RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-03106

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

1.  He be awarded the Army of Occupation Medal for Berlin with the Berlin Airlift Device (AOM w/BAD) and Clasps.

2.  His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to reflect Block 17a, “Secondary Specialty Number and Title” to read “SEI 240.”

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was stationed in Berlin, Germany for over 30 consecutive days and should be awarded the AOM w/BAD and Clasps.

His DD Form 214 should include the Special Experience Identifier (SEI) 240 but he is unsure of the title.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 3 Nov 71.

On 15 Aug 75, the applicant received an honorable discharge and was transferred to the Air Force Reserve (USAFR).  He was credited with 3 years, 9 months, and 13 days of total active service, to include 1 year, 11 months, and 21 days of foreign service.

On 3 Jun 77, the applicant was honorably discharged from the USAFR, effective 5 Apr 77.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandums prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPRs), which are attached at Exhibits C and D.    

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPS3SP recommends denial of the applicant’s request for the BAD indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.  The applicant is ineligible for the BAD as he did not serve in Berlin, Germany for 90 consecutive days or more between 26 Jun 48 and 30 Sep 49 while assigned to a unit in the Department of the Air Force on orders for participation in the Berlin Airlift.  The applicant did not enter active duty until 3 Nov 71.

The BAD is awarded for members with 90 or more consecutive days of service between 26 Jun 48 and 30 Sep 49, while assigned or attached to a unit designated in the Department of the Air Force on orders for participation in the Berlin Airlift.  The BAD is worn on the AOM.

Based on a review of the applicant's official military personnel record, DPS3SP were able to determine that the below Air Force Medal and/or Ribbon should have been awarded during the applicant's service between 3 Nov 71 to 15 Nov 75 and was not reflected in his records.  Upon final board decision, administrative correction of the applicant's official military personnel record will be completed by AFPC/DP2STM:

•	Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp (AOM w/Germany Clasp)

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPS3SP evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DP3ST recommends denial of the applicant’s request to add the SEI 240 to Block 17a of his DD Form 214 indicating such codes are not a part of the information for the DD Form 214.  An SEI is not a specialty (AFSC), rather a code representing training, skills or experience in a finite functional area or on a specific piece of equipment, it is not included on the DD Form 214.

AFI 36-3202, Separation Documents, Table 4, How to Prepare DD Form 214, Rule 14 states “Enter the primary AF Specialty code (PAFSC) and all additional AFSCs in which the member served for 1 year or more, during member’s continuous active military service.  In each AFSC, show the highest skill level in which the member performed duties.  For each AFSC give the AFSC title (Not Duty Title) with the years and months of service.”  There are no provisions for inclusion of awarded SEI on the DD FM 214.

During the applicant’s service, he only served in one AFSC and that is accurately shown in Block 16a of his DD Form 214.  These blocks are reserved for the actual specialty or AFSC and not for an SEI.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3ST evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 6 May 16 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.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice warranting award of the Berlin Airlift Device or adding SEI 240 to the applicant’s DD Form 214.  We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force OPRs and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice.  Therefore, other than the aforementioned administrative correction, 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-2015-03106 in Executive Session on 13 Oct 16 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

				  , Panel Chair
				     , Member
					    , Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-03106 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 21 Jul 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Pertinent Excerpts from Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPS3SP, dated 8 Apr 16, w/atch.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3ST, dated 22 Apr 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 6 May 16.

Pursuant to paragraph 1 of AFI 36-2603 (Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 865.1), it is certified that a quorum was present at the Board's review and deliberations, and that the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-03106 in the above entitled matter.