Form DD-293 Application for the Review of Discharge From the Armed F

APPLICATION FOR THE REVIEW OF DISCHARGE
FROM THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES

OMB No. 0704-0004

(Please read instructions on Pages 3 and 4 BEFORE completing this application.)
The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services, Executive Services Directorate, Information Management Division, 1155 Defense Pentagon,
Washington, DC 20301-1155 (0704-0004). Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of
information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ORGANIZATION. RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO

THE APPROPRIATE ADDRESS ON BACK OF THIS PAGE.

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
AUTHORITY: 10 U.S.C. 1553; DoD Instruction 1332.28; and E.O. 9397 (SSN), as amended.
PRINCIPAL PURPOSE(S): To apply for a change in the characterization or reason for military discharge issued to an individual. The appropriate Military
Service Discharge Review Board, reviews submitted packages and makes determinations. Completed forms are covered by the correction of discharge
review board and official military records SORNs maintained by each of the Military Services. The DoD Systems of Records Notices can be located at
http://privacy.defense.gov/notices/index.shtml .
ROUTINE USE(S): The DoD Blanket Routine Uses found at http://privacy.defense.gov/blanket_uses.shtml apply to this collection.
DISCLOSURE: Voluntary; however, failure to provide identifying information may impede processing of this application. The SSN is used by the Military
Services to ensure the correct individual's official military personnel file is updated.
1. APPLICANT DATA (The person whose discharge is to be reviewed). PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE INFORMATION.
a. BRANCH OF SERVICE (X one)

ARMY

MARINE CORPS

b. NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial)

NAVY

AIR FORCE

e. CURRENT MAILING ADDRESS OF APPLICANT OR PERSON NAMED IN ITEM 11 (Forward notification of
any change in address.)

COAST GUARD
d. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

c. GRADE/RANK AT DISCHARGE

f. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include Area Code)
g. E-MAIL
h. FAX NUMBER (Include Area Code)

2. DATE OF DISCHARGE OR SEPARATION 4. DISCHARGE CHARACTERIZATION RECEIVED
(YYYYMMDD) (If date is more than 15 years
ago, submit a DD Form 149)

3. UNIT AND LOCATION AT DISCHARGE
OR SEPARATION

(X one)

5. BOARD ACTION REQUESTED
(X all that apply)

HONORABLE

CHANGE TO HONORABLE

GENERAL/UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS

CHANGE TO GENERAL/UNDER HONORABLE
CONDITIONS
CHANGE TO UNCHARACTERIZED (Not applicable to
Air Force or service members with over 6 months of
service)
CHANGE NARRATIVE REASON FOR SEPARATION:

UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS
BAD CONDUCT (Special Court-Martial only)
UNCHARACTERIZED
OTHER (Explain)

6. ISSUES: WHY AN UPGRADE OR CHANGE IS REQUESTED AND JUSTIFICATION FOR THE REQUEST (Continue in Item 13. See instructions on Page 3.)

N E E D S D D 6 7
7. (X if applicable) AN APPLICATION WAS PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED ON (YYYYMMDD)
AND THIS FORM IS SUBMITTED TO ADD ADDITIONAL ISSUES, JUSTIFICATION, OR EVIDENCE.
8. IN SUPPORT OF THIS APPLICATION, THE FOLLOWING ATTACHED DOCUMENTS ARE SUBMITTED AS EVIDENCE: (Continue in Item 14.
If military documents or medical records are relevant to your case, please send copies.)

9. TYPE OF REVIEW REQUESTED (X one)
CONDUCT A RECORD REVIEW OF MY DISCHARGE BASED ON MY MILITARY PERSONNEL FILE AND ANY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED BY ME.
I AND/OR (counsel/representative) WILL NOT APPEAR BEFORE THE BOARD.
I AND/OR (counsel/representative) WISH TO APPEAR AT A HEARING AT NO EXPENSE TO THE GOVERNMENT BEFORE THE BOARD IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C.
METROPOLITAN AREA.
I AND/OR (counsel/representative) WISH TO APPEAR AT A HEARING AT NO EXPENSE TO THE GOVERNMENT BEFORE A TRAVELING PANEL CLOSEST TO (enter
(NOTE: The Naval and Coast Guard Discharge Review Boards do not have traveling panels.)
city and state)
b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include Area Code)
10.a. COUNSEL/REPRESENTATIVE (If any) NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial) AND ADDRESS
(See Item 10 of the instructions about counsel/representative.)
c. E-MAIL
d. FAX NUMBER (Include Area Code)

11. APPLICANT MUST SIGN IN ITEM 12.a. BELOW. If the record in question is that of a deceased or incompetent person, LEGAL PROOF OF
DEATH OR INCOMPETENCY MUST ACCOMPANY THE APPLICATION. If the application is signed by other than the applicant, indicate the
and relationship by marking a box below.
name (print)
SPOUSE

WIDOW

WIDOWER

NEXT OF KIN

LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE

OTHER (Specify)

12. CERTIFICATION. I make the foregoing statements, as part of my claim, with full knowledge of the penalties
involved for willfully making a false statement or claim. (U.S. Code, Title 18, Sections 287 and 1001, provide
that an individual shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.)
a. SIGNATURE - REQUIRED (Applicant or person in Item 11 above)

DD FORM 293, 20110412 DRAFT

CASE NUMBER
(Do not write in this space.)

b. DATE SIGNED - REQUIRED (YYYYMMDD)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS OBSOLETE.

Page 1 of 4 Pages
Adobe Professional 8.0

13. CONTINUATION OF ITEM 6, ISSUES (If applicable)

14. CONTINUATION OF ITEM 8, SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (If applicable)

N E E D S D D 6 7
15. REMARKS (If applicable)

MAIL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS TO APPROPRIATE ADDRESS BELOW.
ARMY
Army Review Boards Agency
ADRB
1901 South Bell Street
Arlington, VA 22202-4508
(See http://arba.army.pentagon.mil)

AIR FORCE
Air Force Review Boards Agency
SAF/MRBR
550-C Street West, Suite 40
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4742

DD FORM 293, 20110412 DRAFT

NAVY AND MARINE CORPS
Secretary of the Navy
Council of Review Boards
ATTN: Naval Discharge Review Board
720 Kennon Ave S.E., Suite 309
Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5023

COAST GUARD
Commandant (CG-122)
Attn: Office of Military Personnel
US Coast Guard
2100 2nd Street S.W., Stop 7801
Washington, DC 20593-7801

Reset

Page 2 of 4 Pages

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF DD FORM 293

REQUESTING COPIES OF YOUR OFFICIAL MILITARY

ITEM 5. If you request a change of narrative reason for separation, you

PERSONNEL FILE

must list the specific reason for discharge that you believe to be
appropriate, otherwise the Board will presume that you do not want a

Information on how to obtain military or health records is

change in reason for discharge. If you do not request a change of

available at the National Personnel Records Center website at

discharge characterization in this item, the Board will presume you want

www.nara.gov/regional/mpr.html or at your local Veterans

to change discharge to Honorable.

Administration office.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit any request for

If you were separated on or after 1 October 1982 while in an entry

their military records prior to applying for a discharge review rather

level status with an under other than honorable conditions discharge

than after submitting a DD Form 293 in order to avoid substantial

and less than 180 days of active service, you can request a change of

delays in processing of the application and scheduling of review.

discharge characterization to "Uncharacterized" and discharge reason

Applicants and their counsel may also examine their military

to "Entry Level Separation".

N E E D S D D 6 7

personnel records at the site of their scheduled review prior to the

review. The Board shall notify applicants of the date of availability

ITEM 6. "Issues" are the reasons why you think your discharge should

of the records for examination in their standard scheduling

be changed. You are not required to submit any issues with your

information.

application. However, if you want the Board to respond in writing to the

Submission of a request for an applicant's military records

issues of concern, you must list your specific issues in accordance with

(including a request pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act or

those instructions and regulations governing the Board. Issues must be

Privacy Act) after the DD Form 293 has been submitted will

stated clearly and specifically. Your issues should address the reasons

automatically result in the suspension of processing of the

why you believe that the discharge received was improper or

application for discharge review until the requested records are

inequitable. It is important to focus on matters that occurred while you

sent to an appropriate location for copying, are copied, and are

served in the Armed Forces.

returned to the possession of the headquarters of the Discharge
Review Board. Processing of the application shall then be

The following examples demonstrate one way in which issues may

resumed at whatever stage of the discharge review process is

be stated (the example issues do not indicate, in any way, the only type

practicable.

of issues that should be submitted to the Board):

DD FORM 293 - PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE INFORMATION.

one isolated incident in 28 months of service with no other adverse

(Items on the form are self-explanatory unless otherwise noted

action.

Example 1. My discharge was inequitable because it was based on

below.)

Example 2. The discharge is improper because the applicant's
pre-service civilian conviction, properly listed on his enlistment

ITEM 1b. Use the name which you served under while in the

documents, was used in the discharge proceedings.

Armed Forces. If your name has since changed, then also include
your current name after adding the abbreviation "AKA". If the
former member is deceased or incompetent, see Item 11.

In Item 6 list each of your issues that you want the Board to address.
There is no limit to the number of issues that you may submit. If you
need additional space, continue in Item 14 or on a plain sheet of paper

ITEM 1e. Indicate the address to be used for all future

and attach it to this application.

correspondence regarding this application. If you change this
address while this application is pending, you must notify the

NOTE: If an issue is not listed in Item 6, it may result in the Board not

Discharge Review Board immediately. Failure to attend a hearing

addressing the issue even if the issue is discussed in a legal brief or

as a result of an unreported change in address may result in a

other written submissions or at the hearing. Changes or additions to the

waiver of your right to a hearing.

list may be made on the DD Form 293 anytime before the Discharge
Review Board closes the review process for deliberation. Please be

ITEM 2. If you received more than one discharge, the information

sure that your issues are consistent with the Board Action Requested

in this item should refer to the discharge that you want changed.

(Item 5). If there is a conflict between what you say in your issues and

Discharge Review Boards cannot consider any type of discharge

what you requested in Item 5, the Board will respond to your issue in

resulting from a sentence given by a general court-martial.

the context of the action requested in Item 5. For example, if you
request a General Discharge in Item 5 but your issue in Item 6 indicated

ITEM 3. If the discharge you want reviewed was issued over 15

you want an Honorable Discharge, the Board will respond to the issue

years ago, instead of applying on a DD Form 293, you must

in terms of your request for a General Discharge. Therefore, if you are

petition the appropriate Board for Correction of Military Record

submitting issues for the purpose of obtaining an Honorable Discharge,

using DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military Record

be sure to mark the box for an Honorable Discharge in Item 5.

Under the Provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552.

DD FORM 293, 20110412 DRAFT

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF DD FORM 293 (Continued)

Incorporation by Reference. Issues that are listed on a legal
brief or other written submissions may be incorporated by
reference in Item 6. The reference must be specific enough for
the Board to clearly identify the matter being submitted as an
issue. At a minimum, it shall identify the page, paragraph, and
sentence incorporated.
Example: Issue 1. Brief, page 2, paragraph 1, sentences one
and two.
Applicants should be as specific as possible with all
references so the Board can clearly distinguish the scope of the
issue. Because it is to your benefit to bring such issues to the
Board's attention as early as possible in the review, if you
submit a brief, you are strongly urged to set forth all such issues
as a separate item at the beginning of the brief.

Applicants participating in a personal appearance or hearing
examination may make sworn or unsworn statements, introduce
witnesses, documents, or other information on their behalf.
Applicants may make oral or written arguments personally and/or
through representative/ counsel. Applicants and witnesses who
present sworn or unsworn statements may be questioned by the
Board.
FAILURE TO APPEAR AT A HEARING OR RESPOND TO A
SCHEDULING NOTICE. If you do not appear at a scheduled hearing
or respond as required to a scheduling notice, and you did not make a

N E E D S D D 6 7

ITEM 8. Evidence not in your official records should be
submitted to the Board before the review date. It is to your
advantage to submit such documentation with this application.
This also applies to legal briefs or counsel submissions.
However, you have the right to submit evidence until the time
the Discharge Review Board closes the review process for
deliberation. Documents that are of the most benefit are those
which substantiate or relate directly to your issues in Item 6.
Other documents that may be helpful are character references,
criminal, credit and employment reports, educational
achievements, exemplary post-service conduct, and medical
reports. You should add your name and Social Security Number
to each document submitted. The Board will consider all
documents submitted in your behalf, but will respond in writing
only to those issues set forth in Item 6.

prior, timely request for a continuance, postponement, or withdrawal
of the application, you will forfeit the right to a personal appearance
and the Board shall complete its review of the discharge based upon
the evidence of record.
ITEM 10.a - d. Omit if you do not have a representative/counsel. If
you later obtain the services of either, inform the Board immediately.
The military services do not provide counsel representation or
evidence for you, nor do they pay the cost of such representation
under any circumstance. The following organizations regularly furnish
representation at no charge to you. Representatives may or may not
be lawyers.
1. American Legion
2. Disabled American Veterans

ITEM 9. TYPE OF REVIEW REQUESTED
A Discharge Review is conducted in two basic ways:
(1) Records Review or (2) Hearing.

3. Veterans of Foreign Wars
4. State or Regional Veterans Offices
In addition, there are other organizations willing to assist you in

1. Records Review. You may have the Board conduct a
discharge review based solely on military records and any
additional documentation that you provide. This review is
conducted without personal appearance by you and/or your
counsel appearing. A personal appearance hearing can be
requested, however, you forfeit your right to a record review.

completing this application and to provide representation at no cost. It
is to your advantage to coordinate with your counsel prior to
submitting this application. This will insure that your counsel is able to
appear at the location you listed in Item 9. Please note that some of
the organizations listed above only represent applicants who appear
before the Board in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. Contact your

2. Hearing. You may appear personally (alone or assisted by a
representative/counsel) before the Board in the Washington,
D.C. Metro Area or before a Traveling Panel of the Board in
selected locations throughout the U.S., if appropriate. The
Department of Defense is not responsible for, nor will it pay for,
any costs incurred by the applicant or representative/counsel for
appearance or providing testimony or documentation. Detailed
notification and/or scheduling information for all personal
appearances will be provided after the application has been
processed. In addition, without appearing yourself, you may
have your case presented by a representative/counsel of your
choice.

local veterans affairs office, Veterans Administration Office or
veterans service organization for further information.
ITEM 11. If the former member is deceased or incompetent, the
application may be submitted by the next of kin, a surviving spouse or
a legal representative. Legal proof of death or incompetency and
satisfactory evidence of the relationship to the former member must
accompany this application.
ITEM 12.a. and b. A signature and date entered by the applicant or
person identified in Item 11 are required.

DD FORM 293, 20110412 DRAFT

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