RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-02157 COUNSEL:
HEARING DESIRED:	NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His Separation Program Designator (SPD) code be changed in order to receive separation and Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) benefits.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
On 17 Jan 14, he applied to separate from the Air Force under the Enlisted Voluntary Separation Pay (VSP) Program in lieu of meeting the Fiscal Year 14 (FY14) Enlisted Quality Force Retention Board (QFRB). However, according to AFPC he was separated under the Enlisted QFRB.

In accordance with (IAW) Personnel Services Delivery Memorandum (PSDM) 13-125, Enlisted QFRB, “an airman who is separated under PSDM 13-125 is eligible to receive separation and TAMP benefits. However, he was informed he does not meet the qualifications for either program.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 23 Jan 01. On 8 Nov 13, the applicant received a referral EPR for the period
2 Nov 12 through 5 Nov 13.
Between on or about 13 Nov 13 and on or about 12 Mar 14, the applicant failed to sign in with the Unit Fitness Program Monitor or squadron leadership a minimum of 6 times within the calendar month and to annotate his fitness log with fitness activities.

According to PSDM-13-125, dated 19 Dec 13 (amended 11 Apr 14), any airmen who had a negative quality force indicator identified in the Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) as of 18 Dec 13, would meet the QFRB unless they separated or retired prior to the board.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY ACT OF 1974

In addition, airmen scheduled to meet the QFRB may request separation in lieu of meeting the QFRB.

According to a Discussion Thread provided by the applicant, on
17 Jan 14, he submitted a request for voluntary separation in lieu of meeting the FY14 Enlisted QFRB via the Case Management System (CMS).

According to a Statement of Understanding (SOU) for Airmen Applying for Voluntary Retirement/Separation in Lieu of the QFRB, dated
23 Feb 14, the applicant signed the SOU wherein he acknowledged that his request was submitted under the guidance of the FY14 QFRB and if approved, he would not meet the QFRB. In addition, he acknowledged that if he applied for voluntary separation in lieu of meeting the QFRB, and has six or more years of Total Active Federal Military Service (TAFMS) as of his approved Date of Separation (DOS), he would not receive separation pay.

According to a MilPDS screen shot provided by the applicant, on
4 Apr 14, he applied and was approved for separation under the QFRB, effective 29 Sep 14.

On 29 Sep 14, the applicant was honorably discharged, in the grade of technical sergeant, with a narrative reason for separation of “Miscellaneous/General Reasons,” and a separation code of “KND.” He was credited with 13 years, 8 months and 7 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 (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
AFPC/DP2STM recommends denial indicating the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge instruction and the PSDMs and was within the discretion of the discharge authority. The applicant’s SPD code and narrative reason for separation are correct as reflected on his DD Form 214.

The applicant contends he applied for separation under the Enlisted VSP program. IAW PSDM 14-07, Enlisted VSP, Attachment 1, (updated
11 Apr 14), he was not eligible to apply for VSP, as it excludes anyone meeting the QFRB. If the applicant had met the QFRB and not been selected for retention, he may have been eligible for TAMP benefits. However, he chose to voluntarily apply for separation under miscellaneous reasons in lieu of meeting the QFRB, and as a result, was not eligible for TAMP benefits.

Service members who applied for voluntary separation in lieu of meeting the QFRB who had six or more years of TAFMS at the time of their approved DOS were not entitled to receive separation pay.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP2STM 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 26 Jan 17, 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. 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 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-2016-02157 in Executive Session on 10 Aug 17, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

Panel Chair Member
Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-02157 was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 7 Apr 16, w/atchs. Exhibit B.	Pertinent Excerpts from Master Personnel
Records.
Exhibit C.	Memorandum, AFPC/DP2STM, dated 1 Aug 16, w/atch.
Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 26 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.