RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-03731 COUNSEL:	NONE
HEARING DESIRED:	NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
The Enlisted Retention Board’s (ERB) decision to not retain him in the Air Force be overturned.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
The information contained in the AF Form 3538, Enlisted Retention Recommendation Form (ERRF), signed by his commander and reviewed by the ERB, does not accurately portray his 13+ years of service. Upon preparation for a short-notice deployment, he was asked to review, and provide input to, his ERRF for the ERB. He provided his supervisor three strong work-related bullets and even reviewed the “final draft” ERRF (which included the bullets) prior to departing his duty station. Due to his deployment, he was unable to have a one-on-one review of his final ERRF with his commander, as did the other members of his unit. By working through his deployed chain of command, he was able to obtain a copy of his ERRF. He did not hear from his commander until the day after the non-retention results were released. He contends his performance at his unit over the past five years is clearly above standards, as evidenced by five consecutive “5” ratings on his Enlisted Performance Reports (EPRs). He has requested feedback from his chain of command as to why he would be recommended for non- retention when his ERPs clearly document excellent performance, he has no negative indicators in his record, and three deployments under his belt (to include the most recent one in a supervisory position). His requests for feedback have gone unanswered.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 19 Sep 00, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force. On 16 Jun 14, the 14R6 ERB convened.

commander.
On 31 Jan 15, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 14 years, 4 months, and 12 days of active service.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSOR recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. A review of applicant’s personnel record reflects that his record met the ERB and he was not selected for continued retention in the Air Force. Individuals not selected for retention by the ERB will have a mandatory separation date of
31 Jan 15. PSDM 13-129, dated 23 Dec 13 (amended 22 Jan 14), states “As such, records reviewed by the Retention Boards are considered accurate at the time of review; therefore, there will be no process for airmen to appeal the board’s decision. However, airmen may apply for relief IAW AFI 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR). Separation or retirement will not be delayed pending a decision by the AFBCMR.”

It was the unit commander’s responsibility to prepare the ERRFs for the individuals within their unit. If a unit commander or a supervisor requested any “draft bullets” from individuals to assist with the preparation of ERRFs, it is strictly at the discretion of each unit. Additionally, the use of those “draft bullets” on the final version of the ERRF is also at the complete discretion of the unit commander. Further, the process also allowed individuals the opportunity to submit a letter to the ERB for their review and consideration. The applicant indicates that he submitted statements on his own behalf to the ERB. What the applicant indicates on the letter to the board is at  the discretion of the applicant. Therefore, we must conclude that the ERB fairly made an informed decision.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSOR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
A copy of the Air Force evaluation(s) was/were forwarded to the applicant on 10 Oct 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 timely filed.
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 (OPR) and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. While not an injustice to constitute overturning the ERB results, it is important to note the Board viewed the commander’s comments on the applicant’s ERRF unnecessarily negative. The commander’s stratification was a clear enough statement to convey her opinion of the applicant’s standing among his peers. The Board concluded the ERB, under very difficult circumstances, made an informed decision based on the information provided to them. 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-2014-03731 in Executive Session on 30 Jun 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-03731 was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 27 Aug 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.	Memorandum, AFPC/DPSOR, dated 26 Sep 14. Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 10 Oct 14.