RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01440
				INDEX CODE:  115.02
	APPLICANT	COUNSEL:  NONE

				HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

1.  His AETC Form 126A, Record of Commander’s Review, be changed to allow his reinstatement in Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (JSUPT) or change his eligibility to apply for pilot training.

2.  His AF Form 475, Education/Training Report (TR) closing 13 December 1999 be removed from his records.

3.  His personnel record, duty history section, be changed by removing the “student eliminee” statement.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Academically he performed well, he was ranked fifth in his class, and passed all the ground exams to include the water survival portion.  His flying duties were average.  Early on in his training he battled airsickness, however, he continued to progress through training.  He completed five months of intensive training, to include aerobatic maneuvers, instrument, formation low level, and navigation flight instruction.  During a formation flight, he became airsick, a rare happening late in training.  He was required to meet a commander’s review board with his squadron, group, and wing commanders.  At each stage, he was asked whether or not he wanted to continue and he was unsure of himself.  The wing commander did not want him to leave, as his performance did not warrant it.  His instructors, and fellow student pilots did not want him to leave.  He decided to quit instead of continuing.  Officers who leave any flying program on their own request and are not eliminated by the instructors or doctors, may not reapply for any further flying program in the Air Force to include JSUPT, navigator training, test pilot school, or weapons school.  He realizes that he has made a serious mistake and wants to go back.  

He left pilot training for reasons he can’t seem to now justify.  He was beginning to overcome airsickness that at first hindered his performance.  He was hesitant about the eight-year commitment upon graduation from pilot training.  He continuously asked himself if he was willing to endure the temporary duties and separation from home that came with the job of being an Air Force pilot.  He had doubts as to how his marriage would hold up against the stress of separation.  He felt he could do better away from flying in another career.  However, he is not doing better away from flying.  Simply put, he made a bad decision and never really wanted to quit.  His wife and family are more supportive than ever and have encouraged him to reapply.  In order to strengthen his case, he has completed the Airsickness Management Program at Vance AFB, OK.  The course is a grueling three-day training in airsickness management for student pilots. His successful completion of this course demonstrates his commitment and resolve to successfully complete pilot training and also demonstrates that he has overcome airsickness.  His departure from JSUPT has hindered his ability to continue flying in any capacity in the Air Force.  He wants to reapply to the pilot selection board.  If not selected, he wants to continue his engineering work as a Flight Test Engineer.  Both of which are impossible without a positive recommendation from the Board.  

In support of his appeal, the applicant provides a personal statement, letters of support, documents associated with his elimination from JSUPT and an Air Force article regarding pilot retention.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Records indicate that on 15 May 1998, the applicant was appointed a second lieutenant, Reserve of the Air Force and was voluntarily ordered to extended active duty effective 13 July 1998.  He is currently serving on active duty in the grade of captain, with a date of rank and an effective date of 27 May 2002.  The applicant is currently performing duties as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Combat Crew Commander.

The applicant’s record contains two AF Forms 707B, Officer Performance Reports (OPRs) beginning with the rating period 27 June 1998 and ending 24 August 2002 with overall ratings of “Meets Standards.”  During these rating periods, the applicant received one AF Form 475, Education/Training Records, documenting his completion of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Operations Training Course.  He received one AETC Form 126A, Record of Commander’s Review Action, dated 2 December 1999 to document his self-initiated elimination (SIE) from JSUPT due to airsickness.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AETC/DOF recommends the application be denied.  HQ AETC/DOF states that in accordance with AFI 36-2205, Applying for Flying and Astronaut Training Programs, and reiterated in AETCI 36-2205, Formal Aircrew Training Administration and Management, students who Drop-on-Request (DOR) are ineligible for reinstatement, nor are they eligible to reapply for pilot training.  AETC/DOF states that while they may understand the applicant’s desire to reenter training--he should assume responsibility for, and endure the consequences of his actions.  There is no evidence of error, injustice, or compelling reason to make an exception to policy.  HQ AETC/DOF evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

HQ AFPC/DPAO concurs with the AETC/DOF recommendation.  AFPC/DPAO states that the applicant currently exceeds the maximum five years of commissioned service and will exceed the maximum age of 30 in November 2004 and would require an approved waiver from the Chief of Staff to meet eligibility requirements for the Active Duty Undergraduate Flight Training Selection Board.  HQ AETC/DAO evaluation is at Exhibit D.

HQ AFPC/DPPPE recommends the application be denied.  AETC/DPPPE states that the applicant did not provide documentation proving the Training Report is not an accurate or fair assessment.  

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant states that his package proves his desire and willingness to complete any program that he may be selected for in the future.  He reaccomplished the Airsickness Management Course and has pursued his academic background in Aerospace and Aeronautics.  He has matured and realizes the importance of commitment to the Air Force.  He is very passionate about aviation and he deeply desires to be involved with the aviation community and the Air Force.  Applicant’s letter is at Exhibit G.

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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 error or injustice.  We took notice of the evidence of record and the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case and felt that the applicant did not submit sufficient evidence to overcome the presumption of regularity concerning the initial recommendation of his Operations Group Commander (Reviewing Authority) that he “not be considered for reinstatement in the course at a later date.”  Consequently, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.  

4.  While we sympathize with the applicant’s disappointment and concern for the gravity of his decision regarding his future as an Air Force pilot, the Board notes the applicant’s zeal to return to flight training and the Operations Group Commander’s recommendation that he be considered for technical training and non-rated operations training.  We are in agreement with these recommendations and encourage the applicant to pursue these goals through avenues governing such matters in accordance with established by Air Force instructions and policies.  
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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 6 October 2003 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

				Vice Chair
				Member
				Member

The following documentary evidence relating to AFBCMR Docket Number 03-01440 was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 19 Apr 03, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant’s Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AETC/DOF, dated 18 Jan 03 w/atchs.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPAO, dated 16 Jul 03.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPE, dated 14 Aug 03
   Exhibit F.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 22 Aug 03.
   Exhibit G.  Letter, Applicant, dated 18 Sep 03. 

                                   
                                   Vice Chair