RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-01419 

						COUNSEL:  

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

She be awarded an additional 2 years of constructive service credit (CSC) for her master’s degree that she earned prior to completing her medical degree under the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Her previous education transcript was never reviewed and considered for CSC prior to this request.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is currently serving in the Regular Air Force in the grade of Captain, O-3.

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/DP2N recommends approval indicating there is evidence of an error or injustice.  DoDI 6000.13, Medical Manpower and Personnel, paragraph 1c(3)(b), states credit for master’s degrees in a health profession may be awarded based on actual full-time equivalent education of up to 2 years for a master’s degree.  In May 09, the applicant received her master’s degree and in Jun 13, she accessed onto Extended Active Duty (EAD).  In Jun 13, it was not known the applicant received a master’s degree; therefore her transcript was not reviewed and credit was not awarded.  In Mar 16, the applicant submitted her master’s degree transcript and the functional manager reviewed/approved additional credit for her advanced degree.  Competent authority approved awarding the applicant two years of constructive service credit for her master’s degree, therefore it is recommended the Board award applicant two years credit for her advanced degree in accordance with DoDI 6000.13, paragraph 1c(3)(b).

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP2N evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DP2LT recommends granting the applicant’s request, indicating there is evidence of an error or injustice.  They recommend approval to adjust the applicant’s DOR to include the additional two years of CSC providing the board approves her request and grants credit for her master’s degree.  The applicant commissioned as a Captain in the Medical Corps after completing her HPSP medical requirements on 18 May 13.  The applicant later entered extended active duty (EAD) on 9 Jun 13.  On 15 Sep 13, the Service Dates Verification Branch established her date of rank for Captain as 19 May 13 based on the CSC provided by Medical Officer Accessions branch.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP2LT evaluation is at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 13 Jan 17 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.  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 opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has been the victim of an error.  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:

a.  Competent authority granted the applicant 2 years constructive service credit (CSC) for her masters degree when she was accessed onto Extended Active Duty (EAD) in June 2013.  

b.  On 9 June 2013, she was voluntarily ordered to extended active duty in the grade of captain in the Medical Corps, with a date of rank of 19 May 2011, based on her entitlement to an additional 2 years of constructive service credit for her masters degree.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-01419 in Executive Session on 25 Apr 17 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records:

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 25 Mar 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP2N, dated 11 Jul 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP2LT, dated 13 Sep 16, w/atch.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 13 Jan 17

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.