RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-04530 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _____________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: Her 11 September 2012 Fitness Assessment (FA) score be declared void and removed from the Air Force Fitness Management System (AFFMS). _______________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: The number of sit-ups she performed during the contested FA were inaccurately counted. The monitor/counter was making numerous adjustments to the way she was sitting which affected her properly counting the number of sit-ups performed. The Physical Training Leader (PTL) noted this during the assessment and advocated on her behalf to the Fitness Assessment Cell (FAC) staff, but to no avail. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant currently serves on extended active duty as a member of the Air National Guard (ANG) in the grade of master sergeant (E-7). On 11 September 2012, the applicant participated in the contested FA. She attained a composite score of 32.50 after receiving the following component scores: abdominal circumference – 20.00 points, push-ups – 8.20 points, sit-ups – 4.30 points, and cardio – 0.00 points. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force, which is attached at Exhibit C. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIM recommends denial, indicating the applicant has presented no clear evidence of an error or injustice. While the applicant has provided a copy of her signed fitness assessment score sheet, a signed memo from her chain of command, and a memo outlining the facts and circumstances of her contested FA, she ultimately chose to self-terminate her test, resulting in the contested failure. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSIM evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C. ______________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: She was told that her signature on the fitness assessment score sheet was to document that she had self-terminated the test. She would not have signed the form if she had known it was agreeing to the validity of the test. She reiterates that the manner in which the counter let go of her feet and readjusted several times while she was performing her sit-ups caused her sit-ups to be mis-counted. She argues that the counter’s actions were so disruptive that she could not recover. As a senior non-commissioned officer, she would take personal accountability if the test outcome was due to her own error or shortcoming. Her command has shown their belief in her and the necessity to have the contested FA score removed from AFFMS. A complete copy of the applicant’s 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 timely filed. 3. Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an injustice. The applicant contends that she was unable to attain the minimum number of sit-ups due to the manner in which the contested fitness assessment (FA) was administered. We note the comments of the Air Force Office of primary responsibility indicating the applicant provided no clear evidence of an error or injustice; however, we believe a preponderance of the evidence indicates that corrective action is warranted. In this respect, we note the unequivocal support of the applicant’s commander and rating chain indicating that while the applicant’s FA failure was attributable to her decision to terminate the FA, she only did so because she was unable to attain the minimum number of sit- ups for an overall passing score due to the manner in which the sit-up component of the test was administered. Although the physical training leader (PTL) noted this discrepancy during the assessment and advocated in the applicant’s behalf, the fitness assessment cell (FAC) staff was unable to resolve the situation at the scene. In our view, the applicant did everything she should have done to attempt to resolve the situation during the contested FA. Therefore, in view of the above, we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that her 11 September 2012 Fitness Assessment be declared void and removed from the Air Force Fitness Management System (AFFMS). ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2012-04530 in Executive Session on 13 June 2013, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: Panel Chair Member Member All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 13 September 2012, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant’s Master Military Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSIM, dated 11 October 2012, w/atchs. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 October 2012. Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, dated 5 November 2012, w/atchs.