RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-02518
				INDEX CODE:   107.00

				COUNSEL:  None

				HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he received the Air Force Recruiter Ribbon (AFRR) and the Air Force Master Level Occupational Badge for Supply.

EXAMINER’S NOTE:  On 14 September 2004, AFPC/DPPRSP informed the applicant that verification was done and a DD Form 215 was issued to award him the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) with one Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC) and the Air Force Recruiter Ribbon.  Therefore, the only issue to be considered by the Board is the applicant's contention regarding the Air Force master level occupation badge.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The decorations were not available when he retired.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force (RegAF) on 12 June 1954 for a period of six years.  He was progressively promoted to Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt).  He retired on 1 July 1971.  His Air Force Specialty (AFSC) at the time of his retirement was L64790, Materials Facilities Superintendent.  He served 20 years, 6 months and 21 days of active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPF states Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2923, Aeronautical, Duty and Occupational Badges, is the directive for the qualifications for award of occupational badges.  The Supply, Fuels Badge is the current occupational badge authorized for Supply personnel.  This badge was not approved for servicemembers to wear until 1987 and is not retroactive for personnel who were previously in a Supply AFSC.  They recommend the requested relief be denied.

A copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant reviewed the Air Force evaluation and states an extract from AFI 36-2923 stated the only requirement for the Air Force Master Level Supply/Fuels Badge for MSgts and above was five years in the seven level.  He had 18 ½ years in the seven level and retired as SMSgt (E8).  

He proudly wears his other decorations to various Vietnam of American Veterans functions and just wants to look as nice as the Army and Navy veterans. 

Applicant's complete response is attached at Exhibit E.

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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.  The Board notes the applicant’s records were administratively corrected to add the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Force Recruiter Ribbon to his records.  The applicant’s contentions are duly noted, however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations 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 either an error or an injustice.  In this respect, the Board notes at the time of the applicant’s retirement in July 1971 he held a Supply AFSC.  However, the occupational badge he is requesting was not authorized for Air Force personnel to wear until 1987 and is not retroactive for personnel who previously held a Supply AFSC.  Therefore, 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-2004-02518 in Executive Session on 4 November 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 9 Aug 04, w/atchs.
   Exhibit B.  Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPF, dated 1 Sep 04.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 24 Sep 04.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant’s Response, dated 30 Sep 04.