RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:	BC-2014-03937 COUNSEL:	NONE
HEARING DESIRED:	NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His records be corrected to show he transferred his Post-9/11 GI Bill Education Benefits to his eligible dependents in 2010 and the accompanying 4-year Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC) be effective from his original date of application in 2010.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He is not eligible for Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) because he did not sign the ADSC Statement of Understanding (SOU) when he applied for TEB. In May 2010, he completed his TEB application; however, he was not informed his application was not accepted or incomplete. He did not discover the discrepancy until years later via the MilConnect website. He believes it is likely he did not receive communications regarding his application status because he changed duty locations within a few weeks of submitting his TEB application. As of 1 Aug 13, all service members transferring education benefits incur a 4-year ADSC and his ADSC should be retroactive to 2010.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant is currently a member of the Regular Air Force, serving in the grade of lieutenant colonel (O-5).

In January 2010, according to AFI 36-2306, Voluntary Education Program, the applicant would have incurred a four year ADSC if he elected the TEB.

The applicant initially applied for TEB 12 May 2010.
The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which is included at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DPSIT recommends approval, indicating there is evidence of an error or injustice. The applicant applied for TEB on 12 May 10 and his application was rejected on 14 Aug 10 because he did not sign the required TEB SOU. The applicant had an indefinite Date of Separation (DOS) as an officer and simply needed to complete the TEB SOU to be approved. He claims he did not receive the email from the Total Force Service Center (TFSC), and that is why he could not complete all program requirements.  From 1 Aug 09 to
1 Aug 10, there was no banner on the vMPF website to direct members to verify their telephone number and email address. Further, there no evidence in the Right Now Technology system indicating the applicant was sent an initial notification or rejection email. Therefore, it is recommended the member's TEB be approved effective 12 May 10, with an obligation end date of
11 May 14.
A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSIT 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 24 Nov 14 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E). 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 the Air Force office of primary responsibility 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 show that on 12 May, 2010, he elected to transfer his Post-9/11 GI Bill Educational Benefits to his eligible dependents, generating an active duty service commitment of four years, with an 11 May 2014 expiration date.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-03937 in Executive Session on 29 May 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 24 Sep 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.	Memorandum, AFPC/DPSIT, dated 20 Oct 14. Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 24 Nov 14.