RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-03142

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Medal.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He served in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 31 Aug 83.

On 1 Sep 04, the applicant retired from active duty, and was credited with 21 years and 1 day of total active service.   

The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOT-S) is awarded to those individuals who either directly or indirectly supported the designated operations.  Individuals must have participated in or served in support of the Global War on Terrorism-specified operations on or after 11 Sep 01 to a future date to be determined: airport security operations (OSA – 27 Sep 01 to 31 May 02); Operations Noble Eagle (ONE), Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF).  

Service members must be assigned, attached or mobilized to a unit participating in or serving in support of designated operations for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days there is no time limit required for nonconsecutive days to be accumulated or meet one of the following criteria: 1) Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy and under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action; 2) While participating in the specified operation, regardless of time, is killed, wounded or injured requiring medical evacuation.  Personnel supporting the Global War on Terrorism in a non-deployed status, whether stationed at home or overseas are eligible for the GWOT-S. Examples of this support include: maintaining/loading weapons systems for combat missions, securing installations against terrorism, augmenting command posts or crisis action teams and processing personnel for deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

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/DP3SP recommends denial for award of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOT-E).  There is no official documentation in the applicant's official military record verifying he deployed to the area of eligibility in support of an operation for which the GWOT-E is authorized.

The GWOT-E is authorized for individuals who have deployed abroad, on or after 11 Sep 01 and a future date to be determined, for service in OEF or OIF and be assigned, attached, or mobilized to a unit participating in OEF/OIF and serving for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days (there is no time limit required for nonconsecutive days to be accumulated).  Each day that one or more sorties are flown shall count as one day toward the 30 or 60 day requirement.

A review of the applicant’s records revealed that he should have been awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOT-S) and his official military personnel records will be administratively corrected by AFPC/DP2STM.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3SP evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 19 Feb 16 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 warranting award of the GWOT-E.  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.  Therefore, aside from the administrative corrections noted above, we find no basis to recommend granting the additional relief sought in this application.

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-2015-03142 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-2015-03142 was considered:

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 21 Jul 15, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.  Pertinent Excerpts from Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 21 Dec 15, w/atch.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 19 Feb 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 in the above entitled matter.