RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-03719

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to allow him to apply for future rated training boards.  

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His elimination from Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCSO) on 30 January 2014 for lack of adaptability as a result of Manifestation of Apprehension (MOA) (fear of flying) makes him ineligible for all future rated training programs; even though there were multiple discussions with his leadership that he would be able to apply for reclassification into the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) career field.  

He completed the primary phase academics portion with a 94.2 percent average and all primary phase simulator missions with above average and excellent ratings before moving to the flight line where flights in the T-6 aircraft began.  After five flights, he expressed concern to his flight commander about his apprehension towards being in an ejection seat aircraft.  He was referred to a flight doctor and an aviation psychiatrist who recommended he not continue in flight training.  

During the elimination process, his ultimate goal was to be retained on active duty.  As a result, he elected not to limit his choice to only one career field (RPA) and chose to be considered for any job available.  He should not be restricted from applying to the RPA career field because he did not choose to apply for RPA at the time of his elimination.  He has demonstrated he is able to complete all of the required tasks that do not require actual flight in an ejection seat aircraft.  He has obtained the necessary medical physical required to apply to RPA.  He also has his private pilot’s license which shows that his fear of flying was directly related to requirements of an ejection seat aircraft and not towards general aviation.  

He thoroughly enjoys serving as a finance officer but would like to be able to return to an aviation career field and requests his records be amended to allow him into the RPA program. 
The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is in the Regular Air Force currently serving in the grade of first lieutenant (O-2).

Per the AETC Form 143, Record of Commander’s Review Action (ABM/SO), dated 28 January 2014, the applicant was briefed on his ineligibility for future flight training in accordance with AFI 36-2205, Applying for Flying Training, Air Battle Manager and Astronaut Programs; and AETCI 36-2205, Formal Aircrew Training Administration and Management Combat Systems Officer (CSB), Volumes 5 and 9.

According to Aeronautical Order Number 0485 dated 4 February 2014, the applicant was dis-enrolled from UCSO training course and his aviation service was terminated effective 17 January 2014 due to lack of adaptability.  

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

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AETC/A3F-TPM recommends denial.  The applicant’s eligibility status for further aircrew training should not be changed and he should not be allowed to re-compete for, or enter Undergraduate RPA training.  The applicant was eliminated from UCSO training for MOA.  He asserts his diagnosis of MOA should not apply to RPA as he claims his MOA is a fear of flying ejection seat aircraft only. However, there is no distinction between different types of aircraft (ejection versus non-ejection seat) in Air Force or AETC policy.  Additionally, no documentation has been provided to indicate his contention there were discussions with his leadership regarding reclassification and eligibility for RPA training.  

The applicant entered UCSO training in June 2013.  During training, he failed three academic tests and was placed in the Commander’s Awareness Program (CAP) but passed on subsequent retests.  His flight commander made a record of counseling on 24 October 2013 to document the applicant’s expressed anxiety during each of the actual aircraft training sorties to date.  The applicant was referred to flight medicine for evaluation and on 22 January 2014, his commander noted the flight surgeon and the Navy aviation psychologist recommended he not continue in the UCSO program due to MOA and that he meet a Commander’s Review (CR) process.  The CR as documented on the AETC Form 143, approved the applicant’s elimination from training and directed he not be eligible for any further flight training due to MOA, which includes RPA training.    The MOA policy reference in AETCI 36-2205 gives clear direction to wing commanders when making recommendations for candidates eliminated for MOA and states, “The Approving Authority (WG/CC:  Will not recommend students eliminated for MOA, drop-on request (DOR) or academics for any other flying training.”

A complete copy of the AETC/A3F-TPM evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

USAF/A3XM recommends denial.  The appropriate authorities found the applicant unfit for flying duties as a CSO and for future flying training duties.  A memorandum from the 479th Operations Support Squadron Commander (479 OSS/CC) to AFPC/DPSIP states the applicant is not eligible to apply for future flying training programs and that he has been counseled.  In accordance with AFI 11-402, Aviation and Parachutist Service, Aeronautical Ratings and Badges, a fear of flying categorization is not limited to an expression of a general fear of flying and includes attempts to categorize fear of flying by theater of operations, aircraft mission or type of aircraft.  A member who professes a fear of flying will be counseled by their commander in accordance with AFI 36-3206, Administrative Discharge Actions for Commissioned Officers.    

A complete copy of the USAFA3XM evaluation is at Exhibit D.  

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 5 July 2016 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.  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 offices of primary responsibility (OPRs) and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  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-2015-03719 in Executive Session on 1 November 2016 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	 , Panel Chair
	 , Member
	 , Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 21 August 2015, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AETC/A3F-TPM, dated 29 February 2016,
			  w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, USAF/A3XM, dated 21 June 2016.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 5 July 2016.

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.