RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-01993
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR) with one bronze service star, the Rifle (Marksman) Ribbon, Pistol (Marksman) Ribbon, and the Hand Grenade (Sharpshooter) Ribbon.

Examiner’s Note:  The applicant also requested that his service dates be changed.  AFPC/DPPAOR found his Total Active Federal Military Service Date (TAFMSD) to be incorrect.  The changes were made administratively.  A DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214) will be issued when the case is closed.  Therefore, the only issues before the Board pertains to his request for ribbons.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The SAEMR was not included on his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty).

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 16 June 1987 and was honorably discharged on 15 August 2001 to accept a commission in the Air Force Reserves.  He served 14 years, 5 months, and 10 days total active duty.

On 16 August 2001, the applicant was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Air Force Reserves.

The applicant’s DD Form 214 indicated that he was awarded the following decorations and awards:  Air Force Air Medal with four devices; Air Force Longevity Service Award with two devices; Air Force Training Ribbon with one device; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Air Force Overseas Short Term Ribbon; Air Force Overseas Long Term Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Ribbon, North Atlantic Treat Organization; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two devices; and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three devices.

On 23 July 2003, AFPC/DPPAOR notified the applicant and indicated that his Total Active Federal Military Service Date (TAFMSD) was incorrect.  They issued him a corrected statement of service showing the change in the beginning enlistment date and additional active duty Retirement Year Ending (RYE) points that were added.  They further indicated that if he still believed his dates should be changed again, he should produce the additional active time to their office to substantiate his claim.

On 11 August 2003, AFPC/DPPPRA advised the applicant that he did not provide documentation to substantiate his claim that he is entitled to the SAEMR with one bronze service star.  In order to verify his eligibility for this award, he needed to provide a copy of AF Form 522, showing that he qualified as Expert with both the rifle and pistol.  They further indicated that any awards or decorations he earned while in the Army are reflected on his Army DD Form 214, not on his Air Force DD Form 214.  The Air Force has no medals or badges for marksman or sharpshooter, only the SAEMR for qualifying as Expert on a firing range.  Therefore, they asked him to withdraw that portion - Rifle (Marksman), Pistol (Marksman), and Hand Grenade (Sharp Shooter) from his application.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial.  They indicated that the applicant has not provided any documentation showing he is eligible for the SAEMR or a bronze service star (which would mean he qualified as Expert with both the M-16 and the unit’s handgun).

The evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 17 October 2003, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was 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 injustice.  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.  According to the applicant’s available military personnel records there is no indication that he was eligible for the SAEMR.  On 11 August 2003, AFPC/DPPPRA advised the applicant that he did not provide documentation to substantiate his claim that he is entitled to the SAEMR with one bronze service star.  In order to verify his eligibility for this award, he needed to provide a copy of AF Form 522, showing that he qualified as Expert with both the rifle and pistol.  They further indicated that any awards or decorations he earned while in the Army are reflected on his Army DD Form 214, not on his Air Force DD Form 214.  They further advised him that since the Air Force has no medals or badges for marksman or sharpshooter he should withdraw that portion of his application.  However, he did not respond.  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 an 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-01993 in Executive Session on 20 November 2003 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 30 April 2003, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 6 October 2003, w/atchs.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 October 2003.