RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-03742
		INDEX NUMBER:  115.00
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  None

XXX-XX-XXXX	HEARING DESIRED:  Yes

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His declination of Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training (SUNT) be removed from his records.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was selected for active duty SUNT during the same week he was selected for a pilot slot in a Reserve unit.  He has been striving to become an Air Force pilot for many years, so he submitted packages to the Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and active Air Force.  He applied for both pilot and navigator training with the active Air Force and was selected for SUNT.  He had an interview with a Reserve unit only two days after the results of the active duty applications were released.  He was selected for a pilot position with the Reserve unit, but still had to meet the official Reserve selection board, which did not convene until six months later.  When the Reserve board released the list of selectees, he was not on it.  When he declined active duty navigator training, he also turned in separation paperwork in order to fly with the Reserves.  He currently has a date of separation (DOS) of 12 Feb 05.  If he had not been selected by the Reserve unit to fly with them, he would not have turned down the active duty navigator training.

In support of his appeal, applicant submits documentation regarding his selection for active duty SUNT, his nonselection for pilot training by the Air Force Reserve, and letters of recommendation.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is presently serving on active duty in the grade of captain.  His Total Active Federal Military Service Date (TAFMSD) is 5 Nov 99.  He had an approved separation date of 12 Feb 05 after voluntarily declining his assignment to SUNT under the seven-day option.  His approved separation has since been cancelled.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPAO recommends denial of the applicant’s request.  The Air Force must remain consistent with the policy regarding those who decline pilot or navigator training and uphold such declinations.

The entire evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

In his response to the Air Force evaluation, the applicant states that he is requesting he be allowed to reapply for both Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) as well as SUNT, not SUNT alone.  The applicant again explains the circumstances of his application to the Air Force Reserves and that he understood the Reserve formal pilot selection board to be a formality since a Reserve unit selected him to fly with them.  The formal Reserve pilot selection board did not select him because his Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) scores and Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) scores were too low.  He has since retested and raised his scores significantly.  He has also cancelled his separation and will not pursue training through the Air Force Reserve.  He submitted a new package applying for SUPT and was ranked as the number one candidate of five by his wing commander.  He has been advised that his new AFOQT and PCSM scores along with his wing commander’s endorsement give him an excellent chance of being selected.

The applicant’s complete submission is 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 timely filed.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.  After reviewing the circumstances of this case, the majority of the Board believes the applicant made reasonable decisions based on his desire to fly.  We also note the actions he has taken to strengthen his record in order to better his chances for selection for SUPT.  As such, the Board majority believes to deny him the opportunity to be considered for selection for SUPT would constitute an injustice.  Although under the applicable AFI, applicant would normally be ineligible to apply for any flying training due to declining training after being accepted, in this case the applicant was motivated by a desire to become a pilot rather than a navigator.  It appears he may have been given incomplete information regarding the Reserve flying selection board process and thought he had a firm flying position.  As such, in the interest of equity and justice, we believe he should be given the benefit of the doubt and be given another opportunity to apply for flying training with the Air Force.  We further note the applicant has strong support from his squadron and group commanders to be given an opportunity to apply for flying training.  Therefore, the majority of the Board recommends the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to XXXXX, be corrected to show that he was not considered for pilot and navigator training by the 2-5 March 2004 Active Duty Undergraduate Flying Training Selection Board and is eligible to apply for undergraduate flying training.

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 19 January 2005, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

By majority vote, the Board voted to correct the records, as recommended. XXXXX voted to deny the requested relief, but elected not to submit a minority report.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 23 Nov 04, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPAO, dated 15 Dec 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Dec 04.
    Exhibit E.  Memorandum, Applicant, dated 6 Jan 05.

                                   

AFBCMR BC-2004-03742

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 XXXXX, XXX-XX-XXXX, be corrected to show that he was not considered for pilot and navigator training by the 2-5 March 2004 Active Duty Undergraduate Flying Training Selection Board and is hereby eligible to apply for undergraduate flying training.