RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-03324 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: He be credited with the time-in-grade he lost as a Master Sergeant (MSgt), as well as the associated pay. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was unjustly forced into a voluntary demotion due to an error on the part of his chain of command in managing their force management plan. Although he had been promoted to MSgt, he was forced into a demotion to the grade of technical sergeant (TSgt) for 18-months. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant served in the Oregon Air National Guard (ORANG) during the matter under review. Under Special Order AH-043, dated 15 Mar 10, the applicant was promoted to the grade of MSgt, with an date of rank (DOR) of 10 Mar 10. Under Special Order AH-040, dated 7 Jun 12, the applicant was demoted without prejudice to the grade of TSgt, with a DOR of 7 Jun 12. On 7 Aug 12, the applicant received an AF IMT 2096, Classification/On-the-Job Training Action, which stated “Moving (him) to this slot since MSgt (the incumbent) is scheduled to retire in less than 18 months.” Under Special Order AG-022, dated 16 May 14, the applicant was promoted to the grade of MSgt, with a DOR of 16 May 14. This order was amended under Special Order AH-028, dated 4 Aug 12, to add an effective DOR to MSgt of 16 Feb 12. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is included at Exhibit C. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: NGB/A1PP recommends granting, indicating there is evidence of an error or injustice. ANGI 36-2502 states “Upon promotion, the airman must be assigned to the first available position that will resolve the over grade status.” The applicant was forced to “voluntarily” demote himself to allow another member in his unit to be promoted until the incumbent retired, a period of about 18 months. The inappropriate personnel action is documented on his AF IMPT 2096, dated 7 Aug 12. Although the applicant has since been promoted to MSgt again, he improperly served as a TSgt for the 18 month period while the incumbent finished his career. His date of rank (DOR) to the grade of MSgt should be changed to 10 Mar 10, the date he was initially promoted to MSgt. A complete copy of the NGB/A1PP evaluation is at Exhibit C. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluations was forwarded to the applicant on 13 Aug 15 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 timely filed. 3.  Sufficient 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 and agree with the opinion and recommendation of NGB/A1PP and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, 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 restore his date of rank (DOR) and promotion effective date to the grade of Master Sergeant (E-7), to 10 March 2010, with retroactive pay and allowances. The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-03324 in Executive Session on 6 Oct 15, 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 23 Jul 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.  Memorandum, NGB/A1PP, dated 11 Aug 15. Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 Aug 15.