RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-03526
		INDEX CODE:  107.00, 100.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM).

One of the applicant’s initial requests was for his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to be amended to reflect the accurate Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC), 2W131E, Aircraft Armament Systems, Apprentice, F-15, he performed in while on active duty.  This request has been administratively corrected.  Therefore no action by this Board is required.  

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He believes that he should be awarded the NDSM based on his Delayed Entry Program (DEP) date, rather than the date he entered active duty.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided a copy of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and a copy of his Certificate of Training, dated 3 April 1997.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 24 January 1996 in the grade of airman basic for a period of four years.

According to the applicant’s DD Form 214, Item 13, he received the Air Force Training Ribbon.

The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) was awarded for the periods 2 August 1990 through 30 November 1995 and 11 September 2001 through a date to be determined.

On 4 August 1997 the applicant was honorably discharged in the grade of airman first class, under the provisions of AFI 36-3212 (Disability, Severance Pay).  He served a total of 1 year, 6 months, and 11 days of total active military service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial.  They indicated that on 22 November 2002, they informed the applicant that the NDSM was only awarded for active service and he was asked to withdraw his application.  He did not respond.  The enlistment into the DEP does not constitute active service.  The applicant is not eligible for any additional awards or decorations.

The evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPAC indicated that a review of the documents provided by the applicant substantiates his claim that item 11 does not accurately reflect the AFSC in which he performed while on active duty.  The documents indicate that he completed course J3ABR2W131E-003, Apprentice Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist Course (F-15) PDS Code 279, 3 April 1997.  The 82nd TRW/TOR, Sheppard, TX, verified course completion.  AFMAN 36-2108, Enlisted Classification, 30 April 1996, reflects the mandatory training for award of AFSC 2W131E as completion of a suffix specific basic aircraft armament systems course.  Applicant completed this requirement.  Applicant’s personnel records also reflect that the period of service for AFSC 2W131 differs from the period indicated in item 11 of the applicant’s DD Form 214.   Based on their review, the applicant’s AFSC data, item 11, DD Form, 214, should be corrected to read:  2W131E - Aircraft Armament Systems, Apprentice, F-15, 8 months.

On 3 March 2003, AFPC/DPPRSP advised the applicant his records had been corrected to reflect the correct AFSC and he was provided a new DD Form 214.

The evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 14 March 2003, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and response within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or an injustice warranting award of the National Defense Service Medal (NDM).  The applicant contends that he should be awarded the NDSM based on his Delayed Entry Program (DEP) date, rather than the date he entered active duty.  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 and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  The applicant was on active duty from 24 January 1996 through 4 August 1997.  The two periods in which the NDSM was awarded were 2 August 1990 through 30 November 1995 and 11 September 2001 through a date to be determined and time spent in the DEP is not considered active duty.  Since the applicant was not on active duty during the periods for which the NDSM was awarded, he is not eligible for this award.   Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 17 April 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

			Panel Chair
			Member
			Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2002-03526 was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 29 October 2002, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 4 February 2003, w/atch.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAC, dated 14 February 2003, 
		       w/atchs.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 March 2003.