RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: 02-01313

	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He receive full reimbursement for self-procured airline tickets.

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THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Although his actual cost was $495.00, he has only received $22.50 for his Permanent Change of Station (PCS) per diem.

In support of the appeal, the applicant submits a copy of his travel voucher.

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

While a student at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he received PCS orders with a Permissive Temporary Duty (PTDY) to Buffalo, New York, volunteering to perform Recruiting Assistance Program (RAP) duties.

He self-procured travel from the PTDY location to his new duty station at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, at a cost of $495.00.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Hq USAF/ILGT recommends the applicant be reimbursed in the amount of $419.00.  Hq USAF/ILGT states, in part, that had the government purchased the applicant’s travel, the segmented fare costs would have totaled $419.00.  On 1 February 2002, the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR) was changed to allow reimbursement of actual transportation expenses to members who procure common carrier transportation.  Although the change was not in effect at the time of the applicant’s travel, the purpose of the JFTR change was to grant travel entitlement when individuals self-procure their travel and reduce the number of AFBCMR claims.  Because the applicant is new to the Air Force with little PCS experience, they believe he made an honest mistake and should still be allowed the government-directed travel entitlement.

The Hq USAF/ILGT evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 26 July 2002.

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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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an injustice warranting corrective action.  From the information provided, it appears the applicant was new to the Air Force, had little or no prior PCS experience, and was not properly counseled regarding his PCS travel entitlements.  We believe the policy not to reimburse personnel for self-procured official travel from a source other than a TMO is an irritant and detracts from morale and retention, especially when new members are provided no guidance and/or erroneous information.  While the Air Force recommends partial reimbursement based on the approved GSA program, we believe the applicant, who acted in good faith, is entitled to full reimbursement for the costs actually incurred for his official travel in conjunction with his PCS move.  Therefore, we recommend the applicant's records be corrected as indicated below.

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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 15 October 2001, competent authority authorized him to self-procure commercial airline tickets for travel in conjunction with his permanent change of station from Fort Leonard Wood, MO, to Malmstrom AFB, MT, and that he is entitled to reimbursement for the expenses incurred for his personally-procured official authorized transportation.
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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 02-01313 in Executive Session on 23 January 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

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

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 3 Apr 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AF/ILGT, dated 17 Jul 02.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 26 Jul 02.

                                   

AFBCMR 02-01313

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 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 15 October 2001, competent authority authorized him to self-procure commercial airline tickets for travel in conjunction with his permanent change of station (PCS) from Fort Leonard Wood, MO, to Malmstrom AFB, MT, and that he is entitled to reimbursement for the expenses incurred for his personally-procured official authorized transportation.