provided hll administrative due process. 

In view of the foregoing findings the Board hrther concludes that there exists no legal or equitable 
basis for upgrade of discharge, thus the applicant’s discharge should not be changed. 

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Attachment 
Examiner’s Brief 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD 

FD - 0 1 - 0 0 0 2 6 

ANDREWS  AFB,  MD 

(Former A1C) MISSING DOCUMENTS - 

1.  MATTER UNDER REVIEW:  Appl rec’d a HON Disch fr USAF 00/02/18 UP AFI 36-3208, 
para 5.11.1  (Personality Disorder).  Appea1.s for a Change in Reason and Authority 
f o r   Disch. 

2.  BACKGROUND: 

a. DOB: 78/10/25.  Enlmt Age:  1 7   2/12.  Disch Age: 21 3/12. Educ:HS DIPL. 

AFQT: N/A.  A-82,  E-73,  G-82,  M-40. PAFSC: 1C531 -  Command C  Control 
Journeyman. DAS: 98/11/02. 

b.  Prior Sv: AFRes 96/01/23 -  96/08/13 (6 months 21 days)(Inactive). 

3.  SERVICE UNDER REVIEW: 

a. 
Yrs 6 Mo 

b. 

Enld as AB 96/08/14 for 4 yrs. ‘Ext: 98/10/27 for 15 months.  Svd: 3 
5 Das, all AMs. 
Grade Status:  A1C -  00/02/12 
AMN -  99/04/12 (Article 15, 99/04/12) 
A1C -  97/12/14 
AMN -  97/02/14 

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C. 

Time Lost:  none. 

d. 

Art 15‘s: 

(1) 99/04/12, ElmendTrf AFB, AK -  Article 121. 

You  did, o/a 
26 Mar 99, steal a -----  Play Station, of a value of 
about $129.00, the property of  ----------.  Rdn to Amn, 
forfeiture of $129.99 pay and a reprimand.  (No appeal) 
(No mitigation) 

e. 

Additional: none. 

f. 

g. 

*-*”.  - 
CM:  none. 

Record of SV: 96/08/14  98/04/13  Langley AFB 
4 
98/04/14  98/10/16  Langely AFB 
3 
98/10/17  99/10/16  Elmendorf AFB  2 

/L 

(Discharged from Elmendorf AFB) 

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Initial) 
CRO) 2 
Annual ) REF 

h. 

i. 

Awards &  Decs:  AFTR, AFOUA, AFOSLTR. 
Stmt of Sv:  TMS:  (4) Yrs  (0 
TAMS:  (3) Yrs  (6 

Mos  (26) Das 
Mos  (5) Das 

4 .   BASIS ADVANCED FOR  REVIEW$  Appln  (DD Fm 293) dtd 00/09/01. 

(Change the Reason and Authority for Discharge) 

E'DO1-00026 

IssueT:  My discharge was inequitable because it was based on one isolated 

event versus many years of dedicated and excellent service.  A letter has been  - 

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--ached 

to f u I X p l a n  (sic) the situation. 

Issue 2:  I, -------- , am sending you this additional letter to help explain 

why I wish my discharge to be reevaluated.  I plan to state why this decision 
was made, why I feel it needs to changed and additional information to clarify 
'my intentions should it be changed in my  favor. 

Due to actions which occurred March of 1999, my security clearance was put "on 
hold" disqualifying me from interaction with my .chosen career.  Having served so 
many years with dedication and a flawless record of integrity and excellence, it 
was irrational for higher powers to force me to end my service term.  I was, 
however, put in a state of "limbo", doing random base duties, etc.  This 
situation left me at the disappointment and humiliation of fellow co-workers who 
found out. 

To make a long story short, after numerous and repetitive tasks, the fact that I 
had become my squadron's "gopher" (by that meaning, any little thing they could 
find me to do to "eat up time"), the humiliation, I became heavily depressed. 
And to add I was stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Alaska  (a state well-known for 
its high levels of depression) far away from friends and family. 

"- 

A hasty decision-was made by Medical group that analyzed my mental state, for 
their decision made it appear as though I had always had, as they defined, a 
personality disorder.  I feel this is incorrect. 

Another evaluation group, ------- Medical facility in Anchorage, also had an 
opportunity to research my mental status and felt that my depression was only 
due to recent actions of losing my security clearance, being held in "limbo", 
etc.  I also agree with this decision and, after verbal counsel, I overcame my 
depression. 

4 

After my discharge, I remained in Alaska, currently hold two full-time jobs, my 
own residence, and an upstanding record of a valued member of the community.  I 
am a registered voter who actively still volunteers at the YMCA, a  non-smoker  - 
and hold a c1eam"rving record.  I also feel that, despite past ac-ons, I 
could still accomplish my past job as an emergency actions controller and active 
duty member in the military. 

My main reason for-requesting this review of my discharge, other thrn 
correction, is to qualify myself to become a member of the Air National Guard, a 
degree of service that many  (but more importantly I) feel I can accomplish. 
Please view this letter as a request to still proudly serve my country. 

ATCH 
1. Applicant's  Letter to the Discharge Review Board. 

E'DO1-00026 

0 1 / O  1 /2 3 /ia- - 

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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

PACIFIC AIR FORCES 

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MEMORA- 

3 WG/CC 

FROM:  3 WGIJA 

85 17 20th Street, Suite 330 
Elmendorf AFB AK 99506-2470 

MSS/CC, recommends th 
honorable discharge pur 

5.1 1.1, 

for conditions that interfere with military service based on a mental disorder.  The reasons set 
forth in the Commander’s Recommendation for Discharge Letter, with accompanying 
documentation, are legally sufficie 
instruction.  Prior to final discharge 
* ,.- _. 
2.  FACTS (See Tab 4.): 

rge action under this provision of the 

ill be medically cleared for separation. 

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a.  The following event forms the basis for this discharge action: 

, Chief, Outpatient Mental Health Services, diagnosed 

borderline personality disorder.  He determined his disorder is a pervasive 
t will continue to cause behavioral disturbances.  This disorder is so severe 
that it impairs his ability to ?unction effectively in the military environment. This is evidenced by a 
memorandum from the3rd Mission Support Squadron Commander, dated 20 Jan 00, which states, 

dJ$layed  numerous kp 
situations. Despitelhis referral to mental healt 
monitoring.  I concur with the recommendation from his attending physician to discharge 

otions in reaction to 
otional still requires constant 

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the Air Force, based on clinical findings of his unsuitability for military 

 

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service.” 

b.  Other deroggory data or disciplinary conduct: 

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On or about 26 Mar 99, the 
exchange.  For this offense he rece 
was reduced to the grade of airman. 

3.  Airmen separated for a mental disorder must be discharged under honorable conditions. 
Should you decide discharge is appropriate, you may offer probation and rehabilitation (P&R) if 
you decide there is reasonable expectation of rehabilitation. Approving P&R allows you to 
suspend execution of an approved discharge for a period of not less than six months nor more 
than twelve months.  The respondent’s retention is thereafter contingent upon completion of the 
P&R period without further misconduct.  The 3rd Mission Suppport Squadron Commander 
recommends an honorable discharge and is opposed to P&R.  I concur with that 
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recommendation. 

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4.  After consulting counsel 
consideration.  (See Tab 6.) 

lected not to submit a statement for 

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5.  You may take one of the following actions in this case: 

a.  Direct this action be discontinued and 

etained; or 

b.  Direct 

e separated from the United States Air Force with an Honorable 

Dischawe, with or without P&R. 

6.  RECOMMENDATION:  I recommend you discharg 
States Air Force under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5. I 1.1.  I further recommend 
you approve an honorable discharge and do not offer P&R. 

m the United 

l_ll__ 

Staff Judge Advocate 

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Attachment: 
CaseFil 

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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

PACIFIC AIR FORCES 

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MEMORANDUM FOR 3 WG/CP 

FROM:  3 -  

SUBJECT:  Notification Memorandum 

1.  I am recommending your discharge from the United States Air Force for conditions that 
interfere with military service, specifically, mental disorders.  The authority for this action is 
AFPD 36-32 and AFI 36-3208, paragraph 5.1 I .l.  If my recommendation is approved, your 
service will be characterized as honorable. 

2.  My reasons for this action are: 

On 1 Dec 99 
hief, Outpatient Mental Health Services, diagnosed you with 
a borderline persona 
termined your disorder is a pervasive disorder of character 
that will continue to cause behavioral disturbances.  This disorder is so severe that it impairs your 
ability to function effectively in the military environment.  This is evidenced by a me 
ission Support Squadron Commander, dated 20 Jan 00, which states th 
displayed numerous 
ferral to mental healt 

ntrolled emotions in reaction to situations. 
emotional still requires constant monitoring. 
from 

I concur with therecommendation from his attending physician to discharg- 
the Air Force, based on clinical findings of his unsuitability for military service.” 

3.  Copies of the documents to be forwarded to the separation authority in support of this 
recommendation are attached.  The commander exercising SPCM jurisdiction or a higher 
authority will decide whether you are discharg&r 
discharged, how your service will be characterized.  If you are discharged, you will be ineligible 
for reenlistment in the Air Force, and any special pay, bonus, or education assistance funds may 
be subject to recoupment. 

retained in the Air Force, and if you are 

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4.  You have the right to consult legal counsel.  Mi 
you.  I have made an ap 
Rm330on 9 a d m a
expense. 

intment for you to con 

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5.  You have the right to submit statements in your own behalf.  Any statements you want the 
separation authority to consider must reach me within three duty days after the date of this letter 
unless you request and receive an extension for good cause shown.  I will forward an  statements 
you provide to the separation authority. 

7 

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6.  If you fail to consult counsel or to submit statements in your own behalf, your failure will 
constitute a waiver of your right to do so. 

7.  You have been scheduled for medical examinations.  You must report, with your medical 
on  3c  xcm o(3 
records, to the 3rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Bldg 5595, at  070 b 
for yourfirst exam, at which time you will be notified of the time for your second exam.  You are 
to refrain fkamddd for 72 hours, and refrain from the use of tobacco productsfer4ketrs, 
prior to examination.  Bring eyeglasses (and contact solution if using contacts) if applicable. 
You must be in uniform for these examinations. 

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8.  You have been scheduled for a Transition Assistance Program briefing.  You must report to 
1 Feb 00 . You have also been scheduled 
the Family Support Center at  14 't  45  on 
for a TMO Household Goods Shipment preprocessing briefing.  You must report to Bldg 85 17 
\ Fer  k,. 6 6 . You must be in uniform for 
(People Center), Rm 247 at  0 7 ' 3 0   on 
all appointments. 

9.  Any personal information you furnish in rebuttal is covered by the Privacy Act of 1974. A 
copy of AFI 36-3208 is available for your use at your Squadron Orderly Room. 

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AttaChments : 
1.  3 MDOS/SGOH Memo, 1 Dec 99 
2. 3 MSS/CC Memo, 20 Jan 00 
3.  Article 15, 12 Apr 99 

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