RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-04853
						
COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be promoted to the grade of senior airman (E-4), and receive back pay in his severance check from the date he should have been promoted to E-4.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was unable to promote to E-4 because he did not obtain a 3-skill level.  Since he previously held a 3-skill level in Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 1A431 (Airborne Operations Specialist), that should qualify to fulfill the skill level requirement in his new AFSC 4Y0X2 (Dental Laboratory Apprentice).  

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 6 Nov 12.

On 7 Jun 13, the applicant began formal flying training as a student in the Initial Air Battle Management Systems Specialist Course at Tinker AFB, OK.

On 20 Feb 14, the applicant was disqualified from flying due to a shoulder injury and ear pain, and was coded as 9A000 disqualified. 

The applicant was subsequently reclassified into 4Y0X2 (Dental Laboratory Technician) program.  

On 23 Sep 15, findings and recommended disposition of the Air Force Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) revealed the applicant was unfit for duty and recommended discharge with severance pay with a disability rating of 10% IAW the Veterans Administration Schedule for Rating Disabilities guidelines.

On 27 Nov 15, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 3 years, and 22 days of active service.   

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

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3ST recommends referral to AFPC/DP3SP (Enlisted Promotions) to address eligibility policy and requirements for promotion to E-4.  They did provide their analysis of the applicant’s contentions pertaining to Military Classification and award of AFSCs.  The applicant held AFSC 1A431 until 20 Feb 14 when he was disqualified from flying and was coded as 9A000 disqualified (Attachment 1).  Later, while attending technical training for AFSC 4Y0X2, medical issues arose requiring a medical review for fitness to remain on active duty through the Disability Evaluation System (DES).  His technical training school commander at the time, stated in a document regarding the DES action (Attachment 2), “the applicant did not successfully complete the Dental Laboratory Apprentice course due to academic deficiency and technical proficiency.” Per the AFSC specialty description in the AF Enlisted Classification Directory “[for award of AFSC] 4Y032 completion of a basic dental laboratory course” is mandatory (Attachments 3 & 4).  As such, he was ineligible for award of AFSC 4Y032 and separated from active duty 27 Nov 15 with PAFSC 4Y012 (Attachment 5).  

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

AFSC/DP3SP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice.  In accordance with AFI 36-2502, Enlisted Airman Promotion/Demotion Programs, airmen (fully qualified) are promoted to Senior Airman (SrA) when recommended by the promotion authority in writing, have completed 36 months’ time-in-service (TIS) and 20 months’ time-in-grade (TIG) or, 28 months’ TIG (whichever occurs first), and have attained a 3-skill level.  Based on the applicant’s date of rank (DOR) to Airman First Class (A1C) of 4 Jan 14, he would have been TIG eligible for promotion to SrA on 4 May 15; however, he did not hold the required 3-skill level. The applicant did not successfully complete the specific technical training required for award of AFSC 4Y032 (3-skill level).  

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3SP evaluation with attachments is at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 14 Jun 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.  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 AFSC/DP3SP and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of 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-2015-04853 in Executive Session on 22 Sep 16 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-04853 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 2 Nov 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3ST, dated 29 Feb 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 4 May 16.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 14 Jun 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.