RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-01561 

  						COUNSEL:  NONE

HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA). 

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He earned it when he was assigned to the 726th Tactical Control Squadron (726TCS) from 1986 to 1990 for an Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), but it is not on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. 

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 21 May 86.

On 18 Jan 90, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 3 years, 7 months, and 28 days of active service. 

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility, which is attached at Exhibit C.  

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3SP recommends denial of the applicant’s request, indicating there is evidence of an error or injustice.  The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) was established and awarded in the name of the Secretary of the Air Force on 6 Jan 54.  It is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units.  The services include; performance of exceptionally meritorious service, accomplishment of a specific outstanding achievement of national or international significance, combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, or military operations involving conflict with or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force.

A thorough review of the applicant's official military personnel record failed to verify award of the AFOUA.  The AFOUA was awarded to the 726TCS for the periods 16 Jun 75 through 31 May 77, 1 May 81 through 30 Apr 83, and 1 May 83 through 30 Apr 85.  However, the applicant entered the Air Force on 21 May 86, and his AF Form 909, Airman's Performance Report, reveals he was assigned to the 726TCS during the period 21 May 86 through 20 May 89.  Recommend denial of the applicant’s request.  

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

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation were forwarded to the applicant on 2 Feb 17 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D).  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE BOARD:

Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  After a careful review of the applicant's contentions, documentation submitted in support of the request, and the available evidence of record, we are not convinced the applicant has provided sufficient evidence for us to conclude he is the victim of an error or injustice.  We also note the applicant did not file the application within three years after the alleged error or injustice was discovered, or should have been discovered, as required by Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552 and Air Force Instruction 36-2603.  While the applicant claims a date of discovery of less than three years prior to receipt of the application, we believe a reasonable date of discovery was more than three years prior to receipt of the application.  Therefore, because we do not find it would be in the interest of justice to recommend granting relief, and the applicant has offered no plausible reason for the delay in filing the application, we cannot conclude it would be in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file the application.  Accordingly, we find the application untimely.

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The application was not timely filed and it would not be in the interest of justice to waive the untimeliness.  It is the decision of the Board, therefore, to reject the application as untimely.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-01561 in Executive Session on 25 Jul 17 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 11 Apr 16, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 28 Jul 16.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 2 Feb 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 the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.