RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:	BC-2008-01115 INDEX CODE:	107.00
COUNSEL:	NOT INDICATED HEARING DESIRED:	NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to show his entitlement to the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He was told by both of his training instructors that he would receive the SAEMR. He shot expert several times during his military service.

In support of his request, the applicant submits a personal statement.

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant enlisted in the Air Force on 10 May 71, for a term of four years, and trained as a law enforcement specialist. He was discharged on 14 Nov 74, under the provisions of AFM 39-10, Administrative Separation of Airmen (Release from Active Duty), and received an honorable discharge service characterization. He served a total of three years, six months, and five days active duty service.

His DD 214 reflects award of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

The SAEMR was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on 28 Aug 62. It is awarded to all U.S. Air Force service members who, after 1 Jan 63, qualify as "expert" in small arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial and states, in part, that the SAEMR is awarded to all Air Force members who, after 1 Jan 63, qualified as experts in small-arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun. The official AF Form 522, USAF Ground Weapon Training, that is needed to verify his expert status was not located nor provided for verification of expert marksmanship. He was asked to provide a copy of his AF Form 522 to verify his entitlement to the SAEMR on 6 Mar 08. Without the required AF Form 522 that verifies his expert status, they recommend disapproval for award of the SAEMR.

The AFPC/DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
He shot expert in basic training, technical training school and throughout his career. The Air Force lost his records and he does not have a copy. It is unreal that he would be denied this simple ribbon.

The applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit E.

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 applicant has not submitted persuasive evidence to substantiate his request, nor does the evidence of record reflect his eligibility for the requested award. Should he provide official documentation to support his entitlement to the SAEMR, the Board would be willing to reconsider his request. In the absence of such evidence, we find no compelling basis to warrant favorable consideration of the relief sought in this application.

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.

The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC- 2008-01115 in Executive Session on 21 Aug 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

Vice Chair 
Member
Member
The following documentary evidence was considered:
Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 24 Mar 08, w/atch. Exhibit B. Applicant’s Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 18 Jan 08. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Jun 08.
Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, undated.