RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00977
		INDEX CODE:  131.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

	XXXXXXX	HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His line number/promotion to the grade of staff sergeant (SSgt) be reinstated.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Even though he separated prior to pinning on the rank of staff sergeant, he never signed any documents stating that he would lose his rank if he departed prior to pin-on.

In support of his appeal, applicant submitted a copy of a certificate of promotion to SSgt; certificate of induction, dated 19 Sep 00; his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, dated 7 Aug 01, and copies of his enlisted performance reports.

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 8 Jan 97, for a period of four years.  Applicant’s records reflect completion of the Supply Management Apprentice course in Apr 97 and the Postal Operations course in Jul 99.  

Applicant was promoted to the grade of senior airman with an effective date and date of rank of 8 Jul 99.  

Based on information provided by the Air Force, he was selected for promotion to SSgt during cycle 00E5 (promotions effective Sep 00 - Aug 01).  He received promotion sequence number 17093 which incremented 1 Jul 01.  His promotion was placed in withhold status pending completion of professional military education (AFI 36-2502, Table 1.2, item 11).

On 7 Aug 01, applicant was honorably discharged under the provisions of AFI 36-3208, by reason of completion of required active service, in the grade of senior airman.  He served 4 years and 7 months of active duty.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPWB reviewed this application and recommended denial.  In accordance with AFI 36-2502, para 1.12., airmen selected for promotion to staff sergeant, master sergeant, or chief master sergeant must complete in-residence PME before assuming these grades.  PDS automatically withholds promotion for those who do not complete appropriate PME prior to the effective date.  Applicant made a conscious decision to separate before meeting all prerequisites for promotion to SSgt [i.e., completing Airman Leadership School (ALS)] and is not authorized reinstatement of his line number to SSgt.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 16 Apr 04 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (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.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, in accordance with the governing Air Force instructions, airmen selected for promotion to SSgt, MSgt or CMSgt must complete in-residence professional military education (PME) before assuming these grades.  If the appropriate PME is not completed prior to the effective date, they are automatically placed in withhold status for promotion, as in the applicant’s case.  Therefore, 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.  In the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-00977 in Executive Session on 1 June 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 19 Mar 04, w/atchs. 
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPWB, dated 2 Apr 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 Apr 04.