RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-01785 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: He be awarded the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star (SAEMR, w 1BSS). APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was awarded both ribbons and has at least one of his actual targets as proof. He believes the Board should consider his untimely application in the interest of justice because he served his country for six years and was honorably discharged. He is a Gulf War veteran and feels this was a clerical error. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 10 Mar 87, the applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force. On 9 Mar 93, the applicant was released from active duty and was credited with six years of active service. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no official documentation in the applicant's personnel records verifying he qualified as expert with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun to be eligible for award of the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star. To grant relief would be contrary to the criteria established by DoDM 1348.33, Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff, and/or the War Department. The Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon is awarded to all United States Air Force members who after 1 Jan 63, qualify as "expert" in small-arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun. Qualification as "expert" in both weapons after 22 Jun 72 shall be denoted by a bronze service star worn on the service ribbon. The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 1 Dec 14 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). As of this date, no response has been received by this office. 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 an error or injustice. We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, 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 the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief. THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-01785 in Executive Session on 26 Feb 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-01785 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 21 Apr 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Pertinent Excerpts from Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 16 Jun 14. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 1 Dec 14.