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"SPCM" is Special Court-Martial; "GCM" is General Court-Martial.

AFI 36-3208 (25 JUNE 2009)

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Section 5D - Entry Level Performance or Conduct

5.22. Eligibility and Criteria. Airmen in entry level status should be discharged when their unsatisfactory performance or conduct shows they are not qualified to be productive members of the Air Force.

5.22.1. An airman may be discharged under this provision only if the discharge processing starts during the first 180 days of continuous active military service or the first 180 days of continuous active military service after a break of more than 92 days of active service.

5.22.2. Unsatisfactory performance or conduct may be shown in a number of ways. They may include, but are not limited to:

5.22.2.1. Lack of aptitude for military service;

5.22.2.2. Failure to adapt to the military environment;

5.22.2.3. Failure to make satisfactory progress in a required training program;

5.22.2.4. Reluctance to make the effort necessary to meet Air Force standards of conduct and duty performance;

5.22.2.5. Lack of self discipline;

5.22.2.6. Minor disciplinary infractions;

5.22.2.7. Failure to meet fitness standards (paragraph 5.65.).

5.22.3. Eligibility for discharge under this section does not preclude separation for another reason when the separation is authorized and warranted by the circumstances of the case. For example, if homosexual conduct is involved, the case must be processed under Section 5G. If the member failed in drug abuse rehabilitation, action under Section 5F may be more appropriate.

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5.24. Procedures, Type of Separation, and Approval Authority:

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5.24.3. Discharge under this section will be described as an entry level separation.

5.24.4. The SPCM authority personally approves or disapproves discharge under this section. If the SPCM authority is also the GCM authority, the vice commander may be designated, in writing, to act personally on these cases. If the SPCM authority is the initiating commander, the case must be referred to the GCM authority for final decision.