RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:			DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2015-02135

XXXXXXXXXXX				COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The approval date of his Transfer of Benefits (TEB) of the Post 9/11 GI Bill be back dated to 6 January 2010.   

By e-mail dated, 28 March 2016, the applicant clarified his request asking the Board to correct his active duty service commitment to reflect 6 January 2014, rather than 4 May 2019.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

On 7 January 2010, he transferred his Post 9/11 GI Bill.  He met all of the requirements and received training from the base education office.  He submitted the form and was unaware there was any further action required on his part for approval of the TEB. 

He went to Officer Training School and wanted to ensure the TEB did not revert back.  In May 2015, he made several telephone calls and was informed that his request had been denied because he did not sign the Statement of Understanding.  He was told that he should have received an e-mail notification.  He was unaware of the additional requirement and did not receive any notification that he needed to take any further action.  He has since served the required time and requests his TEB application be backdated to the original date of his request.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is active duty Air Force serving in the grade of first lieutenant.  

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 B.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIT recommends granting the applicant’s request.  The applicant’s Total Active Federal Military Service Date (TAFMSD) is 16 June 2000.  The Defense Manpower Data Center records show the applicant initially applied for the TEB on 7 January 2010.  Based on his TAFMSD, he would have incurred a four-year active duty service commitment (ADSC) ending on 6 January 2014.  His request was rejected on 8 February 2010 because he did not sign the TEB Statement of Understanding.  The applicant reapplied for TEB and was approved on 5 May 2015, incurring an ADSC until 4 May 2019. 

At the time of the applicant’s TEB request, there was no banner on the MilConnect website instructing members to contact the Total Force Service Center.  Additionally, there was no banner on the Virtual Military Personnel Flight requesting verification of members e-mail addresses.  It is possible the applicant did not receive notification regarding his TEB application.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSIT evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit B.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 12 November 2015 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit C).  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 (OPR) 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 7 January 2010, he elected and was approved to transfer his Post-9/11 GI Bill Educational Benefits, incurring a four-year active duty service commitment (ADSC), expiring on 6 January 2014.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-02135 in Executive Session on 26 May 2016 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-02135 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 11 May 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSIT, dated 25 Aug 15, w/atch.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 12 Nov 15.