RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2006-00051
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

	MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE: 9 JUL 07

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded campaign credit for supporting Operation Northern Watch (ONW).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was only given credit for non-wartime expedition time for the period 5 Jun 96 through 31 Dec 96.  He did not get credit for the 24 months he was assigned to Incirlik Air Base Turkey in support of ONW.  

In support of his request, applicant provided a copy of a letter he received from the National Personnel Records Center, his PCS orders, Enlisted Performance Reports closing 5 Jun 97 and 1 Mar 98, and his Meritorious Service Medal.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant contracted his initial enlistment in the Regular Air Force on 5 Jul 83.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of technical sergeant having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 3 Dec 00.  Applicant was permanently assigned to Incirlik AB Turkey from 1 Sep 96 through 3 Aug 98.  On 30 Jun 04, applicant voluntarily retired from the Air Force for years of service.  He served 20 years, 11 months, and 22 days on active duty
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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial.  DPPPR states individuals must be assigned to ONW to qualify for campaign credit.  Members assigned to Incirlik Air Base as permanent party during the inclusive period do not qualify for campaign credit.  To receive campaign credit, the member must have been physically in the combat zone, in the air directly over the combat zone, or in water surrounding the combat zone.  Being "in support of an operation" is not sufficient to receive campaign credit.  The DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Applicant responded that during his assignment to Incirlik, AB Turkey, he was in direct support of ONW.  They had equipment accounts in the zone and often had to go out and ensure they were operational.  The guidance for receiving the campaign medal does not distinguish between being assigned permanently to a base or deployed.  

This complete response, with attachments, 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.  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.  The applicant's contentions that his unit provided support for ONW are duly noted; however, according to the applicable DoD guidance, because the applicant was a permanent party member assigned to Incirlik Air Base and not physically assigned to ONW, he does not meet the qualifying criteria for award of campaign credit.  Therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its 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-2006-00051 in Executive Session on 25 Apr 06, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 27 Dec 05, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 7 Feb 06.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Feb 06.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 10 Mar 06, w.atchs.