RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-03574
		INDEX NUMBER:  112.00

		COUNSEL: NONE 

		HEARING DESIRED: NO 

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be enrolled in the College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP) under the terms of his initial enlistment.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:  

The Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) informed him he could enroll in the CLRP at his first duty station.

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 22 Oct 02, applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an   E-3, for a period of four years.

On 4 Nov 02, applicant signed a DD Form 2366, Montgomery GI Bill Act of 1984 (MGIB), to participate in the MGIB.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPAE recommends the applicant’s request be disapproved.  The Procedural Guidance Message, dated 1 February 2002, governing the College Loan Repayment Plan (CLRP) clearly states that you cannot have the CLRP and the MGIB active at the same time.  If a member elects the CLRP, he or she opts to use the MGIB on their second enlistment.  The applicant has not provided evidence to substantiate his statement that the recruiter misinformed him.  The Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) was contacted and they related that he expressed no interest in enrolling into the CLRP.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 9 Jan 04, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days.  To date, a reply has not been received. (Exhibit D)

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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 error or injustice.  After reviewing the evidence of record, we believe the applicant has been the victim of an injustice.  In this respect, because the Air Force is unable to produce the AF Form 3008 and DD Form 1966/1 containing the required codes that are mandatory according to the procedural message for the program issued to all recruiters, it appears the applicant may not have been properly counseled concerning his eligibility to participate in the College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP).  We have no way of knowing if the applicant meets all the eligibility criteria to participate in the program.  Nevertheless, in view of the above and to offset any possibility of an injustice, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent 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, provided he meets the eligibility criteria for participation in the College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP), on 4 November 2002, he elected to participate in that program rather than the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB).

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-03574 in Executive Session on 19 February and 30 March 2004, 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 6 Oct 03
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records
     Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPAE, dated 16 Dec 03
     Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Jan 04

                                   

AFBCMR BC-2003-03574

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, provided he meets the eligibility criteria for participation in the College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP), on 4 November 2002, he elected to participate in that program rather than the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB).